Manager Jim Jefferies was pleased with Hearts' "professional performance" in today's 2-0 victory over Hamilton Academical at New Douglas Park.

A Stephen Elliott double gave the Tynecastle men all three points, and JJ understood the difficulties his side faced in the game.

"The first half was a strange situation" said the gaffer. 

"I can understand the way Hamilton set their team out, it could've been out of respect for us and the way we've been playing recently, but I think their formation was more for their own situation.

"They're a bit low on confidence and they're trying to battle for every point. We went on to have so much possession, and if they had got a goal then it would've been a really difficult game as it would've given them something to hold onto.

"So it was important that we got the first goal and I felt that it was going to come from getting wide and putting the ball into the area behind them, and that's how we got the goal."

JJ conceded that another goal after the break could change the game completely.

"He continued: "We said at half time that if we get a second goal then Hamilton were going to have to open up, and that's what happened, as we scored and they changed their formation to stop us from having more of the ball.

"Without causing us too much bother, I think we were a bit sloppy in the final 20 minutes."

The gaffer is now starting to look towards third spot in the League and the advantages that come with securing it early.

Jim said: "It's a fantastic run these boys have been on, and we've now got a big gap of 15 points between us and fourth.

"So if we win the next four or so games then it going to be extremely difficult for any team to catch us up.

"If we can confirm third place then we can take a look at where exactly we are and perhaps go out and enjoy the rest of the games as there would be no pressure on us. Securing third early would be fantastic."