Ross County earned a point from a gruelling encounter at Hearts following a goalless draw in Edinburgh.
A strong defensive performance helped Owen Coyle’s side claim a point in a poor game.
Staggies manager Coyle made one change to his side with Alex Schalk replacing Craig Curran from the side which lost 1-0 to Celtic last weekend. New signing Chris Eagles was named on the bench while goalkeeper Scott Fox was also among the substitutes after missing the last month with a thigh injury.
Hearts manager Craig Levein made three changes to the side which drew 1-1 with Partick Thistle on their return to Tynecastle a week ago with fit-again Jamie Walker, Harry Cochrane and Cole Stockton coming into the starting line-up.
Former County captain Don Cowie dropped to the bench along with Ross Callachan and Kyle Lafferty.
County threatened first with a fine turn from Jim O’Brien taking him away from two Hearts playters and his pass sent Schalk clear but his shot came back off Jon McLaughlin’s left post.
The home side responded strongly by dominating the first half but a combination of some excellent defending and fine goalkeeping from Aaron McCarey, the pick of which was a double save to deny Arnaud Djoum and Esmael Goncalves, kept the Jambos out and County reached the interval goalless despite losing captain Andrew Davies to injury before the break.
The second half was a more keenly contested affair but opportunities were at a premium and Christophe Berra had Hearts’ best chance nine minutes from time but McCarey saved his header.
