Manager Jim Jefferies revelled in delight after his Hearts side claimed a 1-0 New Year's Day Edinburgh derby win over Hibernian to move within three points of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League summit.
Kevin Kyle headed in an 86th-minute cross from substitute Arvydas Novikovas as Hearts broke down stubborn Hibs resistance to claim a 10th win from 12 games.
"I couldn't care if it was the worst game in the world - it's a sweet, sweet feeling when you win these games and the three points were the important thing," said Jefferies.
"I've got to give Hibs credit, they deserve credit for keeping us out. We kept going at them and we always had them on the back foot. I said to the players at half-time 'just be patient'.
"And when the goal went in I don't think there's anybody in the ground that could have complained Hearts didn't deserve to win the game."
Hearts' task could have been easier after just eight minutes with Hibs captain Ian Murray lucky to escape with only a caution after clattering Ian Black in mid air.
"I've seen people sent off for it and I did say to Colin 'I think he's a lucky boy there'," said Jefferies.
"I don't think he did it with the elbow. He's gone in hard, but I think it was the right decision."
Source: PA
