Jim Jefferies admits coming through the season unbeaten to Hearts is an achievement after seeing Kilmarnock claim a 2-0 victory at Tynecastle.Second-half goals from Grant Murray and substitute Paul di Giacomo gave the Rugby Park outfit all three points in the capital.

It was an all-round professional performance from Jefferies' charges after they had to soak up the pressure from Hearts in the first half before exerting their authority following the break.

Kilmarnock have taken eight points off Hearts this term following two victories and two draws and Jefferies is delighted with their showing against his former club.

He said: "It gives us a wee lift at the end of the season, we have not had a lot to shout about because it is a long time since we won a game and it's not very often you go to Hearts four times a year and don't lose to them.

"It was two good goals we scored and I thought it was a good performance.

"Just after the start of the second half, we had one or two opportunities.

"We started passing it better. I thought Hearts were better in possession in the first half but they did not cause us any problems. I think their goalkeeper had more to deal with with Paul Dalglish's crosses."

Hearts now head to Fir Park on Tuesday hoping to end the season on a high with a victory over stricken Gretna.

The match could be interim head coach Stevie Frail's last in charge with club owner Vladimir Romanov expected to appoint a new manager during the summer.

Frail said: "I have never sought assurances from Mr Romanov, I just continue to try and do my best. Hopefully one way or the other I will know soon."

Frail thought the 2-0 defeat was harsh on the hosts.

He added: "On the whole I thought we could have won the game.

"We had half-chances. Laryea Kingston shot over the bar but we didn't do enough when we had it to really hurt them and I don't think they really hurt us either until the end.

"I thought the second goal summed up the whole season. I am not going to openly criticise the players because since I have taken over in January there has been a vast improvement in results.

"It's just disappointing how the season is petering out for us because I put a huge onus on doing well in the bottom six."

More Football News from TEAMtalk