Football: Hearts stay ahead of the Old Firm aristocrats

Heart of Midlothian continue to defy the Old Firm as well as the merchants of doom who insist their bubble must burst.

The Edinburgh club are riding high at the top of the Premier Division following a comfortable 2-0 win over Hibernian in Saturday's derby. Their supporters have seen before the brief surge followed by inevitable collapse as injury and suspension wear down the challenge, but this time there is a renewed confidence around Tynecastle.

"We're not doing any shouting about our position at the moment, but I'll be delighted if we are still top of the league 12 games from now," Jim Jefferies, the Hearts manager, said after watching his side secure their ninth win from 12 games with goals from John Robertson and Jose Quitongo, their recent acquisition from Hamilton.

The future of Roy Aitken appears increasingly insecure. His Aberdeen side, who have won just two games this season, were thrashed 5-0 at Dundee United yesterday. Three goals in as many minutes gave United an unassailable lead by the 20th minute and, after Dean Windass was sent off , Aberdeen were unable to reply and lost two further goals in the second half.