Heidenheim boss Frank Schmidt praised Heart of Midlothian as he admitted his side were given a "difficult" first half -  but commended his players for remaining in the game to win 2-0 in the end.

The home side created a number of openings in the first 45 minutes of the Conference League clash but failed to take them.

The Germans would punish them with goals just before the hour and then right at the end.

“It was a difficult first half, so well done to Hearts for that," Schmidt said. “They made it really difficult for us. Hearts played very well. We couldn’t hold onto the ball and we were late to second balls.

“They really put us under pressure. I also think after a couple of less-than-ideal results, our confidence was not so high.

"We managed to get more involved in the second half, we were defensively strong and more clinical in attack. It was good play for us to make it 1-0 and after the second goal, the game was pretty much over.”

The result leaves Hearts 12th in the 36-team Conference League table with six points and three games remaining. Heidenheim are one of six teams on nine points.