Hearts lost in the Conference League for the first time this season as Heidenheim came to Tynecastle and claimed a 2-0 win.
The Jambos would have been good value for at least a point and potentially more after creating by far the better and more numerous chances in the first half.
Neil Critchley’s side could have hit the front within minutes as they pressed high and Blair Spittal won the ball and nudged it to Lawrence Shankland, who looked every inch a player lacking in confidence as he aimed a first time effort too close to Kevin Muller.
There were further chances for Shankland and Frankie Kent as they managed 10 shots to the visitors’ three in the first half, despite the Germans’ 60 per cent possession.
But you always feared a sucker punch and it came early in the second half as Hearts looked a bit vulnerable defensively and Mathias Honsak fizzed in a cross for Sirlord Conteh to nod past Craig Gordon.
The away side had been allowed to come more into the game by this point but the Jambos did push for an equaliser towards the end.
They were killed off by another header in the 89th minute though as sub Jan Schöppner rose to bullet one into the top corner.
Hearts player ratings vs Heidenheim
Craig Gordon 6 – Not a lot to do in the first half but bailed out by Boateng at one point. Helpless at the goal.
Adam Forrester 8 – The youngster gave a coming of age performance against Omonia and backed it up tonight against Bundesliga opposition. The future looks bright for this young man. A number of brilliant challenges and good on the ball too.
Frankie Kent 7 – Probably should have done better with header at the back post from a set-piece but carried out his defensive duties with the usual aplomb.
Stephen Kingsley 7 – Slotted in for Kye Rowles and went about his business quietly.
James Penrice 8 – Bombed forward up the left flank all night but stuck to his defensive responsibilities too. Gave Shankland a late chance with a wonderful delivery.
Malachi Boateng 8 – Another brilliant defensive display in the middle of the park. Seems to win absolute everything and was the home side’s best player on the night.
Beni Baningime 7 – Impressive again but forced off early in the second half with a knock.
Yan Dhanda 6 – A quiet night for the technically gifted midfielder.
Alan Forrest 7 – One of the brighter attacking sparks along with Spittal but lacked composure in certain moments.
Blair Spittal 7 – Been in great form and was always a threat tonight without quite having that end product.
Lawrence Shankland 7 – Similarly to recent performances, the captain led the line well with physicality and nice touches. But still lacking in confidence in front of goal.
Cammy Devlin 5 – Plenty of effort after replacing Baningime and got stuck right in.
Kenneth Vargas 3 – Not really involved after coming on.
Jorge Grant 4 – Found pockets of space to try and making things happen.
Daniel Oyegoke 4 – Straight swap for Forrester.