Greenock Morton 0-2 Heart of Midlothian: Walker's double sends Tynecastle men top
- Published
Jamie Walker's second-half goal gave Hearts what proved an insurmountable lead
Jamie Walker's double sent dominant Hearts top of the Scottish Championship as Greenock Morton were beaten at home.
Stung by their League Cup exit at Alloa Athletic, Robbie Neilson's side made it five wins from six in the second tier.
Aidan McAdams superbly saved from Craig Wighton before Walker's 37th-minute volley bounced into the turf and over the goalkeeper to open the scoring.
McAdams tipped Olly Lee's shot on to the bar, but was helpless as Walker curled home shortly after the restart.
Hearts continued to push for more goals, with Lee seeing a deflected shot hit the post.
But Walker's double - his first goals in nine matches - proved sufficient as the visitors moved a point above Dunfermline Athletic.
Morton, now winless in three Championship outings, drop a place to seventh.
Morton manager David Hopkin: "With the saves Aidan made, he'll be disappointed with the scruffy goal we lost just before the break.
"I asked the players at half-time to stay in the game, then three minutes later we gave Walker a free run on goal and he scores."
Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson: "Morton always make it hard for you, they sit deep and are difficult to break down. The first goal was very important and I felt quite comfortable in the game.
"It's good to get Jamie back to nearly full fitness. He started the season really well then had a wee niggle and came out the team. There's no doubting he has real quality and he showed that with the goals."