Partick Thistle 1-1 Heart of Midlothian

A timely header from Ross Callachan earned Hearts a draw as Partick Thistle continued their run of failing to win a Premiership game this season.

The home side were on top in the first half, and took the lead when Blair Spittal's shot slipped through the legs of Hearts goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin.

Hearts were livelier after the break, forcing Thistle onto the back foot.

That pressure eventually told, although Danny Devine was convinced that he headed Callachan's effort off the line.

Referee Don Robertson was certain enough to award the goal, though, and Hearts spent the rest of the game chasing a winner.

There was a late attacking flurry from Partick Thistle, but the visitors stood strong and the draw reflected the balance between the two sides.

The signing of Spittal in the summer after he was allowed to leave Dundee United is proving to be a shrewd piece of business by Partick Thistle. The 21 year old showed terrific energy throughout, with his darting runs from midfield always a threat to the visitors' defence.

When he made the breakthrough, though, he was helped by a horrendous mistake by the Hearts goalkeeper McLaughlin.

Spittal drifted in with ease from the right as the visitors' defence looked on. The Jags midfielder was allowed a clear sight of goal, and hit his shot straight at the goalkeeper. Somehow, the ball slipped through his hands and legs before slowly rolling across the goal-line.

Hearts, who were roared on by 2,100 visiting fans, came close to equalising when Isma Goncalves set up Michael Smith, but Ryan Scully saved low to his right post.

McLaughlin looked suspect with a number of crosses and only a goal-line clearance by John Souttar denied Thistle a second after Adam Barton looped a header over the goalkeeper.

Hearts were more assertive in the second period, and Jamie Walker thundered a shot just inches wide of Scully's left post.

The Tynecastle manager Craig Levein said in midweek that he was still searching for the right system to accommodate the players he has at his disposal and when Milinkovic replaced Smith, the Tynecastle side switched to a back four.

Within minutes, Hearts drew level. Callachan glanced a header towards goal and despite Devine's clearance, the referee decided the ball had crossed the line. On the balance of play in the second period it was the least the Edinburgh side deserved.

Thistle attacks were rare, but McLaughlin had to be alert to deny Storey after good work down the left by Paul McGinn.

Alan Archibald's side let slip a glorious chance for a winner in the 90th minute, when Storey was free at the back post but his left-foot effort from a corner flew high over.

Hearts remain unbeaten under Levein, as they continue their road trips while the Tynecastle main stand undergoes reconstruction.