91Èȱ¬

Gary Locke praised the Hearts support for sticking with the team as they sunk 10-man St Mirren 2-1 at Tynecastle.

Steven Thompson scored a first-minute header, but Callum Paterson equalised before Jamie Hamill converted a penalty after Marc McAusland's red card.

"The fans have been nothing short of outstanding, especially tonight," said Locke. "They really got behind us.

"You see if they get the backing of the supporters from the stands the players certainly respond to that."

It was the first time this season the Jambos had posted back-to-back league wins following on from Saturday's 2-1 victory over Ross County, which keeps alive their slim hopes of escaping relegation.

However, it looked likely to be another home defeat for the Edinburgh men when Thompson netted within the opening seconds.

"After the start we had, I was sitting there thinking 'what's happening'," Locke told 91Èȱ¬ Scotland. "The boys responded brilliantly again, got ourselves back in the game right away and I felt we played some terrific stuff at times.

"I think confidence plays a huge part in football and, from the run that we were on, you could definitely see the confidence was knocked a little bit, but certainly over the last three or four games, and in training, I've seen the confidence coming back.

"I think we're playing with a lot of energy and enthusiasm and they're really responding to the backing they're getting from the stands as well.

"They put that much into the game obviously they're going to tire and we did get a wee bit nervous towards the end, but I think that's understandable considering we've not had a great run at home.

"We were really delighted we picked up three points at the weekend. We've overcome a very good side tonight and we can now look to Sunday's League Cup semi-final."

There was some controversy over the winning the penalty award that ultimately sealed the three points, with suggestions that McAusland had brought down Dale Carrick outside the box.

"At the time, from where I was, I thought it was a penalty," added Locke. "Certainly, over the course of this season, we're due a break and maybe we've got a little bit of luck tonight."