Allan Johnston knew Hearts would be vulnerable and that his team could take advantage of the pressure they were under on Saturday.
Queen of the South raced into a two goal lead before being pegged back by the Championship leaders, but left with all three points after Andy Irving’s late own goal.
With fans protesting outside Tynecastle before the match, the pressure was on Robbie Neilson ’s men to perform, but it was the Doonhamers who started fast and were rewarded for it in the end.
Johnston said: “We knew they were going to be under a wee bit of pressure. I’ve played football myself for long enough and I know what it’s like off the back of a bad defeat.
“You expect them to come out on the front foot but we got the first goal that sets them back a wee bit. I thought we were different class, especially the first half. We played really well and created chances.
“It was frustrating to lose that goal from a set piece that let them back in the game, but credit to the boys for coming back. We looked a threat up front with the pace and the quality we’ve got.”
The former Hearts winger was as surprised as anyway when he was informed after the match that it was Queens’ first win at Tynecastle since October 1963 - over a decade before Johnston was even born.
And considering his team were battered the last time they played in Gorgie, it represents a massive turnaround in fortunes from even just last year.
He said: “That’s scary, especially when you look at the last time we were here. We got hammered 6-1 and it could probably have been more. So it shows you how far this team’s come. It;s great for them and it’s now up to us to make sure we continue this run and try and get ourselves as high up the league as possible.
Next up is Hibs in the Scottish Cup at Palmerston and Johnson is dreaming of an Edinburgh double.
He added: “It would be amazing. Hibs are top class and are flying at the moment, but it;s an opportunity for our boys. Guys like Connoor Shields who have been playing well all year, to go and showcase themselves and test themselves against top players in the Premier League. We’re all looking forward to it.”`
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