Scottish Championship leaders Hearts continued their bright start to the season with a 2-1 Scottish League Cup win at Stenhousemuir, although it came at a cost as both Jordan McGhee and James Keatings were forced off in the first half.

The Jambos got off to a flying start when David Smith surged down the right and crossed for the unmarked Gary Oliver to fire past Greg Fleming into the top of the net in the sixth minute.

Hearts then doubled their advantage just after the half-hour mark when Jamie Walker fed Kevin McHattie to fire into the bottom corner, but the Warriors responded soon after when Martin Grehan chested down for Kieran Miller to finish.

Both sides had further chances to score in an entertaining second period, with substitute Osman Sow going closest for Hearts when heading against the crossbar from a corner, but the visitors held on to progress.