Colin Cameron gave Hearts a half-time lead against Aberdeen as they attempted to put their 5-2 midweek CIS Insurance Cup exit to Celtic behind them.

Jambos winger Juanjo wasted no time in heading for goal and tried his luck after just one minute but the shot deflected off David Rowson.

After five minutes Eoin Jess had the chance to test the goalkeeper at the other end of the park but his effort was easily held by Antti Niemi.

Hearts could have taken the lead five minutes later when Gary Locke met Steve Fulton's corner but his shot was blocked by Derek Whyte on the line.

The rebound fell to Juanjo only for the goalkeeper Ryan Esson to scoop the ball up.

Four minutes later Derek Young came close when his long-range effort produced a great save from Niemi to deny Aberdeen the opener.

Scott Severin powered a shot at goal from six yards out on 23 minutes only for the ball to come off Mark Perry.

But a Jamie McAllister blunder just seconds later allowed Cameron to break clear and slide the opener past the Dons' young goalkeeper.

Undeterred, Aberdeen continued to push forward.

Robbie Winter had the chance to bring them back into the game but was denied by Steven Pressley before he could pull the trigger.

A few minutes later Robbie Nielson had the chance to double the home side's advantage but sent the effort over the crossbar.

Niemi came to the rescue of Hearts again after 34 minutes when Chris Clark struck from 25 yards and the goalkeeper just managed to turn the ball past the post.

A 25-yard free-kick provided the home side with a chance to add to their lead but Juanjo's shot came off the wall. Grant Murray followed up but shot well wide just before half-time.