Hearts moved 19 points clear in the Championship thanks to a 3-2 win over bottom club Livingston at the Energy Assets Arena.
Genero Zeefuik gave Robbie Neilson's men an early lead but Craig Sives equalised seven minutes into the second half. New signing Kenny Anderson and Jamie Walker scored late on for the visitors, who had defender Brad McKay sent off in stoppage time.
Kyle Jacobs reduced the deficit from the penalty spot but Hearts held on.