Hearts restored a six-point cushion at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a tense but valuable win over bottom club Livingston at Tynecastle, in a match that told a very different story either side of half-time.
With Rangers having beaten Celtic earlier in the day, Derek McInnes’ side knew victory would open up clear daylight in the title race and they set about the task with authority in the opening 45 minutes.
Hearts dominated possession and chances, racking up 15 shots as Livingston were pushed deeper and deeper.
Goalkeeper Jerome Prior was repeatedly called into action, while desperate blocks from visiting defenders denied Tomas Magnusson and Claudio Braga, the latter seeing a deflected effort strike the post.
Despite the pressure, only one goal arrived before the break.
New signing Jordi Altena, making his debut, delivered an excellent curling cross that Craig Halkett met with a composed header to finally break Livingston’s resistance.
The second half, however, was a different contest. Winless in 18 league games, Livingston showed renewed belief and began to test Hearts’ resolve.
Striker Tete Yengi emerged as a constant threat, forcing Alexander Schwolow into three important saves as the visitors went in search of an unlikely equaliser.
Hearts endured a nervy finale, but they stood firm to secure a crucial three points and respond to their recent derby defeat.
Livingston, meanwhile, remain rooted to the foot of the table, now four points from safety after an eighth one-goal loss of the campaign.
Given Celtic’s struggles, Rangers’ resurgence and a favourable run of fixtures, this had the feel of a game Hearts simply had to win.
For much of the first half, they looked every inch title contenders.
Altena impressed on debut, creating three chances and supplying the decisive cross, while Beni Baningime and Cammy Devlin controlled midfield.
Lawrence Shankland was a constant menace, creating six chances - his highest tally in a league match for over two years.
That dominance should have produced a more comfortable lead, and the failure to do so allowed Livingston back into the contest.
The visitors went more direct after the interval, with Mohamed Sylla growing in influence and Yengi causing real problems up front.
As tension rose inside Tynecastle, McInnes turned to his bench to shore things up, prioritising control over fluency.
It may not have been pretty in the end, but Hearts showed resilience and composure when it mattered.
Most importantly, they emerged with the points - and a six-point advantage at the summit once again.
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes: "In the first half we looked like a team that deserved to be top of the league. I thought our keeper was magnificent because we knew there would be a reaction in the second half.
"We never quite looked settled enough. We had some moments, but we still looked a bit rushed. Sometimes one goal is enough and it was enough today."
Livingston manager David Martindale: "We rode our luck in the first 25 minutes. They worked on overloads down our left hand-side we couldn't get any pressure on the ball.
"Deservedly we went in 1-0 down. Then second half we were good value for money. We got pressure on the ball and controlled parts of the game and created good chances. The boys have got to take a lot of self belief and confidence from that."
