Hearts returned to the top of the Scottish Premiership, but their title charge suffered another setback as they were held to a frustrating draw by bottom-placed Livingston.
The result trims their lead at the summit to just one point after Rangers’ win over Dundee United, and it could have been even worse for Hearts, who ended the match with 10 men.
Livingston stunned the visitors early, taking the lead in just the fifth minute when Stevie May fired home from the edge of the box, silencing the travelling support.
Hearts responded well and found an equaliser through captain Lawrence Shankland, who powered in a header from Marc Leonard’s pinpoint delivery.
Both sides had chances to edge ahead before the break, but Shankland and Babacar Fati were unable to convert.
After half-time, played amid a sudden snowstorm, Hearts came out with renewed intensity.
Shankland turned provider this time, looping a header back across goal for Claudio Braga, who finished to give the visitors the lead.
However, their advantage lasted only seven minutes.
Sloppy play from Hearts allowed Livingston to break quickly, and Lewis Smith finished from close range after a well-worked move.
Despite improved conditions as the snow gave way to sunshine, neither side could find a winner.
Hearts’ struggles away from home continued, with no victories in their last four matches on the road.
To compound their frustrations, Marc Leonard was sent off in stoppage time for pulling down Robbie Muirhead as he raced through on goal.
Hearts’ inability to win on their travels is becoming a serious concern in the title race.
In their last four away games, they have dropped points against lower-half opposition and squandered a lead at Ibrox.
Their lack of confidence was evident late on, as they hesitated to deliver into the box despite Livingston sitting deep.
Instead, they lost possession, leading to Leonard’s dismissal.
After Braga’s goal, Hearts’ attacking threat faded, with Shankland - making his first start since January - eventually tiring.
His importance to the side was once again underlined, with few others stepping up in his absence.
For Livingston, it was another spirited display in a difficult season.
While their winless run stretches to 30 matches - a record in the Scottish top flight - performances like this highlight their resilience.
They matched Hearts across the pitch, with Lewis Smith providing a constant threat and Mo Sylla anchoring midfield effectively.
Their tactical approach unsettled the visitors, as they crowded central areas and forced Hearts into mistakes.
However, despite earning draws against both Rangers and Hearts, Livingston remain rooted to the bottom - and time is running out to turn performances into victories.
