Hearts 4-1 Queen of the South

Hearts remain the only unbeaten team in British league football after a hard-fought win over Queen of the South.

James Keatings scored a stunning opener for the hosts before his team-mate Prince Buaben missed a first-half penalty.

Iain Russell equalised from the spot for the Doonhamers in the second half.

However, goals by Danny Wilson, Buaben and Adam Eckersley secured the win that keeps Robbie Neilson's side nine points clear in the Championship.

With nearest challengers Rangers securing a narrow win over Cowdenbeath, Hearts' margin of victory also increased the gap in goal difference as well.

Neilson's men started on the front foot, with Callum Paterson's right-foot shot inches wide.

But the opening goal came just seconds after Queens themselves came close to taking the lead, with Chris Higgins a touch away from converting Ian McShane's free-kick.

Wilson then sent a 70-yard pass forward for Keatings to volley in a stunning strike from 20 yards out.

Hearts then spurned a glorious chance to double their advantage and Paterson went to ground following a tangle with Andy Dowie.

Referee Craig Charleston pointed to the spot but Buaben struck the outside of Zander Clark's right-hand post and the danger was cleared.

The league leaders continued to push forward and, when Jamie Walker dispossessed Mark Kerr and bore down on goa,l he looked likely to score. But his effort was cleared off the line by Mark Durnan.

Queens boss Jamie Fowler made a change at the break, with Derek Lyle replacing Kerr, and the visitors looked much more of a threat.

Their new approach paid off when Russell converted a spot-kick, awarded for a foul on McShane by Paterson.

However, Hearts responded to ensure another victory.

Wilson headed in from a corner to give Hearts the lead for a second time, then Buaben netted following a neat turn on the edge of the box.

And Eckersley rounded off the victory with a firm strike after Billy King's back-heel.