Alloa Athletic 0 : 1 Hearts - Eckersley keeps Hearts in groove

Adam Eckersley scored a late goal to help Hearts extend their unbeaten run with a 1-0 win over Alloa.

Dale Carrick nearly put the visitors ahead inside 30 seconds when he pulled an effort wide from close range and Kevin Cawley missed two great chances for the home side, as he fired over the crossbar after pulling another effort wide.

Osman Sow and Billy King missed chances for the Maroons and Prince Buaben also came close for Hearts as it looked like they would not find an opening.

With five minutes left on the clock, Eckersley was fouled. He stepped up to take the resulting set-piece to find the bottom corner to secure three points for Hearts, their ninth win in 10 matches, retaining their nine-point gap over Rangers.