In a match that displayed all the classic symptoms of an end-of-season dead rubber, Hearts dug out a 2-1 victory against Raith Rovers that edged Robbie Neilson's team within one victory of setting a new points record in the second tier.

Sam Nicholson and Soufian El Hassnaoui scored either side of the break before Calum Elliot netted what proved to be a consolation for the Kirkcaldy side.

The struggle to manufacture the last vestige of a competitive edge on the park was replicated from the stands. Even Raith striker Christian Nade, who is held in higher regard since departing Tynecastle due to his penchant for scoring against Hibernian, was warmly applauded by the home supporters when he was sent on to chase an equaliser.

Hearts, who gave 17-year-old midfielder Sean McKirdy a league debut in the second half, have earned the right to take their foot of the pedal after clinching the Championship title but their are still targets to aim for. Victory at Cowdenbeath next weekend will see Hearts surpass city rivals Hibs' points record of 89 - set in 1999 - for the second tier.

"Football is about winning football matches and that's what they did. The expectation levels are so high that we've won 2-1 against Raith Rovers but the players are flat, the fans are a little bit flat. The points record is in our sights," added Neilson, whose side are also eight league goals short of reaching a century.

"We're looking at the goals and the points, we want to get as much motivation as we can and it's important the players stay focused."

Hibs' defeat to Falkirk in the Scottish Cup semi-finals earlier in the day ensured that the home fans were in good spirits, but that enthusiasm was put to the test during a largely lacklustre first period.

Hearts' first telling foray into the Raith box arrived after 26 minutes. Following Craig Barr's robust block as El Hassnaoui attempted to connect with a Kenny Anderson pass, Rovers keeper Kevin Cuthbert kept out a Nicholson shot.

Hearts, however, went ahead in the 34th minute with a strike from Nicholson. The winger latched onto a deft flick from Osman Sow and planted a left-footed shot past Cuthbert from inside the area. The home side doubled their advantaged after 56 minutes. Callum Paterson drove to the goal-line and his cut back was bent into the net by the right boot of El Hassnaoui from 18 yards.

Hearts were in command and Neilson's side threatened to add more. But Rovers ensured there was no clear-cut finish to this match when Elliot, after accepting Barrie McKay's pass, cut inside Alim Ozturk and arrowed a low drive past Scott Gallacher in the 66th minute.

"You're always disappointed to lose a game of football but I try to take positives, and I thought the players gave everything out there today," said Rovers manager Grant Murray.

Heart of Midlothian (4-4-2): Gallacher; Paterson, Ozturk, Wilson, McHattie; Walker, Anderson (McKirdy 57), Gomis, Nicholson (Keatings 69); Sow (Oliver 69), El Hassnaoui.

Raith Rovers (4-4-2): Cuthbert; Thomson, Watson, Barr, McKeown; McKay (Vaughan 86), Callachan, Moon (Fox 62), Conroy; Stewart (Nade 81), Elliot.

Man of the Match: Sam Nicholson.

Referee: Willie Collum.

Attendance: 15,405.