Having been booked during the first half for applauding ironically one of referee John McKendrick's decisions that had not gone his way, Colin Nish could be in further trouble should a simplistic view be taken of his post-match comments about the way the intimidatory atmosphere at venues like Tynecastle can affect officials.

"It happens all the time. The referees are scared, but that's the way it goes," said the Dumbarton striker.

As to whether he felt that the officiating had made a significant difference to the outcome of this particular encounter Nish was more equivocal. "I don't know. I'm not sure," he said. "I think Hearts played really well and beat us fair and square, I just think referees should be a wee bit stronger in the way they go about things."

In black and white that may look deeply contentious, but perspective is important in these matters and of that Nish was observational, rather than condemnatory.

It has long been understood that it is difficult to the point of impossible for officials to be any less influenced by the atmosphere during matches like those hosted by Hearts than are visiting players, but having 12,500 season-ticket holders making up the vast majority of a 15,500-plus audience can also be a problem for a home team if they do not play with the gusto Hearts did on Saturday.

From the off the Tynecastle side offered their supporters every reason to give them noisy backing, creating a series of early opportunities. However, it ultimately took them almost 26 minutes to make the breakthrough, when Osman Sow, who had previously spurned a couple of decent chances, met a cross from Callum Paterson flush with his forehead.

Dumbarton tried bravely to respond but after Prince Buaben's penalty kick - which was earned by Billy King - squirmed its way over the unfortunate Danny Rogers for Hearts' second goal, there was no real question about which side would triumph.

Jason Holt, who had replaced Sow at half-time, then fired home a third goal from the edge of the box and, while Dumbarton had a couple of chances to narrow the gap further after Nish had set up Garry Fleming for their only goal, there was never any real sense of alarm for that buoyant home support.

They are, after all, becoming used to the sort of end to matches like that witnessed on Saturday and in which their team rounded things off by registering their favourite scoreline. In doing so Hearts completed a set of sorts since they have, after 10 SPFL Championship matches, beaten all nine of their rivals. Dumbarton had been the only team to deny them a win in the first quarter of the season.

Ian Murray, Dumbarton's manager, had quibbles about the fourth and fifth goals scored by Hearts - the first headed in from a corner by Paterson and the second a fierce strike by King - because he felt one his players had been fouled ahead of both goals.

However, Murray had absolutely no complaints about the outcome either in terms of the result or scale of defeat. Indeed the energy Hearts showed throughout can only be testament to the exceptional work they are considered to be doing in training when, in most athletic sports, their endeavours would be considered no more than standard.

"Probably, aye," Holt responded after the match when asked if he thought he and his colleagues were gaining advantage from the intensity of preparation being insisted upon by their coaches. "We've done a lot of double and triple sessions and I think the boys are feeling the benefits. We're probably a lot fitter and if you're fitter then later in the game you'll be able to keep pressing."

He did not mention whether chips are still on the Tynecastle menu, but whatever Hearts' players are eating there is increasing evidence that the lifestyles of those engaging in our national sport are under scrutiny and lessons are beginning to be learned.

Of course, physical fitness is one thing and mental toughness another and, as Hearts prepare for this season's first trip to Easter Road, they now have to cope with the pressure of expectation which comes with being nine points clear at the top of the table.

Averaging more than three goals per league game, Hearts would have made the trip with no shortage of confidence, however, even before registering such a significant looking scoreline on Saturday.