HEARTS stretched their lead at the top of the Championship to 16 points with closest challengers Rangers with an Old Firm cup semi-final on their mind rather than the title race.

The Jambos victory was etched by two quick fire strikes in the opening 12 minutes by Miguel Pallardo and James Keatings, a superb second half solo effort from midfielder Jamie Walker, and a late strike by Callum Paterson.

Runaway league leaders Hearts bounced back in style from defeat seven days earlier against Falkirk, their first league defeat of the season.

They made a sensational start, taking the lead after just five minutes when former Spanish under-21 internationalist Pallardo lashed a right foot swerving shot high into the net from 30-yards.

Hearts had won both of the previous league encounters between the two protagonists, and without conceding a goal. But the Wasps, who have failed to score in six of their last seven matches, should have levelled two minutes later, when Liam Buchanan put Stephen Simmons clear on the left, but his angled drive came back off the inside of the far post and was scooped off the line by defender Paterson.

Hearts netted their second after 12 minutes when striker Keatings darted in from the left and drilled a low 18-yard shot past goalkeeper Craig McDowall.

Both teams had penalty claims in 29 minutes within seconds of each other. Alloa's Simmons went down under a challenge from Morgaro Gomis, then Hearts raced to the other end and Osman Sow appeared to be tripped by Kyle Benedictus, but referee Stephen Finnie waved away both claims.

Hearts came close in 39 minutes to adding a third when Keatings' 25-yard free-kick crashed back off the crossbar.

Alloa's goal drought finally ended in 61 minutes when Mark Docherty crossed from the right for Greig Spence to head home from close range. But it was to prove a false dawn.

Hearts restored their two goal advantage five minutes later with a brilliant individual effort from Jamie Walker, who burst through from midfield and clipped the ball into the net from 12-yards. Robbie Neilson's side added a fourth in stoppage time when Paterson rose to head home at the near post after a corner from the left by substitute Billy King.

Incredibly Alloa have not won in their last seven matches since their famous 3-2 Challenge Cup semi-final victory over Rangers.

Christian Nade makes a habit of scoring against Hibs and he managed it again at Easter Road to prevent the home side moving into second place.

The former Hearts' striker headed home a corner from Ryan Conroy deep into injury-time to give Raith Rovers an unlikely 1-1 draw.

Hibs had dominated throughout and should have been comfortably ahead by half-time - Jason Cummings hitting a post and David McGurn making a series of decent saves.

On-loan Martin Boyle made the breakthrough a minute into the second half when Scott Allan sent him clear and he slipped the ball past McGurn.

Cummings was then thwarted by McGurn and Boyle's follow-up struck the crossbar.

Hibs were made the pay the price for not taking their many chances when Nade equalised.

Falkirk also had to settle for a point as they were held 3-3 at home by a lively Dumbarton side.

Falkirk began the game strongly but were stunned when Dumbarton opened the scoring when Scott Taggart forced the ball over the line from close range.

Craig Sibbald equalised two minutes later and then Luke Leahy fired home from an acute angle nine minutes from half-time.

Dumbarton hit back with second-half goals from Darren Petrie and Archie Campbell.

Defeat would have been cruel on Falkirk but David Smith equalised with a late strike from the edge of the area.

Queen of the South took full advantage of their rivals dropping points by thumping Cowdenbeath 5-0 at Central Park.

Derek Lyle hit a hat-trick as the Dumfries side produced a strong second-half display to ease to victory.

Lyle scored his first just before the interval when he reacted quickly at a corner.

Gavin Reilly doubled Queens' lead early in the second half

and Lyle added a third.

Midfielder Ian McShane made it 4-0 before Lyle completed his hat-trick late on with a penalty.