Queen of the South 1 Hearts 2: Only a matter of time

Only an almighty collapse can deprive them now and that looks unlikely. This, acknowledged Neilson, was always going to be one of the most difficult of the remaining obstacles in their path and Hearts sailed over it thanks to a large dollop of luck. Few sides turn Queen of the South over on their artificial surface and, having fallen behind, Hearts had to dig deep to maintain their undefeated league record away from home.

Their winning goal seven minutes time was as fortuitous as finding a £50 note in the street. Adam Eckersley's cross was redirected by Genero Zeefuik but lacked the power and direction to beat goalkeeper Zander Clark. Chris Higgins, the Queens captain, however, could not get out the way and the ball cannoned off him and into the net. Even then there was one late scare for Hearts to survive, Clark pushed forward for a late corner but unable to direct his header from Danny Carmichael's delivery on target. Hearts had secured another precious three points at a difficult venue, as Neilson acknowledged.

"This game was a huge one as to come down here is always difficult," said the one-time Queen of the South defender. "We have two home games coming up and they will be difficult but I knew if we could win here it would be a huge step towards the title. People would have thought we might slip up because Queens are a good side. I think they will make the play-offs and they could cause an upset, especially down here."

Hearts could probably dig out a calendar and try to plan when the open-top bus might be needed but, publically at least, there is little sign of them getting too far ahead of themselves.

"It's just one game at a time," said Billy King, scorer of the Hearts equaliser. "I don't think people realise just how difficult it is to come down here. Hibs and Rangers have lost here so it's a massive win for us. The goal at the end was a bit scrappy so we will take it. The three points is all that matters."

Hearts had won 3-0 earlier in the season but this was a much more dogged affair, the teams trading possession and chances equally in the first half. Queens had threatened through a low Paul Burns shot and then a Michael Paton drilled effort before finally forging in front after 23 minutes. It was a simple finish from Carmichael, the forward unmarked at the back post to tap in Lewis Kidd's cross. Hearts, though, didn't panic at the setback.

"I was never worried about going behind as there was plenty of time to get back into it," added Neilson. "If we continued to do what we are good at in terms of passing the ball I knew we would create chances."

Queens were aggrieved at the build-up to Hearts' equaliser, believing a foul against them was soft. The ball was worked out to Calum Paterson and his cross found its way to King who finished well from 12 yards.

The defeat, combined with Falkirk's win over Livingston, means Queens remain in the last play-off spot only on goal difference but manager James Fowler was not overly despondent. "When you see the way the second goal goes in, with the deflection, the boys were a wee bit hard done to," he said. "But there are bigger games to come for us in the coming weeks."

ends

Queen of the South 1 Hearts 2

Carmichael 23; King 32, Higgins og 83

Queen of the South (3-4-2-1): Clark; Durnan, Dowie, Higgins; Kidd, Burns, Millar (McKenna 77),

Holt; Carmichael, Paton (Pickard 86); Lyle (Russell 81) Subs not used: Atkinson, Hooper, Mitchell, Slattery Booked: Higgins 32, Millar 75

Hearts (4-2-3-1): Alexander; Paterson, Wilson, Ozturk, Eckersley; Gomis, Pallardo; King (McKay 89), Buaben (Anderson 46), Walker; Zeefuik (Sow 86) Subs not used: Hamilton, El Hassanoui, Nicholson, Keatings Booked: Gomis 60, Paterson 62, Ozturk 80

Referee: Euan Anderson Att: 5100

Man of the match: Miguel Pallardo