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Hearts ground out victory over Ayr United at windswept Somerset Park to continue their relentless march towards the Scottish Championship title.

Striker Liam Boyce's second-half spot-kick settled a drab contest and sent Robbie Neilson's side 12 points clear.

Boyce had an early penalty claim turned down after a tangle with Corrie Ndaba.

But the striker was clinical on 48 minutes after Jack Baird was penalised when Andy Halliday's shot bounced off the defender's leg and on to his hand.

Hearts efficiently protected their lead with few problems, and threatened a second in the closing stages when Mihai Popescu had a shot blocked and Gervane Kastaneer volleyed over.

Kastanner's fellow new signing Aaron McEneff also made his debut off the bench as Hearts' third straight win extended the gap on Dunfermline Athletic, who face Arbroath on Saturday.

In a game bereft of clear scoring opportunities, Ayr's best moment came before the interval when Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon sent a misplaced pass straight to Tom Walsh. The midfielder squared for Andre Wright, but his weak finish was diverted behind by Popescu.

Ayr's first home defeat of the Championship season leaves them fifth, three points behind Dundee.

Ayr manager Mark Kerr: "We started really well and had no problems first half at all. I'm really disappointed with the penalty - I've had a quick look and the feedback is it's never a penalty. I don't like the way people behave on the sidelines, trying to influence the referee and then getting a reward with the penalty."

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson: "I'm delighted. It wasn't the best of games. We knew with the conditions it would be very difficult to play any football. But we were comfortable in the second half. The Boyce incident in the first half should have been a penalty, but the one we did get in the second half was a stonewaller."