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Dale Carrick's late goal ensured that relegated Hearts defeated Ross County to increase the Dingwall side's own fears of dropping to the Championship.

That was despite Jamie Hamill being dismissed for a second yellow card.

Hamill hammered in a penalty on 65 minutes but was sent off before play could resume again.

The midfielder provoked a touchline tussle which involved County boss Derek Adams, while Carrick scored on the break in stoppage time.

Hearts took a massive step towards exiting administration on Wednesday when creditors in Lithuania agreed to transfer shares owned by Ukio Bankas and a good week for the Edinburgh club ended with a third win in four games.

As supporters basked in the Gorgie sunshine, Ryan Stevenson curled an early effort just over.

County keeper Mark Brown then had to be alert to rush from his goal and clear the ball as Carrick raced after a Billy King pass.

The visitors were often comfortable in possession but struggled to make an impression in the final third.

From a rare Staggies opening, midfielder Michael Tidser dragged a half-volley wide of Jamie MacDonald's goal from 18 yards.

Filip Kiss went much closer when a Nicholson clearance from a corner cannoned off the Hungarian's head and looped just over the crossbar.

Hearts had a great opportunity go ahead four minutes after the restart but defender Brad McKay got himself in a tangle in his attempt to head a Kevin McHattie free-kick in from close range.

Hamill then picked up his first yellow card for felling Tidser in a central position 25 yards from goal.

County captain Richard Brittain took the free-kick but his effort flew straight into the arms of MacDonald.

Nicholson was again busy for Hearts when he found space inside the box after exchanging passes with King but the winger's effort was blocked by Yann Songo'o.

And a previously tame game burst into life when Hamill scored from the penalty spot and was shown a second yellow card seconds later.

Having converted the spot-kick, the experienced midfielder ran down the touchline and irritated the visitors by refusing to give the ball back. Songo'o led the complaints with Hamill, who then barged visiting manager Adams over in the technical area.

Referee Willie Collum gave Hamill a second booking and also cautioned Songo'o for his part in the melee.

Brittain came close to bringing County level but his shot on the bounce flew just over the bar from 18 yards.

Hearts substitute Scott Robinson then drew a fantastic save from Brown after being found in the box by Carrick.

With Tidser prompting play from midfield, County's best chance fell in the final minutes as they piled on the pressure but Jordan Slew could only head over from close range.

And Hearts wrapped up the win deep into injury time when Robinson fed the unmarked Carrick inside the box and the forward lifted a shot high into the net.