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Hearts took another step towards the Scottish Championship title by beating Raith Rovers.

Kevin McHattie converted James Keatings' cross from close range to give Hearts the lead.

However, Raith were level by half-time. Craig Barr met Ryan Conroy's corner and headed high into the net.

The hosts' Christian Nade was sent off for catching McHattie late before Jamie Walker curled in Hearts' second and Billy King added a third.

The Tynecastle side re-establish a 20-point lead over second-place Hibernian with eight games to play.

And, should Hearts beat Falkirk on Saturday, Robbie Neilson's side could be confirmed as champions if Hibernian lose to Rangers on Sunday.

McHattie was making his first appearance since November and marked it with the opening goal, tapping in Keatings' deflected cross.

There were few signs that Raith were going to trouble Hearts until Conroy's delivery was converted by the leaping Barr.

Nade was shown a straight red card for his challenge on McHattie, who received treatment before carrying on.

And Hearts gradually took control again with Keatings' replacement Walker cutting in from the left and beating David McGurn with a low shot.

The visitors kept pressing and Walker set up King to strike the clinching goal late on, leaving Hearts within five points of title victory and automatic promotion to the Scottish Premiership.