Four-star show lifts Hearts past Pars

Beleaguered Hearts claimed a second win in eight games since their payment troubles began with a comfortable 4-0 defeat of Clydesdale Bank Premier League bottom club Dunfermline.

Stephen Elliott netted from close range after three minutes for Hearts, whose players on Friday submitted an official complaint to the Scottish Premier League after a third successive month when their wages failed to arrive on time.

Mehdi Taouil struck after 27 minutes, David Templeton after 71 minutes and substitute Rudi Skacel headed a stoppage-time fourth as Hearts lifted at least some of the gloom that has descended on Tynecastle in recent weeks.

The win saw Hearts, who have been put up for sale by owner Vladimir Romanov, consolidate fifth place in the table, but next week’s visit of third-placed Motherwell will prove a test of their ability and spirit.

A draw for Dunfermline would have taken them off the foot of the table after Hibernian lost at Aberdeen, but their near 22-year wait for a win at Tynecastle goes on and they will need to show more fight and quality in their battle for survival, which continues at home to St Johnstone next week.