Hearts got the job done in the end against a well organised Ayr United side.
Goals in the second half from Armand Gnanduillet and Jamie Walker gave them a 2-0 win to send them 15 points clear at the top if the Championship.
Here's how the Hearts players rated out of ten.
Craig Gordon: Marked his 200th appearance with a clean sheet but had little to do. 6
Michael Smith: Got forward well and provided a great ball for the second goal. 7
Craig Halkett: Dominant in the air and and used the ball well. 7
Mihai Popescu: Similar to Halkett bar one nervy second half moment. 7
Stephen Kingsley: Didn't get as forward as much as Smith but defended well enough. 6
Andy Irving: Lovely skill to win the free-kick then a brilliant delivery for Gnanduillet's goal. 7
Aaron McEneff: On another day could have had two assists but wasn't overly involved otherwise. 6
Andy Halliday: Not his best game in possession but improved after the break. 6
Gary Mackay-Steven: Outmuscled too easily and lost possession too often. 5
Liam Boyce: Clever movement and use of the ball meant he looked the most likely to make something happen. 7
Armand Ganduillet: Kept at it and deserved his goal after going close earlier. 7
Subs
Jamie Walker: Did more in his half hour than Mackay-Steven and bagged important second goal. 6
Gervane Kastaneer: Got an assist, even if accidental, and almost scored himself. 5
Aidy White: Helped shore things up. 3
