Hearts have extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Championship to 12 points courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Cowdenbeath this evening.

The visitors made a bright start at Central Park and almost took the lead in the 12th minute when Adam Eckersley teed up Callum Paterson, who drew a low save out of the keeper.

Cowdenbeath responded by creating a shooting chance of their own shortly afterwards, but Lewis Milne could not hit the target from the edge of the box.

Jamie Walker then came close on two occasions, drawing a couple of saves out of Robbie Thomson before Hearts broke the deadlock with 20 minutes left in the half.

Eckersley was the creator down the left flank, squaring the ball across for James Keatings, who fired his effort in from close range.

It was almost two just minutes later, but this time Keatings was denied by the post as his curling free kick from 25 yards struck the woodwork.

Hearts continued to pile the pressure on in search of a second before half time, but they went into the break with just a one-goal lead despite Walker and Paterson both having chances.

Cowdenbeath improved after the restart, with Milne forcing a stop from Neil Alexander before the Hearts keeper made a fine save to deny Sean Higgins.

However, just as it looked as though the hosts were getting back into it, the visitors grabbed a second. Paterson controlled Miguel Pallardo's diagonal with his chest on the edge of the box before unleashing an unstoppable volley past the keeper.

Cowdenbeath refused to give in, however, and forced another good stop from Alexander shortly afterwards, while at the other end Prince Buaben's deflected half-volley flew inches past the post.

Alexander was determined to keep hold of his clean sheet and once again pulled off an impressive save to deny a Craig Sutherland header from point-blank range with 10 minutes remaining.

The visitors did hold on for the clean sheet and all three points, which puts them into a commanding lead over Rangers at Christmas.