Nadir Ciftci scored a 25-yard screamer to secure three points at Tynecastle for Dundee United.
Brian Graham’s goal and then Ciftci’s brilliant strike put United clear, before Danny Wilson’s response made for a tense finish.
Ciftci felt that his side were worthy of the win, though.
“We kept going forward, it was hard for us, but I think we deserved it,” Ciftci said after his 14th goal of the season.
“We had a lot of good chances but we did well and deserved to win the game.
“We have to give them some credit.”
On his personal form he said: “I went out there and I do it with a smile on my face. I am enjoying my football.”
Manager Jackie McNamara said: “I’m delighted with the three points and I thought we could have got more goals.
“We could have finished the game a lot earlier.
“We had some good opportunities and took the wrong option at times. But this is a hard place to go.”
Opposite number Gary Locke could not fault the effort of his Hearts strugglers.
“They have given us everything but we are lacking a bit of experience,” he said.
“We just have to keep working hard and try and get a couple of victories before the end of the season.”
For full match coverage see Saturday’s Courier.