Hearts strengthen grip on third place

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Hearts consolidated their grip on third place in the Scottish Premier League with a goalless draw against Dunfermline, the only side with a realistic chance of overhauling them.

Greg Shields came closest to breaking the deadlock for Dunfermline with an effort which hit the post but neither side could really claim to have done enough to win the match.

Motherwell moved up to within two points of the top four with a 3-0 win over bottom side Partick Thistle at Fir Park.

Steven Hammell (11), David Clarkson (52) and Derek Adams (80) ensured Well took all three points and left Thistle 14 points adrift of second bottom Aberdeen, who won 1-0 at Hibernian.

Scott Morrison netted the only goal of the game in the 5th minute, firing home after Paul Tosh laid a free-kick into his path.

Kilmarnock bounced back from a run of just one win in 10 with a 4-2 win over Dundee.

Killie had fallen behind on five minutes to a Nacho Novo strike but two goals in as many minutes from Eric Skora and Danny Invincibile ensured the hosts took a 2-1 lead into the interval.

Kris Boyd extended their advantage nine minutes after the break by slotting home a penalty after Invincibile had tumbled in the box. Steven Milne pulled a goal back for Aberdeen but Invincibile was not to be outdone and he netted two minutes later to seal victory.