Hearts moved into the Scottish Premiership's top six after beating Ross County to dent the visitors' own hopes of finishing in the upper half of the division.

Elton Kabangu scored the opener midway through the first half, with substitute Jorge Grant sealing the victory in the final minute.

After a fairly dull start to the game where neither team were able to make an impact, Hearts eventually made the breakthrough.

Beni Baningime, who was pulling the strings in midfield, won the ball 25 yards from goal and slipped a pass into the path of Kabangu.

The striker was being closed down and, while he failed to connect cleanly with the ball, it was enough to sneak past goalkeeper Jordan Amissah.

The goal gave Hearts a boost and when Lawrence Shankland slid the ball into the path of teenager James Wilson, a second goal looked likely. But the 18-year-old Scotland squad member had his right-footed effort saved.

The visitors were restricted to counter-attacks, with Kieran Phillips allowed an effort on one such occasion, but the ball was deflected wide.

With just over an hour gone, County introduced strikers Jordan White and Ronan Hale in an effort to find the key to open the home defence.

Hearts responded by bringing on Grant and Calum Nieuwenhof.

And the home side doubled their advantage - and sealed the win - when Musa Drammah got the better of Eli Campbell down the right and slid the ball into the path of Grant, who slid home.

At this time of the year, results are more important than performances and this was certainly the case for Hearts.

Six months ago, there is every chance they would have dropped points in a game like this. but Neil Critchley is slowly but surely finding the key to winning matches.

This was only the second time Hearts have kept a clean sheet at home this year and, with key personnel missing at the back, this will have done their confidence the world of good.

They now have a break before heading to Celtic Park in two weeks time and are in the top six - they will want to stay there for the season run-in.

It's a long way from Dingwall to Edinburgh and the 350 fans who made the journey to the capital will head back north disappointed with the result, but probably content with the performance of their team.

County battled for every ball and, if they can maintain their style and application, they can still have an impact in whether they finish in the top or bottom half of the table.

Hearts head coach Neil Critchley: "We were in control for long periods, although Ross County made it difficult for us with basically 11 men behind the ball. It's not easy to break down, and they had a threat on the counter attack.

"It's important to score first and we scored a brilliant team goal, worked through the middle of the pitch. I don't think Craig [Gordon] has had a save to make."

Ross County manager Don Cowie: "We leave slightly frustrated. The work ethic was there, we just didn't manage to create enough opportunities.

"We lacked a little bit of quality at times. I get everything from this group, we're an honest group, but we didn't hit the heights to trouble Hearts."