Monday 9 February 2015 12:45, UK
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson believes his team negotiated a tough hurdle in the 3-2 victory over Livingston.
The visitors came through a bruising encounter to stretch their lead in the Championship to 19 points.
One negative for Hearts was a facial injury to Sam Nicholson, who took a boot in the face from Livingston captain Jason Talbot.
Referee Brian Colvin only issued a yellow card and Nicholson had to go off to have stitches in one of the wounds.
Neilson said: "Sam's not in great condition. He'll be fine in a few days but the boy has puncture marks all over his face.
"I didn't think it was a great tackle, you get rough play at this level and sometimes players can go over the line.
“I have told the referee exactly how I feel about it."
Livingston had a total of six players booked in the first half as the relegation-threatened side pushed the Championship leaders all the way.
But Neilson reckons his side have the resolve to overcome the obstacles ahead.
Neilson said: "All the games we play now are going to be really tough. They'll be tight and tense until the end of the season, as we try to get ourselves over the line.
“Teams are desperate for points and will change the way they play because they're running out of time.
"The majority of games will turn into a battle and we need to show character and strength. We didn't play great football, but the three points will prove crucial, I'm sure."
