KILMARNOCK boss Jim Jefferies was able to see the positives despite his side losing 1-0 at his old stomping ground of Tynecastle.

Although his side left with nothing to show for their efforts, Jefferies was still satisfied with the application of his players against Hearts.

With injury hitting his squad - Allan Johnston, Garry Hay, Willie Gibson and Aime Koudou were missing - Jefferies' side lost when Michal Pospisil nodded home a Laryea Kingston free-kick in 78 minutes.

A late corner almost fell for Killie but Christophe Berra cleared, before Hearts full-back Jose Goncalves was sent off for his part in a touchline melee.

Jefferies said: "We are pleased with a lot of positives from the game.

"Hearts play in a certain way - they have strength about them - but you could see it was going to come from a set play. We switched off and they cashed in.

"Other than that, the goalkeepers didn't have much to do. A fairer result would have been 0-0."

Elsewhere, Aberdeen's chances of catching Rangers and stealing second place have all but gone after their 4-2 loss to Dundee United.

Five goals were scored in the first 17 minutes. Jon Daly netted from the penalty spot inside 60 seconds, but the Dons took the lead through Steve Lovell and Darren Mackie's spot kick.

But a Noel Hunt header and goals from Greg Cameron in either half saw United win.

Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood said: "It is never over until it is mathematically impossible, but now it is very difficult because I thought we had to win every match to put Rangers under a bit of pressure."

Falkirk earned a point in Inverness when ex-Newcastle reserve Carl Finnigan lashed the ball home for his second Bairns goal. That came in the 80th minute, but John Rankin hit back six minutes later to level.

At East End Park, Phil McGuire gave Dunfermline hope with his late goal to take all three points from Hibs.