The Ayrshire side, who last week won the Scottish Communities League Cup, boosted their hopes of a top-six finish thanks to a second-half brace from top scorer Paul Heffernan, who took his tally for the season to 11 after goals in the 50th and 62nd minutes, the second a penalty.

Dundee United moved within eight points of Motherwell with a 2-0 win at Hibernian, their fifth SPL victory in a row. Leigh Griffiths hit the post for Hibs in the first half, but Johnny Russell put United in front after 65 minutes and played in Gary Mackay-Steven for the second with 17 minutes left.

Bottom side Dunfermline, playing their first game under new manager Jim Jefferies, are now just three points adrift of Hibs after a 1-1 draw at home to St Mirren. Steven Thompson headed the Buddies in front from a Gary Teale corner (38), but the Pars responded through Joe Cardle at the start of the second half.

St Johnstone moved four points clear of Hearts in fifth by beating the Edinburgh side 2-1 at McDiarmid Park.

Jason Holt put Hearts in front (29), but Murray Davidson levelled six minutes later after tucking in from Francisco Sandaza's pass and Sandaza netted his 13th SPL goal of the season from the penalty spot with 13 minutes to go to extend the Saints' unbeaten run to five games.

Ten-man Inverness recorded their first win in seven league games thanks to a 1-0 triumph at Aberdeen.

Gregory Tade scored the only goal for Caley in the 10th minute, but they had to play the last 32 minutes a man down following the dismissal of Josh Meekings. It was a second straight loss for the Dons.