Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson has been candid in his desire to create history by usurping Hibernian's points record of 89, achieved in 1999, on the way to their inevitable coronation as champions.

However, Neilson's rampant charges - who have already registered Hearts' biggest ever league win this term by annihilating Cowdenbeath 10-0 - were last night celebrating a different milestone altogether following a hard-fought 3-1 win over 10-man Raith Rovers. Their triumph in Fife, which was secured thanks to goals from Kevin McHattie, Jamie Walker and in-form Billy King, was a 17th consecutive away match in the league without defeat stretching back to last season - equalling a record sequence stretching back to 1958.

And the continuation of their imperious form on the road sees Hearts move to within touching distance of a Championship trophy which may as well have been adorned with maroon ribbons in January, such has been the Jambos' dominance. If the capital club defeat Falkirk on Saturday and city rivals Hibernian play out a draw with Rangers 24 hours later then Hearts will be champions before the weekend is out. That, however, is not an overly appealing prospect to Neilson it seems.

"No-one has done us any favours all season, we have done it ourselves, and I would rather it finished that way," he said honestly. "I won't see the game on Sunday because I'm on my pro licence in Stirling so I'll be doing that. My preference would be to win it at Tynecastle in front of our own fans. That would be best for us because the supporters have backed us all the way this season. So winning it at Tynecastle would be better than hearing about it on the back of a result somewhere else."

The opening goal was a matter of 'when', rather than 'if' after an opening half-hour largely dominated by the hosts. Nevertheless, it was not without controversy. McHattie - astonishingly free just six yards from goal - prodded a deflected James Keatings cross into the net from point-blank range, prompting a surreal moment as the majority of players looked to far-side assistant referee Mark Ainslie for an offside flag. Even referee George Salmond appeared to hesitate.

However, Mr Ainslie's flag stayed down and the goal stood. Yet Raith - battered for most of the first period and having conceded the opener in a galling manner - responded superbly and were level just prior to half-time as Barr rose highest to meet Ryan Conroy's corner kick and bullet a header past Neil Alexander. Rovers were left with a mountain to climb after 64 minutes when Nade, who spent three years on the books of the Jambos, barrelled into goalscorer McHattie as both players attempted to latch onto a loose ball and was dismissed by Mr Salmond.

As has been the case all season, Hearts subsequently found a way to claim all three points. Walker, a second half substitute, collected a pass from Morgaro Gomis around 30 yards from goal and proceeded to surge forward and sweep a wonderful low shot past McGurn. And King added gloss to the score-line with his third goal in two games, slamming a low effort past McGurn after being fed through by Walker.

Rovers boss Grant Murray said: "Even with 11 players on the pitch, games against Hearts are difficult. They are a formidable force and, after sending off, it was always going to be tough."