Right-back Jason Naismith rescued a point for bottom-club Ross County with a late strike against Hearts.

The visitors had taken the lead in the second half with a Kyle Lafferty free-kick that bounced in front of County goalkeeper Scott Fox before landing in the net.

Davis Keillor-Dunn spurned an opportunity to equalise, lashing over from close range.

Naismith's goal moved County to within two points of second-bottom Hamilton.

The home side came into the game buoyed by their stunning win at Dens Park two weeks ago, and Keillor-Dunn did well to escape the attentions of Hearts defender Michael Smith early on but his attempt to get the ball into the box was poor.

Ross County defender Jason Naismith scored the equaliser against Hearts

Midfielder Joaquim Adao was first to try his luck for Hearts, and County goalkeeper Fox tipped the 30-yard shot around the post for a corner.

The quality of the passing from both teams was poor, with neither side able to establish a foothold in the match or deliver any creativity going forward.

Hearts were dealt a blow midway through the half with Arnaud Djoum having to be carried off with what appeared to be an Achilles injury.

County ended a poor opening half slightly on top, and David N'Gog could have played in his strike partner Alex Schalk but delayed his pass and allowed Hearts centre-back John Souttar to intervene and clear the danger.

Hearts midfielder Djoum was stretchered off with a suspected Achilles injury

The visitors though came out of the traps quickly in the second period and they were denied an opener when Fox tipped a volley from Souttar onto the post.

However the County goal was breached after a spell of persistent pressure. From a free-kick 25 yards out, Lafferty floated the ball over the wall to send Fox scrambling across his line. The County keeper got his fingertips to the ball, but he couldn't stop it from hitting the back of the net.

County manager Owen Coyle introduced Greg Tansey in an attempt to get back into the game and the midfielder, on loan from Aberdeen, almost had a hand in an equaliser when he played Christopher Routis down the left. His cross into the box was met by Keillor-Dunn seven yards out, but the midfielder blasted high over.

Finally, the game opened up with chances being created at both ends. Demetri Mitchell provided a searching cross into the home box that Tansey did well to clear with both Lafferty and Ross Callachan ready to pounce.

Hearts defender John Souttar came up against his brother, Harry, who is on loan at Ross County from Stoke

The home side, though, were slowly edging their way towards the Hearts goal and eventually drew level after a spell of possession.

Schalk played the ball wide to Naismith, who had made great strides down the right. His first-time shot was hit across goal and beyond the outstretched arms of Jon McLaughlin in the Hearts goal.

Naismith almost snatched a second for the Staggies, but the Hearts captain Christophe Berra made a terrific block to deny the home side the lead.

County were pushing for a winner and substitute Ryan Dow saw an effort blocked on the line, but there was to be no way through as both teams ended up with a point apiece.

Ross County manager Owen Coyle was pleased with his side's reaction to falling a goal behind to Hearts

Post-match reaction

Ross County manager Owen Coyle: "The first half wasn't as eventful as the second. I thought for large periods we were in control of that first half. Any half chances that came I though we had them against a very good Hearts side.

"In the second half, I thought Hearts started slightly better than us for the first 10 or 15 minutes. They forced a few corners and we kind of lost our passing game. That said, their goal was wonderful. A free kick and I know what Kyle (Lafferty) can do. I sold him for £4m to Rangers from Burnley and he is capable of that quality. The important thing for us was our reaction.

"Our goal was a fantastic team goal, but even prior to that Keillor-Dunn has a fantastic chance at the back post. There was a lot to be pleased about in the second half and what we have shown in back-to-back performances against Dundee and now Hearts we are a team capable of winning games and we need points.

"I've always felt confident we will get the club to safety and that's what we will look to do and who is to say it won't turn out to be the most important point of the season. We would have loved all three and I thought late on we probably merited them."

Hearts manager Craig Levein: "It opened up a bit in the second half. With us being in front obviously it would have been better for us if it didn't. But all credit to Ross County.

"They committed men forward. It was their full back that scored so yes they were more adventurous in the second half. We probably didn't play as well as we could.

"We fought hard enough and I've got no complaints on that front and we were a little bit naive at their goal. Their player got in between Andy Irving and young Demi (Mitchell). I couldn't stand here and say we deserved to win it and I thought a draw was a fair result."