Last updated on .From the section Scottish Championship

Adam Eckersley scored a late free kick to give unbeaten Championship leaders Hearts victory at Alloa.

Dale Carrick nearly put the visitors ahead inside 30 seconds when he pulled an effort wide from six yards.

Osman Sow, Billy King and Prince Buaben also came close for Hearts, while Kevin Cawley spurned two chances for Alloa.

But, with five minutes remaining, Eckersley was fouled and the left-back fired the resulting set-piece into the bottom corner.

With their ninth win in 10 matches, the Edinburgh side now enjoy a nine-point gap over nearest challengers Rangers.