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Callum Paterson celebrates his powerful strike at Tynecastle

Hearts were strong enough to hold off Ross County despite playing most of the second half with 10 men.

Callum Paterson smashed in a wonderful angled shot to send the Tynecastle crowd wild on 15 minutes.

Captain Blazej Augustyn was dismissed for pulling back Liam Boyce soon after the break, prompting a period of dominance for the visitors.

But Osman Sow added a second goal before County substitute Craig Curran somehow hit the post from close range.

Hearts cement third place in the Premiership and close to within two points of second-placed Aberdeen.

County, who have never won at Hearts, were first to threaten as Neil Alexander tentatively tipped away a curling shot from Michael Gardyne.

The contest was then in danger of descending into a stodgy midfield battle as both sides fought fiercely for possession.

However, the deadlock was broken in some style.

Sam Nicholson's blocked effort at the edge of the box fell to the feet of Paterson who let fly from 18 yards and the ferocity of the full-back's shot gave Gary Woods in the County goal no chance.

It was a fourth goal of of the season for the 21-year-old, who is quickly becoming the first name on Robbie Neilson's team sheet.

The visitors were in no mood to let their heads go down but the Hearts back line, who have now conceded just one goal in four outings, stood firm.

At the other end, Hearts' young wingers continued to impress and Jamie Walker brought out a fine save from Woods with a fierce volley.

Osman Sow celebrates making it 2-0 to Hearts

Just two minutes after the break, though, the home side were reduced to 10 men and stripped of their skipper.

As Boyce raced through on goal he was hauled back by Augustyn, with referee Alan Muir deeming it to be an act of denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

Hearts then looked a little confused - should they sit in or should they go for number two?

Attack was the answer and it paid off when Sow doubled their lead after bundling in a neat Walker cross when it looked like the chance had gone.

If that was not enough to knock the wind out of the Highlanders' sails then the miss of the season may well have done the trick.

Curran found himself unmarked at the back post but could only knock the ball against the frame of the goal from two yards out.