Hibernian fume after being denied 'stonewall' penalty

Hibernian moved back into the top four of the Scottish Premier League after a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Kilmarnock today.

Paul Heffernan gave the home side the lead inside 10 minutes at Rugby Park when he produced a fine effort from inside the box that lobbed Ben Williams in goal after the Hibs defence had failed to clear a free-kick.

The visitors were soon on level terms, however, after Eoin Doyle finished powerfully from close range following good work by Leigh Griffiths down the right.

Paul Cairney thought he had won a penalty for the visitors in the closing stages as he went down under the challenge of Michael Nelson but the referee booked him for simulation.

Cairney will now be banned for one game after exceeding the threshold for the number of yellow cards and he expressed his anger at the decision.

"I know it was a stonewaller," he said. "I have seen the replay and it was a stonewaller. The boy caught me. I am an honest player."

Hibs manager Pat Fenlon added: "I haven't seen it so it is difficult to comment. I am more disappointed with the yellow card because we will lose Paul through suspension."

Heart of Midlothian moved up to sixth after running out 2-1 winners over Dundee United thanks to two first-half goals from Ryan Stevenson. The first came as Brian McLean tried to usher the ball back to his goalkeeper but John Sutton snuck in and Stevenson lashed home.

He made no mistake from the spot for his second after Willo Flood was adjudged to have brought down Dylan McGowan in the box.

Keith Watson pulled one back for Peter Houston's side just before the hour mark to set up an exciting finish but, as United pushed for an equaliser, the excellent Hearts defence stood strong to secure all three points.

On Saturday, Inverness had heaped further misery on Dundee with a 4-1 win over the bottom club thanks to two goals from Billy McKay.

Neil Lennon's Celtic side kept their five-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League after a 4-0 win over Ross County, with Gary Hooper scoring twice.

A second-half brace from Niall McGinn helped Aberdeen to an important 2-0 victory at home to St Johnstone.