Heart of Midlothian 1-1 Kilmarnock

Former Hearts defender Conrad Balatoni secured a share of the points as Gary Locke also returned to Tynecastle in charge of Kilmarnock.

The home side led at the break when Jamie Walker scored from the spot after Balatoni had brought down Osman Sow.

But Balatoni made up for that in the closing minutes with a drive from the edge of the penalty area.

And Hearts had striker Gavin Reilly sent off late on after having a kick out at Steven Smith.

Hearts had the majority of the pressure, with former Tynecastle favourite Jamie MacDonald pulling off a number of outstanding saves in the visitors' goal.

Both defences were coping relatively easily with whatever the opposing attacks could throw at them.

That was until five minutes before the break when Balatoni made a rash challenge on Sow when the striker was just a yard inside the 18-yard box and wide of goal.

Walker stepped up and hammered the ball straight down the middle beyond MacDonald to give Hearts the lead.

The home side then had a spate of chances, with Sam Nicholson going close on three separate occasions only to be denied by the excellent Killie goalkeeper.

Into the second half and a warning for Hearts when Stuart Findlay was allowed a free header from eight yards out that flew just over the crossbar.

Hearts were keen to have Nicholson on the ball at all times and the young winger was causing havoc in the Killie defence whenever he was going forward.

Locke introduced Kris Boyd and Rory McKenzie in an attempt to get back into the game as the visitors pushed hard for the equaliser.

The Rugby Park side always looked dangerous and equalised with 10 minutes left.

Hearts' defence failed to clear the ball from their box and Balatoni made up for his earlier mistake when he drilled the ball home from 12 yards out.

Into the first of five added on minutes, the home side were reduced to 10 men.

Reilly was pulled down by Smith, who was booked for the challenge, but the Hearts striker had kicked out at the Kilmarnock defender and referee John Beaton showed him the red card.

Hearts are now without a league win since August as Kilmarnock grabbed a point that could be crucial later in the season.