Through a late penalty

denied at the death by a superb penalty save from County keeper Scott Fox.

Hearts dominated most of the first half and were unlucky to find themselves trailing to a Jay McEveley goal.

McEveley was first to react after a Christopher Routis free kick in the 43rd minute fell nicely to the big County defender and he scooped the loose ball high into the net from a prone position.

Most of the action prior to the goal had been at the other end without testing Fox too many times.

In fact, the best save during the first 45 minutes was a fine stop from Hearts’ Jack Hamilton who kept out a stinging shot from Boyce. Two goals mid-way through the second half turned the match Hearts’ way.

Bjorn Johnsen shot into the net from close range to level the scores in the 66th minute and Callum Paterson fired the visitors ahead just a minute later when he turned in a Jamie Walker cross.

That looked to be that until referee Willie Collum pointed to the spot after Faycal Rherras handled in the box. Boyce made no mistake from 12 yards.

The drama did not end there, however. Deep in stoppage time County skipper Andrew Davies felled Walker in the box and another penalty kick was awarded. Walker took the kick himself but Fox made a brilliant save to earn a welldeserved point for his side.

County boss Jim McIntyre felt his side were unlucky not to take all three points.

He said: “There’s a fair bit of disappointment. We were on top for that period of 20 minutes after half-time and needed to capitalise on the chances we created. When you don’t, you know Hearts are a good side and know they’re going to have a period in the game.

“They’re strong, with flair in the wider areas.

“Their deliveries and set plays are excellent – and they’re a real handful.”