Third-top Hearts extended the gap between themselves and Dunfermline Athletic to seven points with a comprehensive victory at Tynecastle.

Scott Severin put the Edinburgh side ahead on the stroke of half-time.

And Gary Wales and Kevin McKenna added to their tally after the break.

Dunfermline defender Scott Wilson was sent off before the third goal went in as the Pars' disappointing return from the winter break continued.

In-form Gary Wales put Hearts two ahead

Hearts head coach Craig Levein had made three changes, Phil Stamp, Andy Webster and Gary Wales, replacing Graham Weir, Mark de Vries and Steven Boyack.

Dunfermline gave a debut in midfield to Ged Brannan, their loan signing from Wigan Athletic, while Scott Walker replaced Gus MacPherson.

Hearts had the early pressure and Dunfermline's only threat was a hopeful, 35-yard drive from Barry Nicholson that was held by goalkeeper Tepi Moilanen.

The ball was quickly back up the other end and Jean Louis Valois twice fired over the crossbar and Scott Severin drove just wide of the post.

Kevin McKenna missed a good opportunity when he headed a Valois corner wide from a few yards out.

Hearts defender Alan Maybury bulleted a shot that goalkeeper DerekStillie did well to block.

The home side's pressure finally told a minute before the interval, Maybury's cross finding the diving Severin unmarked at the back post to head home.

Hearts wasted no time in taking control again after the restart.

Phil Stamp's effort from 15 yards was blocked by Stillie and Severin fired just over the crossbar.

Hearts eventually extended their lead after 50 minutes, Wales holding off challenges from Wilson and Andrius Skerla before firing home.

The Pars gave Ged Brannon (left) his debut

Dunfermline were beginning to look more positive and they had a great chance when substitute Noel Hunt squared the ball into the path of Stevie Crawford.

But the Scotland striker's volley was denied by a great save from Moilanen.

The Finish international goalkeeper again produced a stunning block, this time to deny Craig Brewster.

The Pars found themselves down to 10 men after 80 minutes, Wilson's challenge on Wales earning him a second yellow card.

McKenna took advantage of a clearance deflected into his path 12 yards out to ram home Hearts' third goal.

Hearts: Moilanen, Maybury, Pressley, Webster, Mahe (McCann 82), MacFarlane, Severin, Stamp, Valois, Wales, McKenna.
Subs Not Used: Gordon, de Vries, Kirk, Boyack.

Booked: McKenna.

Goals: Severin 45, Wales 49, McKenna 90.

Dunfermline: Stillie, Scott Wilson, Skerla, Walker (Hunt 57), Dair, Brannan, Nicholson (Dempsey 78), Bullen, Hampshire (Kilgannon 57), Crawford, Brewster.
Subs Not Used: Ruitenbeek, MacPherson.

Sent Off: Scott Wilson (80).

Booked: Scott Wilson, Bullen.

Attendance: 11,281

Referee: D McDonald.