Goals from Claudio Braga and Stephen Kingsley gave Hearts a precious victory over Falkirk in atrocious conditions as the Scottish Premiership leaders stretched six points clear of Celtic.

After last week's win at Celtic Park and with the defending champions playing in the Premier Sports Cup final on Sunday, Hearts had the opportunity to re-build their advantage and got the perfect start.

Braga reacted sharply to Lawrence Shankland's fierce shot being parried by goalkeeper Scott Bain to head Hearts in front after just 66 seconds.

After that the game became an engrossing battle amid howling wind and sheets of rain, but was eventually settled when substitute Kinglsey lashed in a beautiful shot from the edge of the box on 77 minutes.

Falkirk, who were aiming to nudge back into the top six, played positively but lacked a cutting edge.

Their best chance to level came when Kyrell Wilson was played in and the forward rounded goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow, but his goal-bound shot was blocked by the arm of Harry Milne.

It left Falkirk screaming for a penalty, but the referee was clear Milne's arm was tucked in to his body and in a natural position.

Despite staying in the fight well into the second half, John McGlynn's side never seriously threatened and managed just one effort at goal after the break.

Hearts stayed in control and got the moment of quality from Kinglsey which took them to an 11th win from 17 league games.

Derek McInnes' side have a six point advantage over Celtic, which puts the pressure on Wilfried Nancy's team to make the most of their two games in hand.

Are Hearts title contenders? The perennial question in Scottish football this season.

After the 3-1 win over Celtic at Tynecastle October, they went on to win only one of their next six games and give the impression they might not be quite ready for the challenge.

The task this time after last week's win in Glasgow is to harness the momentum of another win over the defending champions.

In that sense coming away to a Falkirk side who have been beaten once at home all season in horrible conditions was another good test of their credentials.

We did not have to wait long to get a response as they played the weather perfectly in the opening minute. A free-kick was flicked on by Craig Halkett, and quick play allowed Shankland to let rip.

Braga, as always seems to be the case, was rapid to react and head in, almost taking Bain with him into the net such was his enthusiasm to net his eighth league goal.

After being put under pressure by Falkirk in spells in the first half, Hearts then showed the nous of an experienced team to turn the tide in the second half.

They consistently forced the home side to turn and defend and, when a bit-part defender comes on and scores from 25 yards, you know it could be a good season.

Kingsley's quality of his left foot is well known, but when he replaced the relentless Harry Milne the thought would have been about shoring things up.

He had other ides as he almost took the net off with a searing shot. It rounded off a professional Hearts display.

It also knocked the stuffing from Falkirk, who competed well again but have now gone four games without a goal.

They have at least managed a draw from two of those games and they were all against teams above them, but they look like they need more up front if they are to maintain their impressive league position.

Hearts manager Derek McInnes: "We had to play to the conditions. We had two quality moments for the goals.

"We get off to the perfect start. Good combination play, great strike from Lawrence and Braga following in.

"Then I thought we were guilty of overplaying. We just needed to turn the ball over and keep it simple, play the percentages in the conditions.

"I thought we were very professional. We did what needed to be done, especially second half. We're just thankful for that second goal. It's a magnificent strike from Stephen.

"A lot of teams would have struggled today. It wasn't pretty. But it's December, it's Scottish football. You've just got to get in get the points, and get out."

Falkirk manager John McGlynn: "The key moments are the goals. The game's hardly started and we're a goal down.

"We did really well to stay in the game and worked hard. The moment for us is when Kyrell [Wilson] goes round the goalkeeper. If he scores that, it's level and we get a massive lift from that and it puts pressure on Hearts.

"We probably didn't do enough in the second half. We got into some good positions in the wide areas but our crossing wasn't great. So, quality in the final third is what I'm frustrated at."

Falkirk go to Kilmarnock next Saturday (15:00 GMT) in the Scottish Premiership, while Hearts host Rangers the following day (13:30).