Goals from Jenna Slattery, Joely Andrews and Georgia Hunter gave Hearts a 3-0 win over Partick Thistle that allowed the Scottish Women's Premier League leaders to open up a five-point gap at the top of the table.

The hosts took advantage of playing 24 hours ahead of title rivals Glasgow City and Rangers, overcoming a stubborn Thistle side in what ended up being a comfortable victory.

Hearts took an early lead, finding the net with just seven minutes on the clock. Jess Husband broke down the right-hand side and played in a low ball that Carly Johns backheeled into the path of Jenna Slattery, who had a simple job to tap in from close range.

Despite going ahead, Hearts didn't push on to dominate, with Partick Thistle pressing them back and not allowing the hosts to pass out from the back. The first corner of the game, after quarter of an hour, caused Hearts problems at the back but Thistle couldn't capitalise.

Both sides had efforts from distance, with Slattery looking for a second when she spotted Thistle goalkeeper Jeni Currie off her line but sent her shot over the bar. The visitors had their own speculative effort when Addison Handley tried her luck after a one-two but put her strike straight at Rachael Johnstone.

Hearts could have doubled their lead midway through the half when Carly Girasoli's clever pass sent Kayla Jardine free on the right and she cut inside and beat her marker before stinging Currie's hands with an angled drive.

The hosts brought on prolific forward Georgia Timms at half-time and immediately doubled their lead after she raced into space before drilling in a low ball that Currie could only tip into the path of Joely Andrews, who slid the ball into the back of the net.

Two goals to the good, Hearts looked energised and eager to put the game to bed and they found a third goal just before the hour mark. A corner dropped in for Sade Adamolekun to try an overhead kick and Currie couldn't hold her shot, palming it into the path of Hearts captain Georgia Hunter, who made no mistake with her finish.

Currie prevented Timms from getting on the scoresheet when she tipped a powerful effort on to the post as Hearts continued to push for more goals.

Despite controlling the play, they couldn't add to their haul, but saw out the final minutes to take a valuable three points in the title race.

Hearts now have a break before their return to league action, when they face Celtic at New Douglas Park on Sunday, 10 May. Thistle are at home to title contenders Rangers on the same day.