A precise curling strike from Steffen Wohlfarth has put Ross County ahead against Hearts after 45 minutes at Tynecastle.
County looked dangerous on the counter throughout as the pace of Ivan Sproule kept Hearts deep in defence.
The deadlock was broken by Wohlfarth on 21 minutes when the German striker cut inside and unleashed a shot into the top corner from a tight angle.
Hearts needed a pair of smart saves from Michael Fraser to stay in touch, with Sproule guilty of wasteful finishing with two strikes from close range.
Kevin McHattie went close for the home side late on with a surging run and shot from distance, but his side trail at the break after a difficult first half.
