Al Nasr move into joint fifth with Al Ain but did so in disappointing fashion as they drew 0-0 with relegation strugglers Emirates Club in Dubai.
The visitors move six full points ahead of the drop zone but their hosts missed the chance to make a serious dent on their rivals at the top of the table, and barely had a real chance all game to show for their troubles.
Hearts jumped late on when Ibrahima Toure had a free back post header to clinch it, only for the Ivoiran striker to land his effort well wide and confirm the draw.
Armed with one of the strongest attacks in the Arabian Gulf League, Al Nasr should have made short work of a struggling side like Emirates Club, as well they should have against many other inferior opposition this season.
The quartet of local hero Habib Fardan, Australian Brett Holman, Brazilian Eder Luis, and Toure is one of the most feared in the league an for good reason.
Not only have Al Nasr pulled out some electrifying attacking performances over the course of the season but each player is a season practitioner with pedigree of some degree or another.
For every 6-1 win over Al Wasl and 5-1 slaughtering of Dubai Club there has been a 2-0 home loss to Al Wahda and 1-1 draw with Al Dhafra.
In such a competitive league, Al Nasr can ill-afford to give up points against eminently beatable sides.
Going into the game, Al Nasr sat in sixth place just six points behind Al Jazira in third and an AFC Champions League spot. A win would have put them within touching distance of the competition they have featured in twice in the last three years. Instead they sleep-walked through a bore draw.
The home side enjoyed the most possession and the more attacking intent but they couldn't make it count and rarely brought real chances to the table.
Holman and Toure were lively, but were left to occasionally grabbing a yard outside the area for an easily saved shot or falling inches short of a header.
Credit to Emirates Club for their defensive tenacity and organisation. Under new coach Paulo Comelli, Emirates have become a more sound defensive team, using their back line and midfield as a base with the hope of providing German Herrera, Wanderley Sousa and Rodrigo Silva a launchpad to develop counter attacks.
The visitors walled off the penalty area, rarely needing to resort to trench warfare, holding Al Nasr at bay as wave after wave of attacks came up short through either a lack of attacking quality or frustration from Emirates' solid back line.
While the Blue Wave had the best of the game – particularly in the second half when Emirates just concentrated on not losing rather than causing an upset – but they didn't eve have the best chance.
The home side were stunted by half chances and false dawns. At least Emirates could genuinely claim to have nearly scored.
After 26 minutes, the live wire Luiz Da Silva beat his man down the wing before rattling the crossbar with a right footed effort from a tight angle.
Al Nasr would never come so close. Manager Ivan Jovanovic has told his players in recent weeks that performances matter more than results, that in this first season in charge laying down a culture and template is more important than short term success.
His players took him at his word, often working the ball too much into the area rather than taking the pragmatic route. The home side can't be criticised for their craft or long term thinking but on the night it cost them two valuable points.
