Hearts of Oak's push to cut Asante Kotoko's lead suffered a major blow following a 3-1 loss to Liberty Professionals on Sunday.

The loss leaves the Phobians nine points behind the leaders, Kotoko with seven matches to end the season.

Mohammed Polo's side were undone in first half injury time when Michael Appiah raced through the defence to dribble the on-rushing Philemon McCarthy and curl in the opener.

Four minutes after the restart, Tuffour Frimpong doubled Liberty's lead before Ashitey Ollenu pulled one back in the 63rd minute.

Hearts' chances of forcing a draw was ended when Anthony Asamoah sealed it the Phobians trailing the top.

At the Baba Yara Stadium, King Faisal heaped more pressure on bottom side Ebusua Dwarfs with a 2-1 victory.

Samuel Moya's brace helped Faisal to the home win as Frederick Boateng pulled one back for Dwarfs.

Despite sitting bottom with 21 points, Dwarfs have a game in hand.

In Obuasi, AshantiGold won 2-0 against Aduana Stars to leave the Dormaa side second from bottom.

Mumuni Shaffiu and Emmanuel Osei got the goals for the Miners.