Buoyed by their historic, first win against Glasgow City before the international break, Hearts were on top early doors on a glorious evening in Cumbernauld.
Captain Georgia Timms had the ball in the net after just 13 minutes, and though it was ruled off for offside, it was a sign of the visitors’ early intent.
The breakthrough did come on the cusp of half-time though, with Rangers teenager McLeary getting the last touch as Hearts’ Lauren Wade tried to squeeze in from a tight angle.
The league leaders doubled their lead inside 10 minutes of the second half, the determined Johns firing a low drive by Jenna Fife.
Crichton’s hosts dominated the second half and spent most of it in the final third, but failed to truly carve out a clear chance or two, with Rachael Johnstone relatively untroubled in goal, until stoppage time.
With four minutes remaining after their late strike, Rangers pushed for an equaliser, but ultimately left it too late.
Hearts’ lead was narrowed by Glasgow City, who beat Partick Thistle to move within two points of the top.
