Hearts 1-1 Aberdeen: Story of the cinch Premiership match, as it happened
The Dons were in European action in Azerbaijan on Thursday night and were again on the road, coming to Gorgie this afternoon.
Of course Hearts could go top of the table with a win – but so could Stephen Glass’s side. A draw would also put both joint at the cinch summit, alongside Hibs.
We brought you all the action from the game, kick-off at 3pm.
Hearts v Aberdeen: LIVE
Key Events
- Hearts 1 (Boyce 55 pen) Aberdeen 1 (Ojo 72)
- Bumper crowd anticipated at Tynecastle
- HEARTS: Gordon, Cochrane, Halkett, Halliday, Souttar, Smith, Baningme, Haring, Ginnelly, Mackay-Steven, Boyce.
55 - GOAL HEARTS
Liam Boyce dispatches the spot-kick beyond Joe Lewis --- and sends the home side onto the top of the table.
It’s 1-1
Funso Ojo gets on the end of a ball beyond the defence from Dean Campbell - who has been excellent since coming on at half-time - and levels the scores with his first Dons goal.
In quotes
Willie Miller, BBC SportsoundSicne the gol Hearts have gone into their shell and since the change has been made they have deteriorated. If they can turn this round and get three points it’s a magnificent effort but Aberdeen look most likely.
87 - Clearance
Frantic finish at Tyencastle. John Souttar steps in to clear the danger with JET threateneing, skipping the ball away from Craig Gordon to take command of the situation and ensure the scores remain level.
90 - Argy-bargy
Scott Brown and Michael Smith are in the middle of a tussle as the sides battle away the final moments of the game.
Bobby Madden restarts the game awarding Aberdeen a free-kick, without taking any action against any of the players involved.
FULL-TIME
All over at Tynecastle.
A 1-1 draw sends Aberdeen and Hearts to the top of the table - all sharing top spot with Hibs on seven points.
Jack Ross’ side has the advantage with a four-goal difference, with Aberdeen on three and Hearts a further one goal off.
Rangers and Celtic are then joint fourth with six points apiece.
Post-match discussion
Robbie Neilson in the middle of a heated discussion at the centre-circle involving Scott Brown and referee Bobby Madden. The Hearts manager has now walked off the field chatting to the match official.
The referee and fourth official had several discussions with the dugout staff during the closing stages of the match.
MATCH REPORT
Tynecastle back to its raucous best as Hearts and Aberdeen draw in front of a full crowd for first time in 18 months
You can’t forget the roaring din Tynecastle generates. Nearly 18 months without a proper crowd left this traditionally hostile ground feeling empty and even somewhat neglected at times.
PLAYER RATINGS
How the Hearts players rated in the 1-1 draw against Aberdeen
Here’s how the Hearts players rated in the 1-1 draw with Aberdeen ...
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.