Craig Gordon – Hearts Hero?
Craig Gordon delivered yet another late-game moment of magic for Hearts last weekend, reminding everyone that age is just a number in football. In a tense Scottish Premiership battle at Dens Park, Hearts went ahead through Claudio Braga’s strike, but they were soon reduced to ten men after first-choice keeper Alexander Schwolow was sent off just before half-time. That’s when Gordon, now 43 and making his first appearance this season, was called into action and he stepped up to the challenge with a good save just before the end of the half. But it was stoppage time when the magic happened. Dundee were desperately pushing for an equaliser, and Gordon produced a stunning reflex save to claw away Emile Acquah’s downward header and secure a priceless 1-0 victory for Hearts. It was a moment of brilliance that preserved all three points and kept Hearts firmly in the title hunt and it may prove to be the pivotal moment for the Jambos come the end of the season. What made the save so special wasn’t just the timing in those dying seconds of a crucial match but also the sheer athleticism on display from the goalkeeper. After coming on from the bench and immediately having to deal with pressure moments, Gordon showed the kind of sharp reactions that defy expectations at his age. Fans and former players were quick to praise the Scotland international, comparing his late-game intervention to some of the greatest goalkeeping moments in the sport. Former Hearts player Ryan Stevenson said “Every player is running to congratulate Craig Gordon. That’s one of the best saves I’ve ever seen. Unbelievable”. That talk of “greatest saves” naturally brings us back to one of the defining moments of Gordon’s career, his incredible stop for Sunderland against Bolton Wanderers back in December 2010. In a Premier League match at the Stadium of Light, Gordon somehow managed to deny Bolton’s Zat Knight from point blank range in first-half stoppage time. That full-stretch save was later voted the best save in the first 20 years of the Premier League, an accolade that speaks volumes about its quality Craig Gordon continues to remind us why he’s one of the most respected goalkeepers of his generation and potentially a hero after Sunday’s game for Hearts.
Hearts Confirm Chesnokov Signing
Heart of Midlothian have completed the signing of Islam Chesnokov, with the Kazakhstan international officially joining the club ahead of the second half of the 2025/26 season. The 26-year-old arrives at Tynecastle after leaving FC Tobol Kostanay at the end of his contract. Hearts had agreed a pre-contract deal with Chesnokov in June 2025. The new signing primarily plays as a right-sided winger but is capable of playing across the forward line. He built a strong reputation at Tobol, where he was a regular starter and a consistent contributor. During his time at the club, he scored 29 goals in 92 games across all competitions. On the international stage, Chesnokov has 21 senior caps for the Kazakhstan national team, scoring 3 goals. The winger will wear squad number 99 and is expected to provide depth in wide attacking areas as Hearts continue their impressive domestic campaign so far. He joins an already strong attacking fleet of Lawrence Shankland, Alexandros Kyziridis and Claudio Braga, who have all been regular starters for Derek McInnes this season. Chesnokov becomes the Jambos’ second signing of the January transfer window after right back Jordi Altena completed his move last week.
Hearts 1-0 Livingston: Jambos Extend Premiership Lead with Narrow Victory
Hearts 1-0 Livingston Halkett (18′) Livingston made the journey to Tynecastle Park today to take on Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership. The last time these two sides met was in September at the Home of the Set Fare Arena where the Jambos won 2-1. Claudio Braga Alexandros Kyziridis with goals for Hearts and Lewis Smith scoring for the Lions. Today’s game sees the Jambos coming in off the back of a Derby day defeat away to Hibernian, and David Martindale’s side lost to Dundee United. The away side had the better start to the game, a shot from Scott Pittman just over the bar within the first 3 minutes. McInnes’ side had their first chance after 10 minutes, Tomas Magnusson with a left-footed shot but rolled wide of the post. Hearts went 1-0 up in 18 minutes, a header from Craig Halkett, crossed in by their newest signing Jordi Altena, who makes his debut. Halkett has now scored 6 goals for the Jam Tarts. A few VAR shouts throughout the game for the home side, 2 of which were for penalties, but were both cleared by the officials. Livingston were pressing to find a goal in the second half, a good chance from Mohammad Sylla, but it was headed right off the post. The game finished 1-0 to Hearts and puts them 6 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, with their next game on Sunday against Dundee. Livingston have yet to win a game since August, and they will face Kilmarnock at home on Saturday. Hearts: Schwolow (7), Altena (8), Halkett (8) Findlay (7), Milne (6), Baningime (7), Devlin (8), Magnusson (7), Braga (6), Kyziridis (7), Shankland (7). Substitutions: Steinwender (4), Kerjota (5), Kent (3) Livingston: Prior (5), Montano (5), Kabongolo (6), McGowan (6), Finlayson (6), Susoho (5), Sylla (6), Pittman (5), May (5), Yengi (6), McLennan (5). Substitutions: Lawal (5), Danso (3), Zimmerman (3), Muirhead (3)
Hearts Make January Transfer Window Move and Provide Imminent Arrival Update
Heart of Midlothian have announced the signing of Dutch right back Jordi Altena on a 3-year contract from RKC Waalwijk for an undisclosed fee, subject to SFA approval. The defender has played 21 matches so far this season, scoring twice and making 4 assists. Speaking to media today Derek McInnes said “The staff, we all liked what we saw from Jordi. “He’s somebody who’s got a lot of attacking threats from that full-back position and we were delighted to get him” Hearts have a second player due to sign at beginning of January in Islam Chesnokov. The Kazakhstan international has been a highly anticipated signing for the Gorgie side. He originally agreed terms with the Jambos at the beginning of the season but has had some set backs with clearance. McInnes says “Islam will fly in on Friday, ahead of the game. He’ll be at Tynecastle on Saturday” ”It is probably going to be two or three days before we can get him registered. That part of it we can control.” “Looking forward to eventually getting him here, I think he is probably the player that I’ve spoken most about in my career as a manager, and haven’t got to meet him yet.” The league leaders have been linked to a further two signings already ahead of the January transfer window, but no official statements have been made. Hearts will face Livingston this weekend at Tynecastle and may have the option of a new face within the team if approval is granted.
Derek McInnes provides an injury update ahead of the big game this weekend.
The Hearts boss spoke with media today ahead of their clash against Rangers this Sunday providing an injury update on some key players. “Beni Baningime and Calem Nieuwenhof are both close to being available for the weekend” “Beni is one that we’re hoping to try and get him on the training pitch Friday” The Hearts midfielder has been missing since November 9th due to a muscle injury. The last game he played was in a 4-0 victory over Dundee at Tynecastle. Speaking on Nieuwenhof he said: “Calem done a wee bit today and if there is no reaction then maybe do a bit tomorrow and we will see where he’s at as well”. The Australian has been missing since August with a hamstring injury. This has been an injury that has seen him sidelined previously. “Ageu is due back from Portugal on Friday after being out there for three weeks” The Striker has had an unfortunate start to his career with the Jambos and is now in a second period of injury with his hamstring. He has been sidelined since the beginning of November as well. The final update was provided on 21-year-old Finlay Pollock who was on loan at Raith Rovers last season. He joins the list of hamstring injuries for McInnes and has yet to be involved this season due to this injury. “Finlay Pollock has been on the grass running as well, trying to make a wee bit of headway with that” The manager did say that there is a “a bit of a bug at the minute” but has not affected the main squad as much. The update confirms no further injuries for the Gorgie side in their preparation for the final game before Christmas.
Falkirk 0-2 Heart of Midlothian – Match Report
Falkirk hosted Hearts this evening in the Scottish Premiership, with the Bairns aiming to test themselves against a Hearts side enjoying an impressive run of form this season. The hosts faced the Jambos earlier this season at Tynecastle the game ended 3-0 with goals from Kyziridis, Shankland and Craig Halkett. Falkirk have picked up 21 points in their last 16 games with a series of unbeaten home league matches; it is their best top flight home run in nearly two decades. McInnes’ side came into this game off the back of a 2-1 win away to Celtic last weekend which pushed them 3 points clear of the reigning champions. Claudio Braga is now one of the league’s top goal scorers with the majority of his goals coming from away matches including one in that game. The visitors got the game under way and after just 68 seconds they had the lead. A shot across from Shankland which was saved by Scott Bain but not far enough as Braga comes running in to head the ball into the back of the net. The home side had a good opportunity 13 minutes in when Kyrell Wilson charged towards Schwolow in goal but Stuart Findlay slid in to clear it for a throw-in. The Jam Tarts had another few opportunities within the first half, Shankland got the ball after a pass from Braga but couldn’t get the curl he needed and the shot went wide. Harry Milne had to work hard in defence as Wilson closed in on goal, he was past Schwolow but Milne cleared the ball off the line to deny the biggest opportunity Falkirk had within the first half. Into the second half both sides continued the pressure as Falkirk had an opportunity after McEntee gave away a free kick on the edge of the box. It was Calvin Miller to take it but it was deflected off of Agyeman. Substitute Stephen Kingsley brought the fight back for the Edinburgh side and within 3 minutes of being on the park, he had the ball in the back of the net. A shot taken from outside of the box fired past Scott Bain who was at full stretch and the Jambos extended their lead to 2-0. A final chance for McGlynn’s side Scott Arfield played the ball through trying to find Brian Graham but just too much pace on it as it went out for a goal kick. This is only the second time John McGlynn’s side have been beaten at home this season with the previous loss coming against St Mirren. The game ended 2-0 for the visitors who have extended their gap in front of Celtic in the league to 6 points. Falkirk: Bain (5), Lissah (5), Allan (4), Henderson (5), Hart (4), Spencer (6), Cartwright (5), Wilson (6), Millar (5), Ross (4), Agyeman (5). Subs :Tait (3), Graham (2), Williams (3), Arfield (3), Edwards (2). Heart of Midlothian: Schwolow (7), Milne (8), Findlay (7), Halkett (7), Steinwender (8), Devlin (8), McEntee (8), Braga (9), Magnusson (7), Kyziridis (8), Shankland (7). Subs: Kingsley (7), Spittal (5), Kabangu (4), Kerjota (5), McCart (2).
Last gasp O’Halloran magic seals crucial win for Morton
Greenock Morton 2-1 Queen’s Park Adeloye 43’ O’Halloran 90+2’ | Connolly 45’ Queen’s Park made the trip to Cappielow Park to face Greenock Morton in the Scottish Championship. Euan Murray was subbed off after 31 minutes due to injury, replaced by 19-year-old Rocco Friel, on loan from Hearts B. The youngster has scored 1 goal this season against league leaders St Johnstone in the 4-3 loss at McDiarmid Park. Morton opened the scoring on the stroke of halftime. Calum Ferrie brought down Tomi Adeloye in the box, who dispatched the resultant penalty in the bottom right corner. The Spiders were quick to respond, and Aidan Connolly equalised moments later with a shot from the edge of the box. Billy Davies’ side won the game in injury time. A cross from Nathan Shaw was met by Michael O’Halloran, who converted with an outstanding overhead kick. The game finished 2-1 at Cappielow Park. Both sides return to Challenge Cup action on Tuesday, with Morton visiting Stirling Albion, and Queens hosting Clyde. Greenock Morton: Storer (8), Comrie (7), Moore (6), Longridge (7), Ballantyne (7), Gillespie (6), MacPherson (7), Moffat (8), Robertson (7), Garity (8), Adeloye (8). Subs: Blues (4), Lyall (4), O’Halloran (7), Shaw (6) Queen’s Park: Ferrie (5), Pignatiello (4), Murray (2), Shiels (5), Fieldson (4), Longridge (4), MacGregor (6), Connolly (6), Savoury (5), McDonnell (5), Drozd (5) Subs: Friel (5), Waugh (3), Sowa (2), Scott (2)
Scottish Cup Fourth Round Draw
The teams have been drawn for the fourth round of the Scottish Cup which is set to take place across the weekend beginning 17th January. From Camelon Juniors in the East of Scotland Premier Division all the way up to 42 time winners of this trophy Celtic. Here is how the teams have been drawn. One of the biggest games to be played is Auchinleck Talbot vs Celtic a game that could see a major away support heading to the Ayrshire team. Camelon Juniors stunned Edinburgh City in the previous round, and their reward for that is a home tie against Elgin. The Spartans have drawn a potential East Coast derby if Tranent FC can beat Inverness after the game was postponed at the weekend due to a waterlogged pitch at Forrester Park. Kilmarnock will take on Dundee, Hearts host Falkirk and St Mirren will travel to Livingston for the all Premiership team ties. Annan Athletic will travel up to Ibrox to play Rangers and Stranraer will also make the journey to Glasgow to take on Queens Park. Newly appointed Billy Davies will take his Greenock Morton side to Stenhousemuir, and their former manager Dougie Imrie’s Raith Rovers will face last years Scottish Cup winners Aberdeen at Pittodrie. A battle of the bottom for League One sides Kelty Hearts and Cove Rangers. Their most recent meeting ended in a 2-0 to Thomas O’Ware’s side. Ross County will make the long journey down to take on Motherwell who have been in good form recently. Partick Thistle have drawn against Montrose. Airdrieonians host Arbroath. Scott Brown’s Ayr United travel to Dundee United and Hibernian will face their former manager Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic side. Over the years the Scottish cup is always something football fans look forward too and with some interesting draws for the fourth round it is shaping up to be another exciting competition.
Partick Thistle level on points with St Johnstone after defeating Dunfermline
Partick Thistle 1-0 Dunfermline – The Pars are level (Fitzpatrick 25’) Partick Thistle pulled level with St Johnstone at the top of the Scottish Championship after a 1-0 win at home against Dunfermline. The sides last met in September, a game that ended in a 2-0 win for the Pars, who kept a clean sheet that day. This time, though, Thistle came out on top. The Maryhill side started strong and after just three minutes, Tsoanelo Letsoalo tried his luck with a strike from outside the box, but Billy Terrell was ready and held the shot in the centre of his goal. Lennon’s men grew into the game and had their first real chance after 11 minutes. Charlie Gilmour lined up a shot from range, but it went over the bar. The only goal of the match came in the 25th minute. Aiden Fitzpatrick picked up the ball outside the box and provided a right footed shot into the bottom right corner. It was the midfielder’s second goal of the season, his first coming in August in a 3-1 win over Raith Rovers. Dunfermline pushed for a way back into the game in the second half, but Thistle stayed firm at the back. The win moves Wilson’s side level with St Johnstone at the top of the table on 34 points. Dunfermline remain 5th with 22 points as they look to bounce back next week
Aberdeen 1-0 Hearts: Jambos Stunned at Pittodrie
Topi Keskinen (39’) Aberdeen had a stronger start to the game with a shot on target for Dylan Lobban in 2 minutes. Hearts were quick to fight back with a Kyziridis free kick floated over top landing with StuartFindlay but the shot was just wide in the end and would have potentially been pulled back for offside. McInnes’ side have not won at Pittodrie since May 2016 which ended as a 1-0 win for the Jambos. It wasn’t meant to be for the travelling side as The Dons opened the scoring after 39 minutes Topi Keskinen with a shot from outside the box hit into the bottom right corner of the goal. Into the second half Hearts looked to be the stronger side with some more pressing chances Tomas Magnusson fired a header straight at the goalkeeper. They had back to back chances first from Landry Kabore fired wide right side of the goal and Kyziridis just a minute later but again straight across the goal. Final chance of the game for the Jamtarts and it was a cross from Christian Borchgrevink onto James Wilson but was headed wide of goal. A convincing performance for Aberdeen, and a lot of improvements in recent matches. A first loss of the season for Hearts while missing some of the key players from the squad. Jimmy Thelin’s side take on FC Noah on Thursday night in the Europa Conference league. McInnes’ next match is away to Motherwell next Saturday. Aberdeen: Mitov (8), Lobban (7), Devlin (7), Knoester (8), Milne (8), Jensen (7), Aouchiche (7), Polvara(7), Armstrong(8), Keskinen(9), Lazetic (7)Subs: Molloy (6), Clarkson (7), Milanovic (7), Shinnie (6), Nisbet (6) Hearts:Schwolow (6), Kent (6), Braga (6), Kabore (5), Devlin (7), Steinwender (5), Milne (6), Findlay (6), Magnusson (6), McEntee (6), Kyziridis (6) Subs: Spittal (5), McCart (6), Borchgrenvick (6), Forrest (5), Wilson (5),
