A resilient Hearts side fought their way to a 1-1 draw against Aberdeen, extending the Dons’ winless streak at Tynecastle to seven years. Despite contrasting domestic campaigns, some Aberdeen fans travelled to Edinburgh without high hopes – a sentiment that proved justified as their Tynecastle hoodoo continued.
Early Drama and Dons Breakthrough
Hearts began the match with purpose, dominating early exchanges and energising the home crowd. However, the atmosphere quickly soured as injuries to Stephen Kingsley and Frankie Kent disrupted the defensive line. With the makeshift back four unsettled, Aberdeen struck. Leighton Clarkson latched onto Shayden Morris’ cross, volleying it past Craig Gordon to give the visitors the lead, much to the delight of the away fans.
Hearts Fight Back
Facing increased pressure after Hibernian’s emphatic win over Motherwell the day before, Hearts showed determination. Musa Drammeh, making his first start for the club, made a pivotal impact. Blair Spittal’s cross found Drammeh, whose header deflected off Nicky Devlin and into the net. The goal lifted the Tynecastle faithful and set up a tense finale.
A Tale of Missed Opportunities
Aberdeen had chances to reclaim the lead, with Clarkson nearly doubling his tally before half-time, only to be denied by a superb save from Gordon. The second half saw Hearts’ Jorge Grant twice come close to sealing victory. First, his goal-bound effort was heroically blocked by Devlin, and later, his volley was spectacularly saved by substitute keeper Ross Doohan.
Controversy and Defensive Struggles
VAR took centre stage when Jack Milne’s reckless challenge on Beni Baningime escaped punishment, leaving Hearts fans furious. Aberdeen, fielding a backline that had never played together, showed signs of vulnerability but managed to hold firm. Jimmy Thelin’s decision to rotate heavily during this congested period brought mixed results, with the Dons lacking their usual cohesion.
Manager Reactions
Hearts boss Neil Critchley praised his side’s spirit despite the setbacks:
“We started well, but the injuries disrupted us. To respond with hunger, passion, and desire after going behind shows the character of this team. A point was the least we deserved.”
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin focused on the positives:
“The fight was there, and the players worked for each other. We need to find our rhythm again, but I’m confident in this group’s quality.”
What’s Next?
The result leaves Aberdeen four points behind league leaders Celtic, with questions lingering over their ability to sustain a title challenge. Hearts, meanwhile, remain at the foot of the table, two points adrift of Hibernian. With fixtures piling up and defensive injuries mounting, Neil Critchley faces a daunting task in steering his side to safety.
For all the endeavour and drama, both teams will likely feel this was a missed opportunity. Tynecastle, however, remains a fortress that Aberdeen just can’t seem to conquer.
Attendance: 18, 810
Line-ups:
Hearts: C. Gordon, S. Kingsley (C.Halkett 30′), K. Rowles, F. Kent (A. Forrester 35′), D. Oyegoke, B. Banigime, C. Devlin, A. Forrest (J. Grant 80′), B. Spittal, M. Drammeh (K. Vargas 80′), L. Shankland
Subsitutes: M. Boateng, L. Boyce, Z. Clark, Y. Dhanda, A. Forrester, J. Grant, C. Halkett, K. Vargas, J. Wilson
Aberdeen: D. Mitov (R. Doohan 46′), J. McGarry (J. Milne 59′), G. Molloy, A. MacDonald, N. Devlin, S. Heltne Nilsen, A. Palaversa (G. Shinnie 59′), J. McGrath, L. Clarkson, S. Morris (T. Keskinen 80′), E. Sokler (Duk 75′)
Substitutes: V. Besuijen, R. Doohan, Duk, T. Keskinen, J. Milne, K. Nisbet, D. Polvara, S. Rubezic, G. Shinnie
Referee: Kevin Clancy