Hearts' Championship Ambitions Suffer Setback in Paisley Defeat
At the very venue where their League Cup aspirations were extinguished earlier this season, Hearts' Premiership title chase encountered a significant obstacle on Tuesday night. Derek McInnes' league leaders fell to a 1-0 defeat against St Mirren at the SMISA Stadium, a result that could prove costly in the championship narrative.
Red Card and Resilient Defence Define Tense Encounter
The match's complexion changed dramatically after 29 minutes when Hearts defender Craig Halkett received a straight red card. This marked the third time in five league matches that the Edinburgh side have been reduced to ten men. The incident occurred following a defensive mix-up between Halkett and Stuart Findlay, with the former bringing down St Mirren's teenage loanee Jacob Devaney as he threatened to seize upon a loose ball just outside the area.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Hearts defended with remarkable stoicism throughout much of the contest. Goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow produced several vital saves, particularly during a frenetic first half where St Mirren applied sustained pressure but struggled to convert their dominance into goals.
Late Drama Settles Stalemate
As the match entered its closing stages, Hearts began to grow in confidence that they might secure an unlikely point or even snatch victory. However, with just two minutes remaining, St Mirren finally broke the deadlock. Declan John delivered a precise corner and defender Miguel Freckleton rose highest to power a header beyond Schwolow, sparking celebrations of relief as much as joy among the home supporters.
The goal secured St Mirren's first league victory in eight attempts, moving Stephen Robinson's side up to ninth in the table and providing crucial breathing space in their battle against relegation. For Hearts, this represented their third Premiership defeat of the season and their first since late December.
Title Implications and Individual Performances
While not necessarily terminal to their championship prospects, this defeat will undoubtedly wound Hearts' momentum. Both Rangers and Celtic now have the opportunity to reduce Hearts' lead at the summit to just three points when they play their midweek fixtures.
The match featured several notable individual performances. Eighteen-year-old Jacob Devaney, making his debut after completing a loan move from Manchester United's under-21 squad, delivered an accomplished display in midfield. The teenager almost marked his first appearance with a goal when his cross drifted onto the top of the Hearts crossbar during the first half.
Hearts had restored Beni Baningime to their lineup following the midfielder's two-game suspension, but even with their full complement available before Halkett's dismissal, this wasn't the full-throttle performance that has characterised much of their season.
Controversial Moments and What Comes Next
The match wasn't without controversy. St Mirren players and supporters appealed for another Hearts red card when Landry Kabore went in late on Devaney, but referee Steven McLean issued only a yellow. Later, a lengthy VAR check overturned a penalty decision against Hearts when Harry Milne's challenge on Jayden Richardson was deemed to have occurred outside the box.
Hearts now have a weekend off before returning to action in a mouthwatering Edinburgh derby against Hibernian on Tuesday night. St Mirren's attention turns to Scottish Cup duty with a trip to Airdrie on Friday evening.
This dramatic late victory for St Mirren has added another intriguing twist to an already compelling Scottish Premiership title race, while simultaneously providing the Paisley side with renewed hope in their battle to avoid the drop.
