By Ron Scott at Tynecastle

Ironic, isn’t it? Hearts and Aberdeen are both desperate to return to the European arena.

Yet they chose to go about achieving their ambitions in a singularly Scottish way.

This encounter was an old-fashioned, all-action affair.

There was never a dull moment with both sets of fans engrossed right till the end.

This game was totally different to the way teams from Spain, Italy, Holland and France approach football. But it was exactly what the public wanted.

Raw

The purists in mainland Europe would no doubt turn up their sophisticated EU noses at this blood-and-snotters affair. Yet it was just what was required on a raw Auld Reekie afternoon to keep the natives alert.

In the end, Hearts just about deserved to bag all three points. Yet they had to survive an injury-time scare when Dons substitute Chris Maguire hit the post from a Ricky Foster cut-back.

The home side recovered well from going a goal behind to snatch victory thanks to a rousing recovery.

The goal which separated these teams arrived after referee Charlie Richmond elected to apply the advantage rule.

The visitors switched off, assuming Richmond was about to award a free-kick to Hearts for a foul by Foster on Lee Wallace, but when the ball broke to David Obua, Richmond quickly waved play on.

And when the big Ugandan’s cross arrived at the far post Andy Driver stooped low to head home.

Golden rule

Aberdeen can complain all they want but they broke the golden rule — you must play to the referee’s whistle.

Over the years, it’s Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood who has been famed for coming up with unusual formations. This time however it was Hearts coach Csaba Laszlo who aborted the normal.

Hearts surprised Aberdeen with their 4-2-3-1 set-up.

Although Christian Nade was on his own up front the platform of Bruno Aguiar and Michael Stewart allowed Obua, Gary Glen and Driver the licence to get forward and support Nade.

And that’s exactly how Hearts got their equaliser.

Aguiar affected a delightful chip with the outside of his right foot, Obua powerfully headed it on before Nade glanced past Jamie Langfield with his forehead.

Yet it had all seemed so bright for Aberdeen. They took the lead after 20 minutes and only required two touches of the ball to do so.

Charlie Mulgrew flighted a wonderful 50-yard pass from just inside his own half. It bisected Hearts defence and landed perfectly for Darren Mackie, who caught the ball flush on his right foot to volley it first-time beyond Janos Balogh from 15 yards.

Exploit

This goal set Hearts back after an encouraging start. Aberdeen pushed on to try and exploit Hearts emergency central-defensive pairing of Christos Karipidis and Eggert Jonsson.

And they nearly added to the lead when Lee Miller fired in a 20-yard snapshot only to see Balogh produce a fine save.

Obviously the turning point was the home side’s injury time equaliser in the first half.

This fired them up for an aggressive second-half performance when they pinned Aberdeen back for long spells.

Aguiar and Stewart controlled the flow of the game as Aberdeen struggled to get back into contention.

Yet it’s never over until the final whistle and Hearts almost paid dearly when Maguire struck the post in injury time.

Long way to go

An equaliser would have been a cruel blow to the Jambos but it just illustrates that you can never relax with only a one-goal advantage.

There is still a long way to go before the third position in the SPL is decided. However, on this showing, Hearts will certainly be there or thereabouts.

They demonstrated great desire and team spirit despite having to make so many enforced changes.

After a promising start, Aberdeen failed to kick on, although they almost salvaged a point at the death.

Referee Richmond did well to keep the lid on this physical affair, booking Nade for a late challenge on Diamond, Foster for catching Nade and Driver for over exuberance after he scored. Michael Stewart was booked for time wasting at the end.

Man of the Match — Bruno Aguiar produced the touch of continental class that will be required if Hearts do qualify for Europe next season.