Incredible afternoon as Hearts win at Pittodrie

A stunning goal from Eggert Jonsson gave Hearts all three points at Pittodrie on a remarkable afternoon when Hearts lost Larry Kingston to a red card, and both centre-halves to injury.

Indeed the Jambos ended the game with the Icelandic hero alongside left-back Lee Wallace at the heart of Hearts backline.

Injury forced Jim Jefferies to make two changes to the team which beat Hamilton last week, Janos Balogh replaced the injured Marion Kello and Michael Stewart came back into the team following his suspension, though Suso Santana missed out due to a thigh injury.

The was an unidy match and neither team could build up momentum meaning so there was not much action in front of goal. In the 18th minute Balogh game out his box to clear a long ball from Aberdeen, his clearance was miss-hit and fell to a red shirt about 30 yards out, Eggert Jonsson muscled to get the ball but fouled the player giving away a free-kick, the resulting shot was whipped in but went just wide of Balogh's goal.

The next real action of the match happened in the eleven minute before half-time when Aberdeen hit the side netting. Richard Forster's shot in from the edge of the 18 yard box was powerful but just wide of the target.

Hearts were forced to make their first substitution of the match when David Kucharski left the field with what appeared to be a hamstring injury, Larry Kingston came on and Jonsson moved into the back four a minute before the break.

Aberdeen had a penalty claim waved away when Marius Zaliukus blocked Darren Mackie's run in the box. Referee Willie Collum was in no doubt it was a fair challenge, much to the disappointment of the home supporters. It was the last of the action for the first half and it was a welcome break from a very uneventful game so far.

The second half started badly for Hearts when they found themselves down to ten men in the 53rd minute. Larry Kingston made a challenge on Fraser Fyvie, catching the young player on his thigh, prompting referee Willie Collum to show the Ghanian midfielder a red card. Hearts had to re-shuffle and brought on Jamie Mole for Novikovas and David Obua moved to left back.

Ten minutes later the travelling supporters were on their feet again, this time in celebration. And with every good reason for this was a goal to win a World Cup, never mind a league game in the Granite City.

The ball was swung into the Aberdeen box and Eggert Jonsson found himself making an audacious overhead kick. He timed his movement perfectly, caught the ball well and left Jamie Langfield stranded to open the scoring, before wheeling away in absolute joy, never a better goal he will score.

Hearts were nearly down to nine men when Lee Wallace suffered a head injury in the dyming embers as the "all hands to the pump" approach was adopted. The left back had to leave the field to get treatment for a gash to his head. However the young Hearts star was quickly back on the park with a Terry Butcher style bandage covering his wound. He and Hearts would not be denied you felt.

Aberdeen came close to scoring in injury time when a free kick was played into the box, it wasn't cleared by Hearts and Zander Diamond headed towards goal. Janos Balogh was alert and held the ball safely, averting any danger.

It wasn't a brilliant game of football for sure, for Hearts it was a crucial three points and the three wins on the trot, giving the fans something to smile about on their journey back to Edinburgh.

It was also a victory for spirit, and regardless of what they might tell you, this team has it in abundance.

Aberdeen: Langfield; Mulgrew, Foster, McDonald, Diamond; Young, Marshall (Aluko, 59), Kerr, MacLean; Mackie, Fyvie (Paton, 72). Subs not used: Nelson, Duff, Grassi, Ifil, Jack.

Hearts: Balogh; J Thomson, Kucharksi (Kingston, 40), Zaliukas, Wallace; Stevenson, Stewart, Jonsson, Novikovas (Mole, 58); Obua, Elliot. Subs not used: Ridgers,Templeton, Glen, Mulrooney, Smith.

Top Man: Eggert Jonsson

Referee: Willie Collum

Hearts World