Hearts sent another thunderous message to the rest of the Premiership as they dug deep to overcome St Mirren 2-0 at Tynecastle, despite playing the vast majority of the match with ten men. On a cold January night in Gorgie, Derek McInnes’ side showed steel, belief and no small amount of defiance to maintain their grip at the top of the table.
For the second time in four days, the league leaders were forced into survival mode before the interval. But just like at Dens Park, Hearts found answers when the pressure was cranked to the maximum.
Red card recklessness puts Hearts under siege
The game pivoted sharply after just 14 minutes when Beni Baningime saw red for a reckless challenge on Roland Idowu. Kevin Clancy initially reached for yellow, but VAR intervention from Steven McLean sent the referee to the monitor and the decision was swiftly upgraded.
There were few complaints from the home support. Baningime’s studs caught Idowu high on the calf and while there was no malice, it was the kind of challenge officials have little room to ignore. It left Hearts staring down the barrel with more than 75 minutes still to play.
Shankland delivers when it matters most
St Mirren threatened to capitalise and thought they had taken the lead twice through Idowu, only for both efforts to be ruled out for offside. Those let-offs proved crucial.
Just after the hour mark, Hearts struck. Lawrence Shankland ghosted into space inside the box and coolly swept home Blair Spittal’s cutback to ignite Tynecastle. It was leadership in action from the captain, and a goal befitting a side chasing silverware.
Defensive grit defines McInnes’ side
With the lead secured, Hearts retreated into a disciplined defensive shell. McInnes responded by reinforcing the back line, throwing on Jamie McCart and Frankie Kent as St Mirren poured bodies forward.
Every clearance was cheered, every block celebrated. Craig Halkett typified the spirit, repeatedly throwing himself into the firing line as the visitors tried in vain to exploit their numerical advantage.
Magnusson seals it with killer blow
St Mirren’s pressure eventually told on their own legs, and Hearts made them pay late on. Substitute Tomas Magnusson reacted quickest in the box to nod home after Shamal George could only parry Harry Milne’s drive.
It was the decisive moment, reward for resilience and further proof that this Hearts side know exactly how to win ugly when required.
Tynecastle belief growing by the week
A full house roared their side on from first whistle to last. The chant of “We Shall Not Be Moved” echoed long after the final whistle, carrying more meaning with every passing week.
This was not pretty, but it was powerful. Hearts have now restored their six-point lead at the summit, and nights like this underline why belief is surging around Gorgie. Ten men, relentless pressure, and still they stood tall. Something very real is taking shape at Tynecastle.
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
