…Hearts win battle.

Hearts came out on top in a bruising encounter at Pittodrie this afternoon as a Kevin Kyle goal a minute into the second half decided the game. It had been an even opening 45 minutes, but Aberdeen failed to create much after the break as Hearts ran out winners and stretched the Dons poor run. Seven yellow cards and the sending to the stand of assistant Scott Leitch probably summed up this match. Aberdeen must now try and regroup for the visit of Hibernian next week.

Aberdeen kicked off and were first to show as they won a free kick in the 3rd minute. A dangerous delivery was whipped in, but the Hearts defence stood firm. At the other end Kyle sent a looping header well over. Hearts then had a good spell as they retained possession without showing too much of a threat. In the 9th minute Aluko showed how much he has been missed as he went on a sensational run and fed the ball wide to Maguire. The youngster delivered a great cross, but neither Vernon nor Velicka could get their head to it.

At the other end Howard was forced into a great save from Elliot as both sides made a lively start. Hearts then won a free kick on the right and the ball was whipped in by Skacel, but Diamond defended well. Seconds later Howard was down quickly to cut out a low cost. Kyle was lectured at length in the 17th minute after he complained when he was penalised for a foul on Diamond. The big striker was lucky to escape a caution when he pushed Diamond as he made his way back.

A minute later a cross from Jack eluded everyone then in the 22nd minute Velicka had a chance, but sliced his effort high and wide. A couple of long throws from McArdle caused panic to the Hearts defence then in the 25th minute Velicka was taken out of the play, but nothing was given. The Dons then had a luck escape when Considine slipped up. Barr then earned the first caution for a poor challenge on Aluko and Skacel followed him a minute later.

More wonderful play from Aluko won the first corner of the match in the 29th minute as the match raged from end to end. Santana required lengthy treatment after a collision with Hartley then in the 35th minute a flick from Vernon almost found Velicka. Two minutes later Vernon whipped a great ball into the centre and Kello had to look lively to deny Velicka. Maguire then collected a silly card for something said to the assistant. The same player fired inches wide deep into stoppage time before Howard picked up a nasty knock following a reckless challenge from Kyle.

Aberdeen made a disastrous start to the second half when Kyle headed an Elliot cross past Howard in the opening minute. The match was full of niggle and there were several flashpoints as players clashed. Aberdeen broke in the 54th minute but Vernon delivered the ball into the hands of Kello. A minute later Langfield replaced Howard, who hadn’t recovered from the challenge from Kyle and appeared to have problems with his vision. Hearts won a corner on the hour mark, but Kyle headed over as the visitor’s looked to tie this match up.

A free kick for the Dons in the 62nd minute was easily gathered by Kello and a minute later Kevin Kyle finally found his way into the referee’s book. A Mackie shot was deflected into the keeper’s arms then Maguire failed to get any power on his effort. In between Mrowiec became the fourth Hearts booking of the game. Vernon then had a chance in the 69th minute following a one-two with Mackie, but he delayed and the chance was gone. A couple of minutes later Langfield was caught on the shoulder by Skacel after a brave save.

Mackie won a corner and a minute later the same player beat the offside trap, but could only win another corner. Aberdeen were getting up a head of steam now, but still couldn’t make the breakthrough. Hearts broke quickly in the 76th minute and Jack was forced to concede a corner. A minute later Considine made a goal saving block to deny Kyle a second goal. Diamond earned a yellow card in the 80th minute following a poorly timed challenge and a minute later Ryan Fraser made his debut when he replaced Maguire. His first touch was to win a header – an incredible feat for one so small.

Another Hearts corner followed in the 83rd minute and Ryan Jack was forced to head the ball off the goal line. Ryan Fraser was then welcomed to senior Scottish football as he was handed a booking for his first challenge since entering the field of play. Seconds later Scott Leach was sent to the stand on the word of the fourth official. Hearts forced another corner in the 89th minute as Aberdeen failed to make an impact in this second half. A header from Vernon in injury time went well over and the Dons chances of taking anything from the match went with it.