Hearts down ten man Dons

Aberdeen 1 | McGinn 26′ (McGinn penalty saved, 38′, Robson sent off 54′)

Hearts 3 | Walker 66′,  Paterson 74′ Stevenson 90+

SPFL Premiership | Pittodrie Stadium | 3.00pm KO | Att: 13,940 | FT

A hugely controversial game with a lot of talking points, but in the end this was an extremely disappointing defeat for the Dons, especially after one of the most dominating first 45 minutes seen at Pittodrie for a long time.

A fired up Hearts side competed strongly in the opening exchanges. Langfield made one good save but Aberdeen then took complete control of the first half and on 24 minutes McGinn fired home after a Barry Robson corner had landed at his feet. Robson minutes earlier had replaced Willo Flood who went off with what looked like another bad injury.

As the Dons continued to dominate they should have had a penalty when a Hearts defender clearly handled the ball on the line. Hearts should have been down to ten men but referee Brines and his assistant’s missed it.

Minutes later the Dons did finally get a penalty but McGinn saw his effort saved well by Macdonald.

The second half was a bit more even but the Dons were still well in control until Barry Robson was sent off on the 54th minute for picking up his second booking. Both were very soft fouls. Hearts then turned the game round after that with goals from Walker, Paterson and Stevenson late on as they left for the capital with a vital three points.

The Dons have now not taken anything from two games against the Leagues bottom side.

A frustrating afternoon for Aberdeen.

The large crowd applauded the Aberdeen players off the park. The officials were not given the same courtesy.

Team News:

Team |  Langfield, Hector (Smith 83′), Anderson, Reynolds, Considine, Hayes, Flood (Robson 24′), Jack, McGinn, Pawlett, Zola (Vernon 57′)

Subs not used | Weaver, Shaughnessy, Wylde, Low