Hearts 1-2 Aberdeen: Dons all-but seal second spot with Tynecastle win

Anthony O'Connor's second-half header all-but sealed second spot in the Scottish Premiership for Aberdeen as they beat Hearts 2-1 at Tynecastle.

The substitute restored his side's nine-point lead over Rangers with three games left, and their 23-goal advantage means it would take a freak set of results for them to be caught.

Adam Rooney had netted his 20th goal of the season in the first half and O'Connor responded instantly after Isma Goncalves levelled in front of more than 16,000 fans, who witnessed the final match in front of Tynecastle's Archibald Leitch-designed main stand.

Aberdeen, who were missing injured skipper Ryan Jack, were sharper and more intense in their play in the opening stages.

Andrew Considine headed wide and Jonny Hayes forced a save as the Dons pressed their opponents back, and they took the lead in the 21st minute. Considine won the ball back and Peter Pawlett decided to try his luck from long range, Jack Hamilton could not hold and Rooney was quickly on hand to finish the rebound.

The hosts, who had Aaron Hughes back from injury in a back three with Prince Buaben, could only muster off-target headers from Jamie Walker and Krystian Nowak before half-time.

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Aberdeen created the first chance of the second half when Kenny McLean's forward ball exposed a huge gap in the home defence. Niall McGinn's shot was beaten away and Graeme Shinnie hit the rebound wide with his right foot.

Hearts soon threatened from a set-piece but Arnaud Djoum could not divert Lennard Sowah's misdirected shot on target.

The hosts were enjoying more of the ball and they levelled in the 61st minute when Liam Smith crossed into a dangerous area. Goncalves beat Ash Taylor to the ball to head home from six yards.

Aberdeen regained the lead inside three minutes. O'Connor, a half-time replacement in midfield for Pawlett, rose to meet Hayes' free-kick unchallenged and looped a header into the corner of the net from 12 yards.

The Dons showed no sign of letting Hearts back into the game a second time and Jambos coach Ian Cathro's decision to replace Don Cowie with Bjorn Johnsen sparked a crescendo of boos.

McGinn, Shinnie and Rooney all missed chances but Aberdeen's narrow lead was enough, and Hearts captain Walker was sent off in the final minute after receiving a second yellow card for a late tackle on Shinnie.