Hearts manager Robbie Neilson pleased with fightback against St Johnstone

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson hailed his team's "fighting spirit" after they came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home to St Johnstone on the final day of the season.

Saints appeared to be on course for their fifth straight victory in the league when Liam Craig opened the scoring from the penalty spot, shortly before Graham Cummins added a second for the visitors.

However, Hearts fought back before the break and equalised through an Arnaud Djoum header and an own goal from Joe Shaughnessy.

Hearts striker Abiola Dauda was then sent off for a reckless challenge on the hour mark but Neilson's side managed to hold on to a well-earned point with 10 men.

"We showed good spirit, we came back from two body blows to get back into the game and then we got Abi sent off," said Neilson.

"You always want to finish the season with a win but to finish it in that manner was good because it showed the fighting spirit of the team."

Neilson disagreed with referee Greg Aitken's decision to send Dauda off for a foul on Craig, which sparked an angry reaction from St Johnstone's players and coaching staff.

"I'm disappointed in it, I think the reaction of the players was what made it a sending off," said the Hearts boss.

"I've watched it and he actually stands on the back of his foot. It's not intentional and it's the ruckus after that makes the referee react.

"It's his last game as he's going back to Vitesse. It's not the way he wanted it to end but it's no fault of his own. He was trying to track back and stands on the boy's foot and it's the reaction."

However, St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright was in no doubt that Aitken made the correct call.

"I was furious. It was an absolutely horrible challenge," he said. "They can have no complaints about it. The reaction of our players to his challenge told its own story.

"It was a disgraceful challenge and it's something that should not be in the game. I was pleased we kept our discipline. I think the referee had a good game, although Robbie will probably disagree.

"I thought he [Aitken] only got one decision wrong all game and that was when Graham Cummins should have had a penalty when Perry Kitchen clearly pushed him.

"It's a brave referee that gives a penalty for a tug in the box but it was the right decision. But it would take an even braver referee to give two penalties here. Tynecastle would have erupted."