10-a-side Hearts narrowly defeated a stubborn Dundee side to regain a six-point lead in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Derek McInnes wants to “make every game count” to end the Old Firm’s lead monopoly and Alexander Schwolo was immediately called into action to thwart Billy Koumetio as Dundee looked to extend their lead to four points.
Hearts scored with their first shot on target, but it was not without some frustration for the hosts. Cammy Devlin took a quick free-kick in the build-up, Dundee claimed the ball rolled and Claudio Braga hit the post with a low shot from 20 yards.
As half-time approached, Schwolo brought down Tony Yogane outside the box. The goalkeeper thought he was saved by the offside flag, but the referee was sent to the monitor and showed a red.
Craig Gordon scored his first Hearts goal of the season, immediately denying Dundee. The 43-year-old then made a world-class save in stoppage time to put his title bid back on track.
Gordon shows age is just a number
Craig Gordon came off the bench for his first Hearts appearance of the season.
Just last week, Craig Gordon told Sky Sports he was “very close to getting my chance” and said his red card gave him a chance to prove his worth to league leaders and Scotland head coach Steve Clarke as the World Cup approaches.
Dundee got off to a bright start with Schwarau clearing Kumentio’s header after just two minutes.
But Hearts took control and moved forward when Braga fired a shot from the edge of the box and around the post.
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Claudio Braga scores from controversial free-kick position for Hearts against Dundee
The goal came from two simple forward passes, but Dundee were furious at being allowed to stand after Devlin took the free-kick just a short distance from where the foul occurred.
Schwolo was given a chance to get back into the game by bringing down Yogne on the edge of the box, but referee Ryan Lee sent off the keeper and Gordon returned to the Hearts line-up for the first time in a while.
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Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Schworrow receives red card against Dundee following VAR review
However, they were unable to add more players – Hurts’ defense remained solid after the break as Gordon made saves from Koumetio and Dray Wright.
Emile Acquah looked certain to equalize with a header in the 94th minute, but Gordon dove to his left and made an incredible save to push the ball to safety.
“One of the best things I’ve ever eaten”
Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon told Sky Sports:
“I think it probably compares to one of the best things I’ve ever experienced.
“It was very important for the team to continue its good run. The three points were very important for us.
“Everyone had to spend a lot of time defending the box in the second half, but yeah, it was a really good save and it was very important towards the end of the game.
“The only thing left to do is prepare. I felt good this past week in training. We had a bounce match that week and played well there, so I felt ready to go into the game.”
“It’s not quite the same since we went into the game, but I felt really good coming into the game and I’m grateful that we were able to keep a clean sheet in the second half.
“We move on to the next game and we need to keep winning these games, which are difficult games at home.
“They have a really good record so sometimes we need to win 1-0 to get here.
