St Mirren Shock Leaders Hearts To Open Door For Celtic And Rangers | OneFootball

By Callum McFadden at St Mirren Park.

St Mirren dealt a potential blow to Hearts’ grip on the Scottish Premiership summit with a hard-fought 1–0 victory at the SMiSA Stadium, a result that could increase the pressure with Celtic and Rangers both due to play tomorrow evening.

The opening twenty-five minutes were scrappy and disjointed, with the league leaders struggling to impose themselves. Hearts’ best opportunity came early on when Alexandros Kyziridis fired a tame effort straight at Shamal George. At the other end, St Mirren tested Alexander Schwolow twice in quick succession –  first forcing the goalkeeper into a save from Mikael Mandron before Alex Gogic’s looping cross was tipped over the bar.

The game’s defining moment arrived in the twenty-ninth minute. Hearts captain Craig Halkett was shown a straight red card after bringing down Manchester United loanee Jacob Devaney on the edge of the penalty area, denying him a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Killian Phillips took the resulting free kick, but Schwolow reacted sharply to push it clear.

Despite being reduced to ten men, Hearts’ defence remained resolute after the restart, soaking up sustained pressure as St Mirren probed for an opening. Schwolow was repeatedly called into action, but the breakthrough finally came in the closing five minutes. Miguel Freckleton rose highest to head home from close range, sealing a crucial three points for the hosts.

The victory lifts St Mirren up to ninth place in the Premiership table. Hearts remain top for now, but with Celtic and Rangers holding a game in hand, the pressure at the summit could be beginning to mount for Derek McInnes and his side.