Chesnokov strikes on half time as Hearts stay top | OneFootball

Hearts beat Falkirk 1-0 at Tynecastle Park as Islam Chesnokov's goal on the stroke of half time kept the leaders top of the Scottish Premiership.

Chesnokov settled it in the 45th minute, sweeping a left-footed effort from the centre of the box past Scott Bain after sustained home pressure.

After the restart, Cláudio Braga was denied from close range by Bain, who later tipped Alexandros Kyziridis' long-range strike away in second half stoppage time.

The Bairns lost Kyrell Wilson to injury shortly after the break and turned to the bench midway through the half, but their reshuffle couldn't prise open a well-set Hearts defence.

Five minutes were added as the visitors pushed late, with the league leaders holding firm to close it out.

Hearts finished with 17 attempts and eight corners. The Bairns mustered eight attempts, two on target, and made 34 clearances.

Next, Hearts host Aberdeen. The Bairns host Kilmarnock.