Hearts have stormed to the SPFL Championship title with seven games to spare. Here are five matches that were instrumental in their successful campaign.
Aug 10: Rangers 1 Hearts 2
Hearts were 4/1 with some bookies before the first game of the season to win the title and they started in spectacular fashion with a win at Ibrox. A Danny Wilson goal looked set to hand Hearts the win until Nicky Law equalised in the last minute. However, Osman Sow netted deep into injury time. It set the tone for both clubs' seasons.
Oct 26: Hibs 1 Hearts 1
Hearts had already beaten their city rivals at Tynecastle, but they seemed certain to lose their unbeaten record at Easter Road after Dominique Malonga's first-half effort, before Callum Paterson was sent off for a wild lunge. But deep into injury time, Alim Ozturk rifled in an outrageous 40 yard shot that soared into the net.
Nov 22: Hearts 2 Rangers 0
Rangers were the better team at Tynecastle until Stevie Smith was sent off for a first half reckless challenge on Callum Paterson which turned a bad-tempered game in favour of the hosts. Jason Holt gave the home side the lead before Jamie Walker sealed the win with a late penalty. It sent Hearts into a nine-points lead at the top of the league.
Jan 31: Alloa 1 Hearts 4
Hearts were under some pressure after surrendering their unbeaten league record the week before to Falkirk and faced an Alloa side who had beaten both Rangers and Hibs at their Indodrill Stadium already in the Cup and league. But goals from Miguel Pallardo, James Keatings, Jamie Walker and Callum Paterson sent them 16 points clear.
Feb 21: Queen of the South 1 Hearts 2
Hearts boss Robbie Neilson admitted after the game: "This was a huge step towards the title." But Hearts had to show grit to get the three points after going a goal down to a Daniel Carmichael strike. Billy King levelled matters and Genero Zeefuik grabbed a late winner at Palmerston Park to send Heart 20 points clear at the top.
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