Ten-man Hearts now hold a six-point lead in the Scottish Premiership title race with a narrow win over stubborn Dundee.
Derek McInnes wanted to make “every game count” in his bid to end the Old Firm’s dominance at the top and as Dundee looked to extend their win to four points, Alexander Schwolow acted quickly to deny Billy Koumetio.
Hearts scored with their first shot, but not without frustration from the hosts. Claudio Braga fired low off the post 20 yards out as Dundee claimed the ball was rolling as Cammy Devlin took a quick free-kick in the build-up.
Schwolow brought down Tony Yogane outside the box as half-time approached. The goalkeeper thought he had been saved by an offside flag, but the referee showed him red after being sent to the monitor.
Craig Gordon took his place in the Hearts goal for the first time this season and immediately denied Dundee. The 43-year-old made a world-class save in the closing minutes to keep his title charge on track.
Gordon says age is just a number
Craig Gordon (R) made a stunning stoppage-time save.
“He’s gone one step further in getting his chance,” Craig Gordon told Sky Sports last week. The red card gave him a chance to prove his worth to league leaders and Scotland manager Steve Clarke as the World Cup approaches.
Dundee started brightly as Schwolow cleared Koumentio’s header after two minutes.
However, Hearts took the lead and went forward when Braga slotted a goal through the post from the edge of the box.
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Claudio Braga scores for Hearts against Dundee after a controversial free-kick position.
The goals came from two simple forward passes, but Dundee were allowed to stand after Devlin took a free-kick just wide of where the foul occurred.
Schwolow was given a chance to get back into the game when he brought out Yogane on the edge of the box, referee Ryan Lee sent off the goalkeeper and Gordon returned to the Hearts line-up after a long absence.
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Hearts goalkeeper Alexander Svolo received a red card after a VAR review against Dundee.
However, they were unable to increase the number of additional players. Hearts’ defense held firm after the break as Gordon saved from Koumetio and Drey Wright.
In the 94th minute, it looked like Emile Acquah would head home a shot, but Gordon jumped to his left and made an incredible save to push the ball to safety.
