HEARTS rode their luck big-style as they overcame NINE-MAN Hibs 2-1 at Easter Road to remain three points ahead of Celtic with four games to go in the title race.
Derek McInnes’ side went a goal down in the seventh minute when Martin Boyle walloped a Jamie McGrath left-wing free-kick past Alexander Shalalow from close range.
Seven minutes later, the home side’s keeper Raphael Sallinger was red-carded for handling the ball just outside his penalty box.
David Gray was forced to take off Nicky Cadden and put on substitute shotstopper Jordan Smith.
WHISTLE-STOP…Hibs boss David Gray watches from the touchline.
And it didn’t get any better for Hibs when Felix Passlack picked up a second yellow card three minutes into the second-half to leave them two men short.
Dame Fortune continued to smile on the Tynecastle side in the 65th minute when Warren O’Hora deflected a low right-wing cross into his own net to present them with an equaliser.
In the 87th minute, Blair Spittal got what proved to be the winner with a 20-yard drive that took a touch off Rocky Bashira on its way past Smith.
McInnes’ team now play Danny Rohl’s Ibrox outfit – beaten 3-2 by Motherwell at Ibrox earlier in the day – a week tomorrow, 24 hours after the Hoops play at Easter Road.
This weekend’s action leaves Hearts on 73 points, Celtic on 70 and Rangers on 69.
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