Craig Halkett’s first-half red card proved costly for the Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts as they lost 1-0 at St Mirren after a late header from Miguel Freckleton. The centre-back was dismissed in the 29th minute for denying the Saints debutant Jacob Devaney a goalscoring opportunity.
It was the third time in five league games that Hearts had been reduced to 10 men. Unlike the previous two occasions, however, they were unable to grind out a result in Paisley as Freckleton’s 88th-minute header consigned them to a third defeat of the season. The result leaves Hearts six points ahead of Celtic and Rangers, both of whom play their games in hand on Wednesday.
Stephen Robinson, the St Mirren manager, made five changes to the side that started the 0-0 draw with Dundee on Saturday, including handing a debut to the on-loan Manchester United midfielder Devaney.
There were two changes to the Hearts team from the 3-0 win at Dundee United as Michael Steinwender and Beni Baningime came in for Jordi Altena and Tomas Magnusson.
Saints had a decent chance in the third minute but Alex Gogic headed over from Declan John’s free-kick. At the other end, Alexandros Kyziridis saw a shot from the edge of the box easily saved by Shamal George. It proved to be the visitors’ only notable attempt of the first half.
