Leaders Hearts remain six points in front as they were beaten for only the third time in the Premiership this season, with Miguel Freckleton’s 88th-minute header ending a poor run of form for St Mirren.
Since winning the League Cup in December, Stephen Robinson’s side have slipped down the table but the hosts were worthy winners as Hearts were reduced to 10 men for the third time in five league outings.
Hearts captain Craig Halkett was ordered off on the half hour for bringing down Jacob Devaney as the last man.
It looked like the visitors would escape with a point until Freckleton powered in a header from a late corner.
Hearts had endured a first-half of their nightmares. The only thing that was missing was a home goal.
Outfought all over the pitch, toothless in attack and calamitous at the back. It was not a performance we’ve seen from Hearts this season.
St Mirren hit the bar, Alexander Schwolow was forced into a few flying saves, and then Halkett went for an early shower for chopping down Devaney after Stuart Findlay lost the ball at the back.
Alex Gogic hit the post and Marcus Fraser powered in a header, but it was ruled out for offside. Harry Milne caught Jayden Richardson and Steven McLean gave a penalty. It was overturned, with the challenge occurring outside the box.
Somehow, the score remained level. Hearts were on the ropes, but not floored. Punchdrunk, but not on the canvas.
The second-half was a tighter affair, but Schwolow was called upon to produce a wonder-save that matched Craig Gordon’s at Dundee a few weeks ago. This time, it was Mikael Mandron who could find no way through from close range.
It seemed Hearts’ resolve would hold until Declan John whipped an inviting corner to the front post and Freckleton rose highest to thump his header home.
With games to be played on Wednesday night, Celtic and Rangers know they have a chance to narrow the gap to three points against Aberdeen and Kilmarnock respectively. It’s quite the carrot.
St Mirren pull themselves seven points away from the relegation play-off place, leaping up to ninth after a first win in eight.
