Aberdeen stung by Lawrence Shankland as Hearts hero sinks old team in race for Euro golden ticket – 3 talking points

Beyonce was in town but the Tynecastle faithful were left more “crazy in love” with captain Lawrence Shankland - after he fired Hearts firmly into the fight for third place.

It was a must-win for the Jambos and they did exactly that as they came from behind to claim this vital win. Mattie Pollock had put Aberdeen ahead but a brilliant solo hit from Josh Ginnelly levelled and allowed Shankland to steal the glory. Beyonce was playing at Murrayfield hence the reason this kick-off was moved forward. It was 'Shanks' who had the Jambos singing from the rooftops as he took centre stage with his 27th goal of the season.

Hearts, as a result, are now two points behind the Dons with two games to go. Stevie Naismith's men will probably need another two big results against Rangers and Hibs, though, to get back into the fight for what could be potentially European football until Christmas, if Celtic win the Scottish Cup. As for the Dons, they will be left licking their wounds. They could have all but wrapped up third but now they must take care of St Mirren and then see if their final day trip to Celtic comes into play.

It had been more than four months since the Dons had taken that sore 5-0 defeat in Gorgie near the end of Jim Goodwin’s time in charge. Quite a lot has changed in that time.

Goodwin’s team had gone into the World Cup break in third but the post collapse left the Dons 10 points behind the Jambos. Robson, initially, came in as interim boss but such was the turnaround fortunes in both clubs that Aberdeen came into this game clear in third, while Hearts had also swapped Robbie Neilson for Naismith in a bid to turn the tide back .

Hearts knew they needed the win and went for it. Kelle Roos had to get down to hold a low