Clarkson stuns Hearts with injury-time winner

Leighton Clarkson netted two minutes into injury time to secure a 2-1 victory for struggling Aberdeen over Hearts at rain-soaked Pittodrie.

The goal followed a breakaway move down the right when Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes latched on to a ball from inside the Aberdeen half. He drove towards the Beach End byline before sending a low ball across the box.

Blackburn-born Clarkson was lurking at the far post an made no mistake from close in to spark celebrations in the home side’s dugout and in the stands at Pittodrie.

Records indicate that Aberdeen have won their last eight home games against Hearts who now travel to Celtic next Saturday following their narrow home defeat in midweek to the other half of the Old Firm.

The much-needed three points lifted some of the pressure from Dons’ boss Barry Robson and increased the heat on his opposite number, Steven Naismith, who has suffered back-to-back defeats in three days.

Earlier, Hearts started strongly, forcing Aberdeen back, and it looked promising for The Men in Maroon when Lawrence Shankland nodded home an Alex Cochrane corner after 20 minutes.

The home fans became restless as Aberdeen have previously won only three of their 14 games in the cinch Premiership, but the Aberdeen picked up their play and responded positively.

They levelled when Jamie McGrath fed Bojan Miovski with a prod from inside the Hearts penalty box and the highly-rated striker made no mistake to claim his 12th of the season.

Substitute Duk came off the bench and made a difference and his pace left Kye Rowles (pictured) at a critical moment to give him space to cross for the game-winner and take Aberdeen to ninth spot in the 12-strong table with only their second home win of the campaign.

The defeat drops Hearts from third to fifth in the table and Hibs climb to fourth with 24 points thanks to their 1-0 victory at bottom club Livingston courtesy of a Martin Boyle counter after 28 minutes and St Mirren are in third on 25 points following their 2-0 home win over Ross County.