CODE RED FOR HEARTS

CRAIG HALKETT'S first-half red card proved costly for Premiership leaders Hearts as they succumbed to St Mirren following a late header from Miguel Freckleton.

- BY ANTHONY BROWN

CRAIG HALKETT'S first-half red card proved costly for Premiership leaders Hearts as they succumbed to St Mirren following a late header from Miguel Freckleton.

The centre-back was dismissed in the 29th minute for denying Saints debutant Jacob Devaney a goalscoring opportunity.

It was the third time in five league games the Jambos had been reduced to 10 men. Unlike the previous two occasions, they were unable to grind out a result in Paisley as Freckleton's 88th-minute effort 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 tonight.

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 would prove to the be the visitors' only notable attempt of the first half.

Hearts keeper Alexander Schwolow had to make a good save from Mikael Mandron before on-loan Manchester United midfielder Devaney's cross from the right struck the top of the crossbar.