Aberdeen snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Hearts at Pittodrie, scoring twice in stoppage time after trailing for most of the match. Lewis Mayo equalised in the 90th minute, and Kevin Nisbet converted a penalty deep into added time after Stuart Findlay was sent off.
Hearts' Miserable Summer Continues
Hearts, under new manager Wouter Vrancken, looked set for a much-needed win after a turbulent few months. Oisin McEntee's first-half goal had put them ahead, and they seemed to be closing out their first victory at Pittodrie in over a decade. However, the late collapse extended their winless run at the ground to 15 visits.
This was Vrancken's third consecutive defeat since replacing Derek McInnes in June. He made five changes to the side that lost to Sturm Graz in the Champions League qualifier on Wednesday, handing debuts to goalkeeper Beau Reus and Laurent Mendy.
Controversy and Protest from Hearts Fans
The 1,600-strong travelling support made their feelings known, singing anti-SFA songs in protest at contentious officiating in the closing matches of last season, where Hearts narrowly missed out on the title to Celtic. There was also trepidation about facing Aberdeen at Pittodrie, where Hearts had not won in their previous 14 visits.
Hearts took the lead in the 35th minute after a scramble in the penalty area. Ba-Sy's cutback from the left found Blair Spittal, whose shot was blocked by Nesta Guinness-Walker. Dan Happe's clearance fell to McEntee, who slotted home from seven yards.
Aberdeen's Dramatic Comeback
Aberdeen levelled in the 90th minute when Mayo bundled in from close range after Happe headed Ronan's free-kick back into the danger area. The turnaround was completed in stoppage time when Toyosi Olusanya was hauled down by Findlay, who saw red, and Nisbet calmly dispatched the penalty.
Elsewhere, Motherwell beat Hibernian 2-1 at Easter Road thanks to Ibrahim Said's late winner in the 85th minute. Said finished off a counter-attack to secure the victory. The match saw penalties at both ends, with Oscar Priestman winning and conceding one. Lukas Fadinger put Motherwell ahead before Martin Boyle equalised for Hibs in the 56th minute.
St Johnstone Edge Seven-Goal Thriller
St Johnstone came from behind twice to beat Kilmarnock 4-3 in a pulsating match. Josh Fowler gave the home side a 16th-minute lead, but Greg Kiltie equalised. Cheick Diabate's header restored the lead, but two quick goals from Joe Hugill and an own goal by Jason Holt put Kilmarnock ahead. Michael Schjønning-Larsen then scored an own goal, and Kai Fotheringham grabbed the winner.
"That was a test of character," said St Johnstone manager Valakari, whose side won the Championship last season. "Would we be this team who plays nice football in the Premiership but concedes goals and loses?"
St Mirren's Promising Start
St Mirren manager Craig McLeish praised his team's 2-0 win at Falkirk, with Killian Phillips scoring both goals. "I thought the performance was excellent and if we can build on that we can go and achieve something as a group," McLeish said. "We got the result our performance deserved."
