Jambos stage a late recovery to keep dreams of staying up alive

CRAIG Halkett’s late header salvaged a point for Hearts in a 2-2 draw with Hamilton in the battle of the bottom two at Tynecastle.

Marios Ogkmpoe put Accies two ahead early in the game before Jamie Hamilton was sent off for a deliberate handball just outside his box.

Hearts got one back early in the second half through Jamie Walker and, after relentless pressure, drew level three minutes from time.

The visitors made a terrific start and were two goals to the good within 16 minutes, with Ogkmpoe scoring them both.

Hearts looked up against it but were given a lifeline just four minutes later when Hamilton were reduced to 10 men as their namesake defender picked up his third red card of the season.

Early in the second period, Steven Naismith played in Walker and he finished calmly under the keeper to make it 2-1.

Just as time appeared to be running out, Conor Washington crossed for Halkett to draw Hearts level with a close-range header that keeps his side within a point of Accies.

Elsewhere, Billy McKay’s lastgasp equaliser rescued a point for Ross County as they claimed a 1-1 draw with St Johnstone.

Steve May’s sixth goal of the season since returning to Saints in the summer looked like pushing the Staggies nearer to the drop zone.

But a dramatic late leveller from McKay in the fourth minute of stoppage time rescued a point for the hosts.

The day’s other game between Motherwell and St Mirren was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Fir Park.