GORD SAVED YOU
Jambos go 15 points clear at top but Dens gaffer insists...
James McPake handed Craig Gordon the credit for sending Hearts 15 points clear at the top of the Championship with his late double save.
The keeper made key blocks with his legs from Osman Sow and Jonathan Afolabi as the Jambos edged past Dundee.
The Dens men were pushing for an equaliser at the time after fal l ing 2- 0 behind to Andy Halliday’s header and Armand Gnanduillet’s fortunate finish.
Jason Cummings’ penalty got the Dark Blues back in it and only those two late blocks from Gordon denied them a point.
Dundee gaffer McPake said: “They have their goalkeeper to thank for getting them the full three points.
“He’s a top-class goalkeeper and made big saves at big moments of the game. Sometimes you hold your hands up.”
McPake also reckons rival gaffer Robbie Neilson can see into the future after he predicted that Peter Haring’s injury- time red card will be rescinded.
The Austrian ace had only been on the pitch a few minutes when he was sent packing for a studs-up challenge on Declan McDaid.
McPake was asked about the sending-off and said: “I’ve seen it back but not from a great angle.
“I’d like to see it again. My player is fine so it makes no difference to me what happens now.
“It was late in the game anyway. And Robbie is already out shouting ‘It’ll be rescinded’ so obviously he can see into the future.”
Neilson reckons Hearts could appeal Haring’s red card but admits he will have to watch the incident again.
He said: “I thought it was a yellow right away at the time. The ref has a different angle and has got the red out.
“I haven’t seen it but I will have a look at it and make a decision on whether or not to appeal.
“It’s tough for Peter in that he’s just come back into the team and he’s got a red card.
“He’s working away to get fit and get back in the team. He gets a chance then gets sent off and, potentially, suspended.”
Hal liday was inches from opening the scoring for Hearts after an even start. His curling effort arched over Jack Hamilton but clipped the far post.
The breakthrough came just after and Halliday was on target this time, meeting Gnanduillet’s cross from the right to head beyond Hamilton.
Home keeper Gordon saw Paul McGowan’s dipping volley crash off the bar before Danny Mullen headed the rebound over.
It was GMS for glaring missed sitter rather than Gary MackaySteven when the Hearts man somehow fai led to net after Gnanduillet set him up for a tap in, sending a weak effort into Hamilton’s arms when it looked easier to score.
Liam Boyce thought he had moments later after a great touch to set him up from Halliday but he smacked the bar.
Mackay-Steven made amends with an assist for the second. There was an element of fortune about Gnanduillet’s finish as his effort was saved by Hamilton but came back out to bounce in off him.
Dundee got back in it after Mihai Popescu wiped out Max Anderson in the box and Cummings fired the penalty past the former Celtic keeper.
Gordon spilled a Cummings drive but smothered the rebound from Sow before his late double save and Haring’s red card.