O’Connor header wins it for Dons on historic day for Hearts

Anthony O’Connor’s second-half header all-but sealed second spot in the Ladbrokes Premiership for Aberdeen as Hearts brought the curtain down on 103 years of history with a 2-1 defeat yesterday.

The substitute restored Aberdeen’s nine-point lead over Rangers with three games left, and their 23-goal advantage means it would take a freak set of results for them to be caught.

Adam Rooney had netted his 20th goal of the season in the first half and O’Connor responded instantly after Isma Goncalves levelled in front of 16,522 fans, who witnessed the final match in front of Tynecastle’s Archibald Leitch-designed main stand.

The structure was opened with a 2-0 victory over Celtic on August 15, 1914. But its final game before a new £12 million stand is developed in its place was further evidence that there is much rebuilding to do on the pitch as well as off it over the summer.

Hearts had plenty of incentive outside of marking the historic occasion – they have a six-point gap on St Johnstone to close if they are to make the Europa League qualifiers.

But Aberdeen, who were missing injured skipper Ryan Jack, were sharper and more intense in their play as Hearts – who had captain Walker sent off in the final minute after receiving a second yellow card for a late tackle on Graeme Shinnie – toiled in the Edinburgh sunshine.

Meanwhile Inverness staved off relegation for at least another week with a 2-1 win over Hamilton on Saturday.

First-half goals from Brad McKay and Greg Tansey earned the home side a comfortable victory against poor opposition, who only seriously threatened when Danny Redmond scored with the last kick of the game.

Christopher Routis hit the only goal at Fir Park as Ross County took a massive step towards safety with a 1-0 win against Motherwell.

Adam Rooney’s goal against Hearts was his 20th of the season.