St Mirren 2-2 Hearts: Hosts 'got what they deserved', says Robinson
- Published
Lawrence Shankland had the final say with Hearts' late penalty
St Mirren got what they deserved after surrendering a two-goal lead against Hearts to deal their hopes of a European place a significant blow, said "absolutely gutted" manager Stephen Robinson.
Lawrence Shankland scored a stoppage-time penalty to complete Hearts' comeback and deny St Mirren, who led 2-0 at the break with a close range Joe Shaughnessy effort and a Ryan Strain free-kick.
Josh Ginnelly tapped in for Hearts in the second period, before they had Peter Haring sent off. But Ryan Flynn was penalised for a push on Ginnelly and Shankland scored in the 96th minute.
Hearts, fourth, remain five points off Aberdeen and a point above Hibernian, with St Mirren three points further back, leading a rueful Robinson to say his side "were 30 seconds from being a point behind" the Edinburgh duo.
Third place will secure group stage football in either the Europa or Conference League if treble-chasing Celtic win the Scottish Cup, with both the fourth and fifth-placed teams in the Premiership entering the Conference League qualifiers.
Toby Sibbick's superb block averted Alex Greive's attempts to score from a promising position and a further St Mirren attack resulted in a disallowed goal, Alex Gogic netting at a free-kick after Greive was flagged.
St Mirren's more physical approach continued to have an impact with Kye Rowles forced into a goal-line clearance following Curtis Main's header.
And, from the resulting corner, the Paisley side pounced. Scott Tanser's delivery went high on to the head of Gogic and Shaughnessy added the finishing touch.
Greive then played in Main on the right-hand side but he could not get the better of Zander Clark.
The hosts got the reward for their continued pressure after Mark O'Hara won a free-kick on the left-hand side. Strain placed the ball perfectly over the wall and into the net at the near post.
Haring felt he was pushed by O'Hara at a corner after the break but Hearts' penalty appeal was rejected.
At the other end, Strain tested Clark from wide on the left and the goalkeeper then reacted to a Greg Kiltie header at point blank range.
Hearts needed a jolt and half-time substitute Nathaniel Atkinson's determined run and cross from the right was finished off by Ginnelly in the six-yard box.
But just when it looked like the visitors had roused themselves, Haring saw red. The midfielder slid in to send the cantering O'Hara spiralling and referee David Dickinson was in no doubt dismissal was the correct punishment.
Substitute Thierry Small tested Clark late on and the save proved crucial.
Ginnelly chased a long ball into the inside right channel and was heading away from goal when he was shoved by Flynn. Spot-kick was the call and Shankland converted for his 26th goal of the season.
Player of the match - Zander Clark
The goalkeeper (far right) kept Hearts in the contest with some fine saves
A day to rue for St Mirren - analysis
St Mirren's season has already been a success by virtue of finishing in the top half but European qualification may now be a forlorn hope.
For 70 or so minutes, they looked on course for the three points and though the Ginnelly goal came and went, they should have had enough to get over the line.
Hearts struggled for long spells but the half-time introduction of Atkinson proved crucial and Ginnelly's presence in attack always gave them a chance.
Two of their final three fixtures are at home with Aberdeen travelling to Edinburgh next weekend, keeping the race for third place alive.
What the managers said
St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson: "We were brilliant in the first half, excellent, and we had enough experience on the pitch to see us through.
"We got what we deserved probably in the second half. It looked a penalty to me, an unnecessary one."
Hearts interim manager Steven Naismith: "The first half isn't good enough but I leave here with hope. We've lacked consistency in terms of decision making.
"The sending off, I think it's rightly a foul and it could be a caution but it's not reckless. It's calculated to stop the game. There's not been any malice."
What's next?
St Mirren visit Celtic Park next Saturday (15:00 BST), with Hearts at home to Aberdeen earlier that day (12:30).