Hearts of Midlothian move nine points clear of Celtic in first position after win vs Rangers

Image credit: Hearts of Midlothian FC

Hearts of Midlothian took on Rangers this afternoon, in a match that was crucial for both sides. Hearts were looking to extend their gap at the top of the Scottish Premiership, while Rangers looked to go level on points with second-place Celtic.

10 minutes into the game, Rangers thought that they had taken the lead; however, the goal was disallowed due to offside. It was a bright start from the away team, who were looking to win away from home against the league leaders.

With 38 minutes played, the deadlock was broken. The home side had taken the lead through 30-year-old Stuart Findlay. The former Kilmarnock defender gave his side a crucial lead, with less than seven minutes left to play in the first 45 minutes.

But Hearts were not finished with their first-half goals as the league's leading goalscorer, Lawrence Shankland, scored his ninth of the league campaign and doubled his team's lead.

In the second half, deep into added-time, Rangers scored a consolation goal through Chermiti, but his late strike was not enough to rescue a point for Danny Röhl's team.

A 2-1 home win against Rangers sees Hearts sit top of the Scottish Premiership by nine points.

Celtic are facing Aberdeen today, so the gap could be reduced come this evening if the defending champions pick up a result at home.