Hearts 2-1 Rangers: Shankland caps comeback win against title rivals

Hearts came from behind to defeat Scottish Premiership title rivals Rangers 2-1 at Tynecastle.

Captain Lawrence Shankland was the matchwinner for Hearts, who move three points clear of second-place Celtic at the summit and seven ahead of third-place Rangers.

Hearts missed a golden opportunity to take the lead early on, with Craig Halkett heading over from Marc Leonard’s cross, though Tochi Chukwuani missed an even better chance for the visitors in the 18th minute as he failed to hit the target from inside the six-yard box.

Rangers then took the lead in the 23rd minute through Dujon Sterling, with the full-back’s deflected volley from James Tavernier’s long throw giving Danny Rohl’s side the advantage at half-time.

However, Hearts were level early in the second half through Stephen Kingsley.

Alexandros Kyziridis’s initial curler came back off the post, but Kingsley reacted quickly to guide the rebound home.

Kingsley also played a crucial role in Hearts’ 71st-minute winner, keeping the attack alive down the left wing before his cut-back found its way to Shankland, who caught Jack Butland out with a first-time finish at the near post.

Rangers pushed for a leveller and almost found one through substitute Thelo Aasgaard, but his header crashed against the crossbar as Hearts held on for a vital victory in their title pursuit.