Chesnokov comes to the party as Hearts defeat Falkirk to go five points clear in gripping title race

Hearts 1 Falkirk 0
Islam Chesnokov had the look of a guy ready for the hook as this high-stakes nailbiter entered the final minute of the first half goalless.

Almost nothing had gone right for him. The pressure was building. He’d been struggling to beat his man down the right. At times, his control was way off. Referee Duncan Nicholson had even allowed Falkirk to keep the game rolling at one point by taking a free-kick while he was down with what looked like a head knock.

And, then, in one remarkable instant, everything changed.

Harry Milne plays a ball inside that Alexandros Kyziridis, previously quiet and a little out-of-sorts too, takes in one fluid movement before surging into the area. His reverse pass is just exquisite and it’s down to Chesnokov to do the rest.

Hearts boss Derek McInnes feels the tension as he watches his side go five points clear

There might have been the slightest touch of good fortune involved, but the 26-year-old Kazakh showed quick feet and an adaptable brain in getting in ahead of visiting defender Filip Lissah at the key moment and poking the ball past goalkeeper Scott Bain and into the net.

With that first goal under his belt, Chesnokov looked altogether more assertive after the break, releasing a thunderbolt that caught Lissah flush on the napper and charging forward for another effort that went high into the stand behind the goal. Not quite up to speed. Still catching up after a period of inactivity prior to his arrival. However, better. More involved. More confident.

This might well prove to be a turning point in the early days of his time at Tynecastle. His goal might also serve as a vital intervention in what remains a remarkable charge towards history and a most unexpected title.

That’s ten games to go now in the Premiership and Hearts remain top of the table. Another fixture successfully ticked off. In the build-up to the 33-game split, though, there exists a requirement to look upon Derek McInnes and his side with a more critical, exacting eye.

Matches like this simply must be won if Hearts are going to take the crown. They got there in the end, of course, but chance creation remained a bit of a problem – particularly in the opening 45 – and there’s no question life will be made a little less nerve-wracking if they can get out of the blocks a little faster.

Chesnokov reels away after scoring the only goal in Hearts’ 1-0 win over Falkirk

Within the first four minutes of this one, Falkirk had seen a Brad Spencer shot from a Ben Broggio lay-off go just wide after coming off Barney Stewart and had Kyrell Wilson sting the hands of home goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow with a crisp drive from the edge of the box. Hearts were too open at times in that first half.

Even in the closing stages, they had to survive a Stewart header from close-range that went just over the crossbar as the rearguard briefly lost focus and the entire stadium took a sharp intake of breath.

In the end, it should be said, Hearts could have won by more. Claudio Braga forced a good save from Bain with quarter of an hour to play and Kyziridis then asked questions of the Falkirk No1 with a low drive after cutting inside from the left.

They need to keep the pedal to the mettle, though, and seek to offer just that little bit more than this. They need to lift their levels, find that extra energy.

Looking at their last five games before the league separates the top six from the bottom half-dozen, they really ought to win all of them.

Hearts midfielder Blair Spittal challenges Falkirk captain Coll Donaldson

Aberdeen are next up at Tynecastle and, although they operate on a budget somewhere in the same ballpark as McInnes’ men, they are in a state of some disrepair at the moment as they wait for the managerial situation at Pittodrie to be cleared up.

After that, it’s Kilmarnock and Livingston away and Dundee and Motherwell at home. Hearts have a considerably bigger budget than any of those clubs. They have a bigger and better squad. They have more in terms of infrastructure and support.

Winning every single of those matches is a realistic target and would keep them on top of the table for that five-game dogfight that will settle the spoils. By then, the likes of Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin should be back available.

And with those big talents on the road back, there is absolutely no reason why Hearts can’t come out on top at the end against Celtic and Rangers sides that have very clear weaknesses.

Claudio Braga can’t bear to look as Hearts try to defeat Falkirk at Tynecastle

Yes, Motherwell on matchday 33 does have the look of a tricky affair. They’ve been great this season and can topple anyone in a one-off game. However, the fixture is in Gorgie. It will play out in front of an expectant, sell-out crowd. And, again, if this championship charge is going to end in triumph, silverware and maroon-coloured ribbons, it has the feeling of another must-win.

That’s just the nature of it when you get to this stage in affairs. As wonderful as Hearts have been in keeping this going – and we should all give them thanks for sending a proper rocket up the game in this country – ending this term empty-handed will be a disappointment. It will be a matter of regret in years to come for these players, this manager and the supporters who went through another real rollercoaster of emotion yesterday.

There is nothing like an energised, engaged Tynecastle on a big matchday that matters. It was a pleasure to hear it in full voice at times against John McGlynn’s side.

However, there were nervous moments too. Seeing Stuart Findlay hobble off injured with seven minutes to play after an excellent performance in the heart of the defence is likely to cause a certain anxiety for the next few days until the extent of his issue is diagnosed.

Hearts striker Claudio Braga battles for the ball with Falkirk defender Coll Donaldson

Edouard Ageu was injured in the warm-up here and replaced by Blair Spittal in the line-up. Beni Baningime was out. Craig Gordon was missing from the bench with an injured shoulder.

Two minutes from time, Marc Leonard also went down holding his leg after a crunching tackle. McInnes’ immediate reaction was to hold his head in his hands. That’s how raw the nerves are around the old Jam Tarts right now. How aware everyone is of the consequences of every action, reaction and injury.

Chances are there will be plenty of heads held in hands between now and mid-May. Plenty of games watched through the cracks of fingers.

It’s just brilliant and entrancing and mesmering and fascinating. And it’s only going to become even more so as the chance to fulfil a dream – a fantasy, really – moves closer and closer.