A sensational winner from Darren Jackson seven minutes from time gave Hearts a vital 2-1 win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

The Dons, whose fortunes have changed dramatically in the second half of the season after a torrid start, are nonetheless still rooted at the bottom of the table.

Appearances in two Cup finals will not take away the sting of relegation should Ebbe Skovdahl's men drop at season's end.

They had taken a lead with a first half goal from Arild Stavrum, but in a late second-half comeback Gary Wales equalised in the 80th minute with Jackson's winner coming three minutes later.

The victory gives Hearts a boost in their quest for a European place next season whilst Aberdeen remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

It was a slow start to the game with both sides taking time to get settled. Three offside decisions in the first three minutes showed at least both defences were concentrating on their jobs

Stephane Adam had the game's first effort on goal in the fifth minute but the Frenchman's 20-yard shot trundled harmlessly past Leighton's right-hand post.

Most of the play in the early stages was confined to the midfield area with both sides struggling to create any openings, but it was Stavrum who gave Aberdeen an unlikely lead in the 13th minute.

The Norwegian striker shrugged off Gary Naysmith eight yards out, turned and slotted the ball into the net.

Aberdeen forced the first corner of the game in the five minutes later but Cato Guntveit headed high over the bar from Eion Jess' cross.

Adam was trying hard to break down the Dons defence but all too often found himself outnumbered and receiving little help from his team-mates.

Naysmith looked to have worked a good opening on the Dons left-hand side but his poor cross was easily cut out by Aberdeen defender Thomas Solberg.

Minutes later Lee Makal tried his luck from 30 yards but the Hearts midfielder shot sailed over the bar.

As the first half wore on it was clear defences were having the better of it as both sets of forwards struggled to make an impression.

Hearts started the second half in determined fashion and soon had Aberdeen pressed back into their own area.

But the Edinburgh's side final pass usually went astray with Adam the biggest culprit.

The Frenchman had several chances weighed on the right but always failed to find a team-mate.

Aberdeen defender Derek Whyte found himself in the book for blatant handball in the centre circle whilst attempting to stop a Hearts break.

But still the game refused to burst into life and both keepers were able to enjoy the match untroubled.

In the 68th minute Jess tried his luck with a 30-yard shot but his effort was well wide of the target.

But the game turned on its head in the 80th minute. Wales was sent crashing to the ground at the edge of the box by Dons defender Jamie McAllister, who was booked for his trouble.

And from the resultant free-kick it was Wales himself who was in the end of Makal's cross to head past Leighton from six yards.

Three minutes later the Edinburgh men took the lead in sensational fashion.

Darren Jackson picked up a loose ball and from the edge of the box lashed in an unstoppable shot past Leighton.

Aberdeen were clearly shocked as Hearts began to dominate.

In a desperate attempt to equalise Aberdeen threw all their men forward and Stavrum came close in the last minute with a 20-yard shot but the visitors were relieved to see it fly narrowly past the post

Teams:

Aberdeen: Leighton, McAllister, Solberg, Whyte, Anderson, Dow (Zerouali 64), Guntveit, Bernard (Belabed 42), Mayer (Lilley 87), Jess, Stavrum.

Subs Not Used: Preece, D. Young.

Booked: Whyte, McAllister, Belabed.

Goals: Stavrum 13.

Hearts: Niemi, Flogel, Petric (Murray 64), Pressley, Naysmith, Jackson, Makel, Simpson (McSwegan 68), Tomaschek, Adam (Severin 79), Wales.

Subs Not Used: McKenzie, Locke.

Goals: Wales 81, Jackson 84.

Att: 12,626

Ref: George Clyde (Scotland).