A Steven Pressley penalty nine minutes from time handed Hearts all three points at the expense of a spirited Aberdeen side at Tynecastle.

The Jambos, who had two earlier claims for a spot-kick denied by referee Stuart Dougal, dominated for long spells and fully merited their win.

The Dons had frustrated them but all their good work was undone late in the game when Alexander Diamond tripped Mark de Vries inside the area.

The home side survived an early scare when, after only three minutes, midfielder Robert Sloan needlessly surrendered possession to Heikkinen mid-way inside his own half.

The Finn slickly played the ball out to Leigh Hinds, who bolted towards the edge of the area, but his low shot flashed wide.

Hearts fought back and created a wonderful chance for Joe Hamill soon after, but the youngster could not provide a finish for Phil Stamp's clearly pre-rehearsed free-kick.

The lively Hamill then picked out de Vries with a deep cross, but the Dutchman - despite being unmarked - headed into the ground and over the bar.

Referee Stuart Dougal was needed in the 22nd minute when he had to decide if Partick Kisnorbo has tripped Paul Sheerin inside the area.

However, the Aberdeen man had never looked in full control of the ball when he had it at his feet, playing a major part in the official's decision to wave play on.

Neither goalkeeper had been seriously tested throughout the first half, although that changed with six minutes left when David Preece had to dive and smother Stamp's close-range header.

The goalkeeper saw the ball very late, as it broke through a ruck of players, but showed impressive agility to drop down on top of the ball and snuff out the danger.

Moments later the home side were incensed when Dougal appeared to change his mind after pointing towards the spot in reaction to Kevin McNaughton's foul on Hartley.

The Hearts fans began to celebrate the award of a penalty until they realised the official was telling their player to get to his feet.

The Jambos made a half-time change, replacing Alan Maybury with young defender Robbie Neilson.

Dougal was the centre of attention again, in the 58th minute, when he denied Hearts another penalty shout.

McNaughton appeared to bundle de Vries to the floor but the referee, who had a clear view of the incident, again dismissed Hearts' claims.

Craig Levein made a tactical change in the 65th minute when he withdrew midfielder Hamill and brought on an additional striker, Andy Kirk, to play alongside de Vries and Dennis Wyness.

It was a case of third time lucky for the Tynecastle men when, with nine minutes left to play, Dougal finally awarded a penalty.

There was no doubt this time, however, after Diamond whipped the feet from de Vries as he went for Stamp's cross inside the penalty box.

Captain Pressley assumed the responsibility and executed a perfect shot into the left-hand corner.

Teams

Hearts Gordon, Maybury (Neilson 45), Pressley, Webster, Stamp, de Vries, Wyness (MacFarlane 72), Hartley, Kisnorbo, Sloan, Hamill (Kirk 66).

Subs Not Used: Moilanen, McKenna.

Goals: Pressley 81 pen.

Aberdeen Preece, Anderson, Hinds (Prunty 86), Sheerin, Clark, McNaughton, Zdrilic, Muirhead, Morrison, Diamond, Heikkinen (Foster 89).

Subs Not Used: Esson, McGuire, Souter.

Att: 11,236

Ref: S Dougal (Scotland).