A spectacular strike from Michael Stewart in first-half stoppage time gave Hearts a 1-1 draw at Aberdeen in yesterday's Scottish Premier League encounter.

Barry Nicholson put Aberdeen in front in the 19th minute. He had two attempts before stabbing a six-metre shot into the middle of the net following a powerful run down the right by Jamie Smith.

Hearts made little impact in the first half until Stewart smashed a shot into the top right-hand corner beyond despairing keeper Derek Soutar from the edge of the box.

The two teams failed to create any more chances following the interval.

"We shot ourselves in the foot with the goal just 15 seconds before half-time," Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood said.

"Last week against Dundee United it was the last minute, this time it is 15 seconds before half-time that we gave away a goal in a game we dominated."

Rangers top the table with six points from two games after beating St Mirren 2-0 on Saturday while champions Celtic ran out comfortable 4-1 winners at Falkirk, who had Kenny Milne sent off.