Funso Ojo hit a deserved Aberdeen equaliser to deny Hearts top spot in the Scottish Premiership.
The Pittodrie ace converted sub Dean Campbell’s cross with 18 minutes to go as his side hauled themselves back from the brink at Tynecastle.
Robbie Neilson’s men were destined for the summit of the standings when Liam Boyce rifled a penalty home in the early stages of the second period.
But Stephen Glass ’ troops refused to buckle and showed real courage and drive to climb off the canvas and earn their point.
The draw moved both teams level on points with Hibs at the top and preserved their unbeaten starts to the top-flight campaign.
And defeat would have been harsh on either of them after a pulsating clash in front of over 17,000 at a raucous Tynecastle.
It was feisty and on the edge, even beyond the final whistle as arguments continued to rage in the centre circle post match amongst players and staff to typify the fierce nature of the occasion.
The place was absolutely rocking and the atmosphere created by both sets of fans meant there was more bite than quality action in the first period.
Hearts probably had just the best of it, yet it was their keeper who had to make the only real save of that 45 minutes as Aberdeen created the one glorious opportunity.
A sweeping move which saw Lewis Ferguson spring Christian Ramirez clear on goal and the striker forced a strong save out of Craig Gordon in the one-on-joust.
Jay Emmanuel Thomas was pressed into action from the bench before the break as the Dons lost Connor McLennan to injury and Jonny Hayes also didn’t appear for the restart with Dean Campbell taking over and going to left back.
Reshuffles didn’t help and there was more confusion which almost gifted Hearts when Joe Lewis failed to collect Scott Brown’s mishit clearance which looped into the sky.
Gary Mackay Steven was presented with a golden chance, but he missed the target.
However, the ex-Don’s next involvement won the hosts a spot-kick.
MacKay Steven was going nowhere at the corner of the box when Declan Gallagher needlessly nudged him over.
Referee Bobby Madden had little option to point to the spot and Boyce rifled home straight down the middle from 12 yards.
Aberdeen tried to respond with Craig Halkett’s clearance stopping Ramirez from getting on the end of a drilled Calvin Ramsay centre.
Ross McCrorie did the same at the other end to deny Andy Halliday soon afterwards and that was vital as his team went down the park and levelled through Ojo.
Attacking Campbell supported from full-back to keep a loose ball alive and drove it back across the box for the Belgian to apply a deft touch which sent it fizzing beyond Gordon.
With less than 20 minutes to go, both sides had clear daylight at the top of the table within their grasp.
But, although both pushed with Glass booked by Bobby Madden before the end, it finished all square.
3 talking points
Neilson nous
The Hearts gaffer has made some cracking additions with Beni Baningime again excellent in the middle of the park. Alex Cochrane was solid in the backline. Neilson wants more to add to the ones he’s secured during this summer before the transfer window closes including Liverpool kid Ben Woodburn and he’s been largely getting it right in the market. Hearts didn’t win, but their new boys were good.
Dons resilience
Thursday night is absolutely huge for Aberdeen and victory over Qarabag could earn them a relative fortunate with group stage football in the Europa Conference. It’s going to take ability and also attitude and courage and the resilience on show at Tynecastle was impressive. Stephen Glass’ team lost players to injury, they had the majority of the crowd against them and they also lost the key opening goal to a daft penalty concession. To overcome it all and still fight back for a point bodes well.
Tynie temperature
Hearts’ home ground has always been a highly-charged venue and it adds an edge to both the hosts and the visiting teams when it's rocking. There was extra bite and energy within both teams in a non-stop contest which was a welcome contrast to last season’s games in empty stadiums which often had long lull periods. The brilliant and emotional scarf-twirling and song tribute in the 26th minute to their late former captain Marius Zaliukas was also special with Tynecastle full for the first time since his sad passing last year.
