Tony Watt misses out as Hearts settle for stalemate against Aberdeen
Tony Watt missed a glaring late chance as Aberdeen and Hearts shared the points after a 0-0 draw at Pittodrie.
The result of the Ladbrokes Premier League clash means Hearts have their first point of the season after a loss last week to Celtic while Aberdeen add to the one they earned in a draw with St Johnstone.
Both sides made changes to their starting XIs from their midweek Betfred Cup ties. Home manager Derek McInnes brought Ash Taylor, Peter Pawlett and Jayden Stockley in for Andrew Considine, Kenny McLean and Adam Rooney following the Dons' victory over Ayr United.
Hearts' loss at St Johnstone prompted manager Robbie Neilson to replace Alim Ozturk and Robbie Muirhead with Faycal Rherras and Watt. Jamie Walker, who was suspended, was replaced by Sam Nicholson.
Aberdeen started the better of the two sides and went close after just three minutes when Jayden Stockley rose highest to head a Peter Pawlett cross wide. Wes Burns also looked dangerous as they started brightly but he blasted his shot off target.
Hearts looked like they were beginning to buckle and it took some composed defending from John Souttar to cut out a Niall McGinn pass to Stockley who was in on goal.
All this action was before the 10th minute and Aberdeen did not look like relenting.
McGinn nipped past both Souttar and Callum Paterson with a nice bit of skill but Rherras got across from left-back to make the tackle.
Paterson then fired a volley across the Aberdeen goal as the visitors looked to gain a foothold in the match.
It was a short-lived flurry forward for Hearts as Burns then hit the crossbar with a header as the game resumed its course.
The match was beginning to become more physical and with this Hearts began to settle into their stride.
When Watt flicked in Nicholson he appeared to be brought down late by Shay Logan inside the box but the penalty claims were waved away.
For his vociferous appeal, Neilson earned a talking to from referee Kevin Clancy on the sidelines.
After the break, the caginess of the encounter remained and chances were few and far between.
Hearts had the better of opportunities when Watt, who was in possession of the ball with options either side, had his shot blocked by O'Connor and it was collected by Joe Lewis.
With the last chance of the match Watt fired over with time on his hands from 12 yards.
Source: PA
