A sensational stoppage time strike from Alim Ozturk rescued a point for ten-man Hearts as they came from behind to snatch a dramatic 1-1 draw with fierce rivals Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday.
Hearts looked to be heading for their first defeat in the Scottish Championship after Dominique Malonga scrambled home a 44th minute opener for Hibs.
The Tynecastle club's task became even harder 10 minutes from time when Callum Paterson was shown a straight red for a nasty challenge from behind on Malonga.
However, Ozturk's 40 yard thunderbolt two minutes into stoppage time gave on-loan Hull City 'keeper Mark Oxley no chance in the Hibs goal to extend Hearts' lead at the top of the table to seven points over Glasgow giants Rangers.
Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson praised his side's never-say-die attitude.
"We showed some fantastic spirit to keep the run going of being undefeated. We were down to 10 men and we kept working and kept pushing and got the rewards at the end."
Hibs manager Alan Stubbs couldn't hide his feelings.
"I am disappointed because of the effort that we put in. I think when you look at the strike I don't think he will ever score a goal like that again.
"I thought we were by far the better team and deserved to win the game but how can you be too down on yourself when we performed that well in the game."
Hearts made the short trip across the Scottish capital full of confidence and 14 points ahead of their rivals thanks to nine wins and a draw from their opening 10 matches, including a 2-1 defeat of Hibs in August.
However, Hibs had recovered from a stuttering start to record a five match unbeaten run of their own and had the better of the first half at Easter Road.
Hibs squandered a golden chance to take a 24th minute lead when a long ball over the top caught Danny Wilson napping and Jason Cummings nipped in to play in Malonga but the striker sent his poor first time effort wide of the post.
But, just as the game appeared to be heading to the break goalless, Hibs scored through Malonga following a scramble in the box. The Hearts defence failed to deal with the danger from Scott Allan's corner and Cummings had an effort blocked on the line by Billy King before Malonga fired the ball into the roof of the net.
Hearts pushed for an equaliser but their hopes were dealt a blow in the 80th minute when they were reduced to 10 men as Paterson saw red for scything down Malonga from behind.
However, with time ticking away centre-half Ozturk picked up the ball out and he took a touch before unleashing an unstoppable dipping strike that smacked the underside of the bar before crossing the line.
Source: AFP
