91�ȱ�

Hearts keeper Jamie MacDonald put on an impressive display as a lively Aberdeen were forced to settle for a draw at Pittodrie.

MacDonald pulled off a great save to tip over from Niall McGinn as Aberdeen dominated the first half.

But the visitors went ahead after the break as Ryan Stevenson headed the ball past Jamie Langfield into the net.

However, Jamie Hamill turned a Johnny Hayes cross into his own goal to level the scores.

In a frenetic opening 20 minutes, Aberdeen almost went ahead when Josh Magennis was robbed two yards from goal by a saving tackle from Dylan McGowan.

Kevin McHattie's drive then whizzed over for Hearts before Aberdeen's Cammy Smith looped a header just over the visitors' bar.

Jason Holt raced down the left to put the ball into the danger area, but Langfield sprung to his left to beat it away.

Aberdeen were on top and MacDonald made a fine block from Smith before the striker was thwarted again moments later when his drive was tipped over.

Six minutes before half-time MacDonald made a point-blank save as Clark Robertson's low cross flew goalwards, deflecting off Magennis and Andy Webster who both went for the ball.

Hearts should have scored straight after the restart, but Michael Ngoo - just four yards out - failed to connect with Hamill's cross.

MacDonald then showed his first-half form would continue as he made another top-quality save from Smith as Aberdeen pressed.

But Stevenson punished the Dons shortly afterwards, bulleting the visitors ahead with a powerful header from eight yards out.

Hayes almost levelled for Aberdeen with a wicked cross from the left which looped dangerously, but again MacDonald was equal to the task and tipped the ball over.

Dons substitute Declan McManus sent a glancing header over the Hearts bar, but an Aberdeen equaliser was only delayed by seconds.

Hayes crossed from the right and Hamill put through his own net from almost on the goal-line as he tried to clear.

Langfield then made a flying stop to his right from a Hamill drive as the game became stretched.

And, in stoppage time, Hayes lashed a shot wide across goal as both sides were forced to settle for a point.