Islam Chesnokov's 45th-minute finish sealed a vital 1-0 win for Hearts, and Derek McInnes applauded the team's character as injuries and last-minute withdrawals tested the squad
Islam Chesnokov’s first goal in maroon arrived at the perfect moment to lift Hearts to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Falkirk at Tynecastle. The forward tucked away a chance just before half-time, and that single strike proved enough to preserve a lead that now puts Hearts five points clear at the top of the Premiership with ten games to go.
How the goal came about
A crisp pass split Falkirk’s defence and Chesnokov timed his run to perfection, finishing calmly past the goalkeeper on the stroke of half-time. The timing was crucial: it took the pressure off for the second half and allowed Derek McInnes’s side to sit deeper and protect their advantage.
With a stretched squad and a number of late fitness doubts, composure and defensive organisation made all the difference.
Chesnokov’s impact
Wearing 99, Chesnokov looked comfortable on his first real test in the starting lineup. He combined clever movement with a willingness to track back, offering defensive cover while remaining a threat in transition.
McInnes has already hinted he sees the 22-year-old (or appropriate age if known) as a “moments player” — someone who can change games either from the bench or when given a full 90. The goal underlined that potential and gives the manager another reliable option as the season reaches its climax.
Squad issues and late changes
Hearts were forced into several late alterations after minor knocks and illness. Alexander Schwolow overcame a bout of sickness to play, while Eduardo Ageu withdrew in the warm-up. Stuart Findlay’s late limp also caused concern. With three regulars unavailable or limited, the coaching staff had to reshuffle the starting XI and trust fringe players to step up — and they did.
Home form and the title race
That victory extended Hearts’ impressive run at Tynecastle: 14 league matches unbeaten, with ten wins and four draws. The team has already bettered last season’s points tally at the same stage, and the home fortress feel is a real asset as the run-in approaches. Leading by five with ten to play gives McInnes a bit of breathing room, but it also raises the stakes for rotation and minute-management. The margin is comfortable enough to be useful, not big enough to be careless.
What lies ahead
Key questions now concern fitness and depth. Monitoring Ageu, Moses (Baningime) and Findlay will be vital — timely returns would restore options and ease pressure on the regular starters. If knocks continue to bite, Hearts will need the same grit shown against Falkirk: disciplined defending, smart substitutions, and clinical finishing when chances arrive. The result keeps Hearts in control of the title race but also highlights the trade-offs McInnes faces: protect players and manage minutes, or risk fatigue chasing every game. For now, the manager has reasons to be pleased — and a young forward who looks ready to make a difference.
