Sunday February 22nd 2026
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Ewan Hornell
Despite a less than convincing first half performance Hearts remain unbeaten at home and top of the table courtesy of a first half goal from Kazakhstan’s Islam Chesnokov.
Every game for Hearts at the moment becomes their biggest of the season. They have the footballing cliché of ‘11 Cup Finals’ between them and a historic league title.
Falkirk provide a stern test that all contenders need to pass on their route to a title.
The newly promoted Bairns are flying this season. Unwavering in their self-belief. Playing their own expansive brand of football no matter the opponent.
In their 3 meetings this season, Hearts hold the advantage winning both league fixtures. However, last time out it was Falkirk who left Tynecastle the victors knocking the Jambos out of the Scottish Cup on penalties.
Hearts manager, Derek McInnes, is well aware that nothing other than three points matters for his side.
It was a nervy start from Hearts as their slack passing meant they struggled to retain possession, which nearly proved costly.
Brad Spencer’s strike deflected of Barney Stewart’s boot and nearly snuck into the corner.
An early wake up call for the hosts.
Hearts had an early chance of their own. Claudio Braga weaved his way past Leon McCann and cut the ball across the edge of the box. The oncoming Blair Spittal’s strike came close but could not find back of the net.
Falkirk remained the more dangerous of the two sides, in a first half with few clear cut chances.
A tame Barney Stewart strike and a blasted volley from Ben Broggio were as close as the Bairns came to breaking the deadlock.
There was a sense of desperation around Tynecastle. Every misplaced pass and every ball they were second too resulted in groans from the crowd and visible frustration from the players and bench.
But, just before half time it was Islam Chesnokov who provided a much needed tension release.
The Kazaks left footed toe poke, marked his first goal for the club and allowed everyone around Tynecastle to take a collective sigh of relief.
A mark of champions, despite playing poor in the first 45 Hearts entered half time 1-0 ahead.
10 seconds had hardly struck the clock for the second half when Claudio Braga tested the Falkirk goal. The ball broke to him on the edge of the box and his left footed effort whizzed just past the edge of the post.
The second half did not have the same frantic energy as the first. The goal had allowed Hearts to be more sure of themselves.
Blair Spittal was a standout for Hearts all day.
He was a last minute addition to the starting lineup after Hearts record signing, Ageu was ruled out just before Kick-off. Spittal stepped in and stepped up. Driving Hearts forward with his energy and forward passing.
Alexandros Kyziridis, usually so lively for Hearts, was quiet but did show some real quality in the 78th minute, driving forward and getting a shot off through a sea of Falkirk bodies only to be denied by Scott Bain in goal.
Despite some first half scares, Hearts were comfortable in the second and ultimately were worthy of their 1-0 win.
The Falkirk banana skin was avoided and the title train keeps rolling.
Derek McInnes reflected on his sides win post-match and the importance of the fans,
‘In the first half at times we looked anxious, our in possession stuff needed to be better.
‘We spoke at half time about the need to communicate louder and more effectively. At times we caused ourselves problems by not using our voice.
‘I need to thank the fans because it could have been easy in the first half to make the team more anxious, I actually thought they were the opposite, they were brilliant.
‘I thought we looked more likely to score in the second half. I thought our performance was far better and tidier in the second half.’
It’s Aberdeen at home for Hearts next week, who are 1 of only 4 sides who can say they’ve defeated Hearts this season.
Tweet Share on Facebook
