Derek McInnes: Kilmarnock’s late goal was a kick in the teeth for Hearts

Derek McInnes rued “a kick in the teeth” for faltering William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts as their winless run was extended to four games following a late error by goalkeeper Alexander Schwolow in a 1-1 draw at home to struggling Kilmarnock.

The Jambos looked on course to return to winning ways after Lawrence Shankland dinked home a lovely finish early in the second half.

But substitute Bruce Anderson pounced to equalise from close range in the 90th minute after Schwolow allowed Liam Polworth’s strike to squirm from his grasp.

Hearts have now won only one of their last six matches and have allowed Celtic – who trailed by nine points a month ago – to move level with them ahead of Sunday’s top-of-the-table showdown at Parkhead.

“As long as you’re only 1-0 up, the opposition’s always going to feel as if they’ve got a chance,” said McInnes. “The goal just comes out of the blue, really.

“It’s a save that should be made, we all know that, Alex knows that. It’s a sore one for us in the context of the wee run we’re on.

“A 1-0 Shankland would have been just what the doctor ordered, really, but it just feels like we’ve chucked away a couple of points.

“We just all needed a win there to feel good about ourselves again, but unfortunately it’s not to be. Sometimes football is like that, it’s a kick in the teeth.

“I thought we were the better team, I thought we had good control, but while it’s only 1-0, you’re always going to give the opposition a bit of hope.”

Kilmarnock boss Stuart Kettlewell praised his beleaguered side for fighting to the end as they made it back-to-back 1-1 draws following a run of six consecutive defeats.

“It’s a positive result and to score in the 90th minute was massive for us,” he said.

“It was a great striker’s goal from Bruce and full marks to the players.

“Hearts have been so good this season and that was a really good point. We broke the cycle (of losing) against Dundee United (on Saturday) but we also want to get wins to move up the table.

“You saw the confidence and togetherness and we had a never-say-die attitude out there.

“It’s a point gained and hopefully we can now grow in certain aspects of the game. We have taken a few blows and been smacked over the head, but the players showed their personality.

“The players need to use that last spell as a real motivator to kick us on.”