Hearts mount thrilling recovery to edge towards long-awaited league crown as Celtic stay hot on their heels

Hearts held onto their narrow lead in the intense three-team battle for the Scottish Premiership crown, even after trailing midway through the second half at their Tynecastle stronghold.

The title holders Celtic sit just three points adrift following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against St Mirren, who are battling to avoid the drop, while Rangers trail by four points yet hold a match to play at Falkirk this Sunday.

Hearts have dominated the standings for most of the campaign, aiming to be the initial team beyond Celtic and Rangers to claim the championship in 41 years.

Recent struggles on the road, including four matches without a win, have narrowed their buffer lately. Still, their impressive record at Tynecastle keeps them ahead as the season nears its climax with five games left, leading into the split where the top six clash to determine the champions.

Motherwell took the lead via Emmanuel Longelos strike just five minutes after the break, threatening to shatter Hearts perfect home form this term, but Claudio Braga equalised with a stunning overhead kick right on the hour.

Skipper Lawrence Shankland stayed composed to convert a penalty in the 87th minute following a challenge on Landry Kabore by Celtic loanee defender Stephen Welsh, before Kabore sealed the points with a goal deep into added time.

Celtic continue their pursuit of a 14th title across the last 15 seasons, undeterred by patchy displays of late.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, once of Arsenal and Liverpool, netted the decisive strike as Brendan Rodgers side narrowly overcame St Mirren.

With upcoming home games versus Rangers and Hearts after the split, Celtic realise that securing victories in their final five outings will likely secure the trophy once more.