Hearts manager Daniel Stendel finally has some positives to look at after a spirited 1-1 draw with Aberdeen pleased fans of the Tynecastle club.
The Jambos took the lead through Ryotaro Meshino. The Japanese forward netted his first goal since October with a strike just after the second half restart.

Meshino got a goal. (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
It was a good Gorgie display but they couldn’t take all three points. Sean Clare was sent off before Niall McGinn netted a superb free kick to ensure that the Dons took a point back to Pittodrie.
A surprising Hamilton win in the Lanarkshire derby means that Hearts are now five points adrift at the bottom. Aberdeen meanwhile closed the gap on Motherwell in third to just a point.
Whilst they are further adrift, Hearts showed plenty of spirit and fight to get a positive outcome. It’s left some a bit more positive about life under Stendel and what the rest of the season holds following a bleak 2019.

Time for positive change for Hearts fans after Aberdeen result? (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Some Hearts fans have reacted after taking a 1-1 draw away from their match with Aberdeen.
Brilliant effort. Positive going into 2020.
— Rob Simmons (@RobSimmons22) December 29, 2019
Much better performance. Still a lot of work to do but seeing them play with passion is all you can ask as a fan.
— Grant Wilson (@gwlsn) December 29, 2019
Green shoots! Grandpa Berra is an emergency sub from now on #HHGH
— 🏴 ALBA 🇪🇺 Capital 🏴 (@ALBAcapmgmt) December 29, 2019
I'll take that, feels like a win tbh and much improved from Thursday,
— PaulMac 77th Brigade 🏴🇬🇧🇱🇻 (@PaulMcM78) December 29, 2019
At least we didn't lose I guess. Step in the right direction.
— Davie Russell (@DRG1874) December 29, 2019
Best we’ve played in a while. @sean8clare was superb and took a necessary red. Irving also superb. Future is maroon. Damour can do one but.
— Zak Gibson (@ZakyGibson) December 29, 2019
Better from the boys today something to build from !!!
— shugy1874♥ (@shugyedgar) December 29, 2019
Pleased to see Washington and Garuccio being involved. And we didn't loose…. So onwards and upwards 👍
— Alan Linton (@bigaljambo) December 29, 2019