Rangers boss McInnes avoids defeat on Hearts return, Celtic held

EDINBURGH: Rangers' new manager Derek McInnes prevented his side from suffering a loss on his inaugural appearance at Hearts, as Olwethu Makhanya equalized for the Edinburgh club, resulting in a 2-2 draw. Meanwhile, Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic were held to a 2-2 stalemate by Dundee United on Wednesday. McInnes faced an audibly boisterous reception from Hearts supporters upon stepping out onto the pitch for his first match back at Tynecastle since departing the club in June.

His former team had initially silenced the antagonistic crowd when Kevin Kelsy put them ahead in the 16th minute following a lapse in concentration from Laurent Mendy. Hearts managed to turn the tide with goals from Claudio Braga and Calvin Miller early in the second half. However, Makhanya's decisive 89th-minute header kept Rangers four points behind Celtic and four ahead of third-placed Hearts.

In contrast, Celtic showcased their resilience by securing a 2-2 draw at Parkhead. Colombian forward Camilo Duran gave O'Neill's team the lead in the 18th minute with his 11th goal of the season. However, Australian striker Zac Sapsford equalized in the 28th minute with a header, followed by defender Neil Farrugia putting Celtic ahead with his first goal for the club three minutes later.

Celtic intensified their efforts in the second half, with defender Liam Scales equalizing with a 64th-minute header. In other matches, Hibernian climbed off the bottom of the table by drawing 1-1 with St Mirren, earning Marink Reedijk his first point as manager. Marko Ivezic scored for Hibernian, while Jason Kerr's own goal thwarted their pursuit of a third consecutive league win.

Motherwell concluded a six-match losing streak with a 2-2 draw against St Johnstone. Ash Hay's late brace added to the pressure on Kilmarnock boss Neil McCann, while Dundee earned a 3-1 victory at Dens Park thanks to Dundee's Ash Hay's two goals.