Blair Spittal was the Hearts hero as his 86th-minute winner earned the Scottish Premiership leaders a 2-1 comeback win over nine-man Hibernian in the Edinburgh derby – on a day of late drama in the title race.
Spittal came off the bench to curl home from inside the box – after Hibernian’s ill-discipline cost them dearly in seeing goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger and then defender Felix Passlack sent off in both halves. The victory moves Hearts three points clear of second-placed Celtic and four clear of Rangers in third.
It was an electric derby from the get-go. As news of Rangers’ late defeat to Motherwell spilled through to a buoyant Hearts side, many billed this as the Jam Tarts’ big opportunity to take a huge step towards the Scottish Premiership title.
But Hibs – who won the last derby at Easter Road in December and whose fans are desperate to stop Hearts whatever it takes – initially had other ideas with a spirited display.
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Sean Boyle gives Hibernian an early lead against Hearts.
First, derby day specialist Martin Boyle crashed in a close-range finish for Hibs after seven minutes, latching onto Jamie McGrath’s dangerous free-kick.
Easter Road was bouncing, but Hibs’ game plan unravelled seven minutes later. Goalkeeper Sallinger was put under pressure and picked up a long ball forward, with VAR spotting he had taken it out the area. Referee Don Robertson brandished a red card after visiting the monitor.
Holding onto a lead against the league leaders with 10 men is hard enough – Hibs showed that as Claudio Braga missed two big first-half chances to level. But with nine men? Virtually impossible.
That became the case when Passlack was given his marching orders for a high challenge on Beni Baningime. Referee Robertson gave him a second yellow, when it could easily have been another straight red.
Hearts put on the pressure as Marc Leonard crashed against the bar, as wave after wave of attack came with little pressure on reserve goalkeeper Jordan Smith.
But Hearts got the goal their possession deserved when Lawrence Shankland’s near-post flick was diverted into his own net by Warren O’Hora. An unfortunate moment amid some defiant defending.
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Hearts make it 1-1 in their derby with Hibs after Warren O’Hora turns the ball into his own net.
Despite having a two-man advantage, Hearts were not able to put too much more pressure on the Hibs goal after levelling.
But after good work from Sabah Kerjota on the right, Spittal found the bottom corner with minutes remaining to snatch all three points.
Blair Spittal got the winner on 86 minutes
The win moves Hearts three points ahead of Celtic – and four ahead of Rangers with four games to go with Hearts’ next fixture a mouthwatering clash with Rangers next weekend, live on Sky Sports on May 4.
Monday 4th May 5:00pm
Kick off 5:30pm
“We want to do it,” said captain Shankland to Sky Sports at full-time. “We’re close enough. We’ve worked so hard to get to this points and it’s important we go and try to finish it off.”
Hibs, who remain fifth, will hope the Glasgow teams stop Hearts from claiming the title, when they could not.
More to follow.
WATCH: Hibs’ two red cards
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Hibernian keeper Raphael Sallinger is sent off after a deliberate handball outside the area and denial of a goalscoring opportunity.
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Hibernian are reduced to nine players after Felix Passlack picks up a second yellow in their derby clash with Hearts.
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