Hibernian secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over city rivals Hearts in the Scottish Premiership's Edinburgh derby, showcasing the prowess of their Australian contingent. With Martin Boyle and Jack Iredale leading the charge, Hibs captured their second consecutive league win against Hearts for the first time since 2009, extending their unbeaten run to 15 matches.
The match kicked off with electrifying energy at Easter Road, where Boyle opened the scoring just six minutes after the whistle. His remarkable goal came as he outpaced Hearts defender Gerald Taylor, connecting perfectly with Iredale's long ball to slot the ball past veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon from a tight angle. The early lead ignited the home crowd, setting the stage for what would become another memorable derby.
Hearts fought back, equalizing with Jorge Grant’s powerful strike. The goal came just moments before Hibs fans could fully bask in the glory of their team’s lead. Although the visitors equalized, it was the home side’s resilience and determination to reclaim dominance on their turf.
With the match hanging delicately at 1-1, it was Iredale who played the pivotal role again, netting the winning goal with just 17 minutes left on the clock. The young defender welcomed the moment, firing a stunning left-foot volley from outside the box, catching the ball perfectly to send it rattling off the far post and settling inside the net. His incredible strike sent the Hibs faithful wild, encapsulating the spirit and rivalry of the derby.
Iredale reflected on his incredible moment, stating to Hibs TV, "It is such a special feeling to be able to share a moment like this with the fans. I just thought, 'why not?' as it sat up really nicely. Perhaps it was the highest I got up the pitch all day; if there was a day to score like this, why not today?" His sentiment echoed the excitement and passion of the fans, many of whom celebrated by singing the club's anthem, "Sunshine On Leith.”
Hibs’ manager David Gray was equally proud, commenting on the significance of the win. “I was right behind it; it’s a fantastic hit and just the type of goal worthy of winning a derby,” he noted. Gray highlighted the importance of Iredale’s goal, emphasizing how it will be remembered for years to come.
Besides Iredale’s heroics, the contributions from Boyle and fellow Australians Nectarios Triantis and Lewis Miller were instrumental. Boyle’s first goal set the tone for Hibs, and according to Gray, Triantis has matured greatly during his time at the club, showcasing his value as both a center back and now as a midfielder.
The match had been eagerly anticipated, with both teams entering on positive runs. The early exchanges promised excitement as Hearts initially posed more threat, most visibly through Lawrence Shankland’s potent long-range efforts. Yet it was Hibs who struck first, taking advantage of early nerves on the opposition's side and scoring with remarkable fluidity.
The equalizer from Grant came as Hibs failed to clear their lines properly, and being caught out from Shankland’s probing, Grant seized the opportunity to make it 1-1.
Despite the setback, Hibernian rallied. They maintained their momentum throughout the second half, refusing to let the visitors gain control. Their tactical adjustments paid off, leading to Iredale’s moment of brilliance and ensuring the club’s second derby victory over Hearts since 2017.
Following the match, Hibs players and staff celebrated emphatically, forever capturing the essence of what it means to win such derbies. The jubilation echoed through Easter Road, not just for the victory but for significant milestones — back-to-back derby wins marking only the fourth time since 1990.
With the win, Hibs have solidified their place firmly within the Premiership standings, garnering much-needed momentum as they look forward to upcoming challenges, including taking on Celtic at Celtic Park. The players and fans are optimistic as they bask in the glory of the derby victory.
It was not just a win; it was the continuation of the narrative of resilience for the club, enshrining Iredale’s fabulous strike among the memories of famous derby moments, forever etched as part of Edinburgh’s football lore.
Hibernian FC continue to send waves through the league; the winning mentality, atmosphere of hope, and collective spirit among players and supporters have undoubtedly brought warmth to the winter chill of Scottish football.