Hibernian continued their revival with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Hearts in the intense Edinburgh derby held on Boxing Day at Tynecastle Park. The clash, drawing an attendance of 18,726, saw Hibernian's Dwight Gayle emerge as the hero, scoring the late winner to secure the first away victory over their city rivals since 2019.
The match began dramatically when Kye Rowles, playing for Hearts, deflected a corner from Hibernian's Nicky Cadden inside the 10th minute, causing uproar as it was initially ruled out for offside. After checking with VAR, officials confirmed the goal stood, giving Hibernian the early advantage.
Despite the setback, Hearts rallied to respond swiftly. Their persistence paid off just before halftime when Rocky Bushiri's attempt at clearing the ball turned disastrous, slicing it past Hibs goalkeeper Jordan Smith and leveling the match. This moment was pivotal, shifting the momentum back to Hearts as they headed to the break with renewed hope.
With the score tied 1-1, the second half seemed to be characterized by tactical adjustments from both coaches. While Hearts aimed for the lead, it was Hibernian who seized the moment. Dwight Gayle, introduced as a substitute, made his presence known with just 12 minutes remaining on the clock. He connected with another expert cross from Nicky Cadden, skillfully flicking the ball home to restore their lead. This goal was celebrated wildly by Hibs fans, marking their third consecutive win.
"Derbies are always eventful and intense. I told the players there's no place like it to get a win and I'm delighted for everyone involved," reflected Hibernian head coach David Gray post-match. His words encapsulated the pressure and expectation surrounding the Edinburgh derby, emphasizing the joy of victory.
Gray continued, stressing the importance of the team's mindset as they have grown increasingly confident. "The hard work has never stopped. The belief has always been there. You saw the togetherness during big moments and the big thing for us is confidence." His comments highlighted the unity and resilience his squad has developed over the season, aiming to build upon this victory.
The encounter was not without its moments of drama, including tensions on the field and unexpected incidents. An unfortunate moment occurred early on when assistant referee Calum Spence took the full force of the ball to the face, which drew laughs and sympathy alike from the onlooking fans. This light-heartedness contrasted sharply with the serious nature of the match and its competitive spirit.
Overall, Hibernian's win improves their standing, allowing them to leapfrog Hearts and move toward mid-table security. For Hearts, the loss marks another chapter of woes, as they continue to search for consistency this season. The historic rivalry between these two Edinburgh clubs always promises excitement, and this latest chapter proved no different.
