In a dramatic Edinburgh derby that will be remembered for its late‑stage fireworks, Blair Spittal emerged as the hero for Hearts, netting an 86th‑minute winner that turned a 1‑1 stalemate into a 2‑1 triumph over a depleted Hibernian side. The Scottish Premiership leaders used the victory to pull three points clear of Celtic in second place and to stretch their advantage over Rangers, who sit third, to four points with only four matches remaining in the season. The atmosphere at Easter Road was electric from the first whistle. News of Rangers’ unexpected defeat to Motherwell had already begun to ripple through the Hearts camp, and many pundits framed the derby as a crucial opportunity for the "Jam Tarts" to cement a decisive step toward the title.
Hibernian, fresh from a December derby win at Tynecastle and eager to thwart any Hearts momentum, entered the match with confidence and a clear game plan. The early minutes lived up to the hype.
Within seven minutes, Hibs took the lead when Martin Boyle, a specialist in derby atmospheres, latched onto a dangerous free‑kick delivered by Jamie McGrath and slotted the ball home from close range. The goal sent the Easter Road crowd into a frenzy and put Hearts on the back foot.
However, Hibernian’s advantage began to unravel almost immediately. Goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger, who had been under sustained pressure, attempted to play the ball with his hands after a long clearance.
The VAR officials determined that he had handled the ball outside the penalty area, prompting referee Don Robertson to consult the monitor and issue a straight red card. The dismissal reduced Hibs to ten men and shifted the tactical balance of the game.
Hearts, now with a numerical edge, pressed forward but were unable to break the deadlock before halftime. Hibs’ defender Claudio Braga missed two clear chances that could have equalised, but the home side held firm, defending resolutely despite being a man down. The second half brought further chaos for Hibernian.
In the 48th minute, defender Felix Passlack received a second yellow card for a high challenge on Hearts’ midfielder Beni Baningime, reducing Hibs to nine men. The decision, while contentious, was upheld by Robertson, leaving the visitors with a severe disadvantage. Hearts responded with a flurry of attacks.
Marc Leonard’s effort rattled the cross‑bar, and wave after wave of pressure forced Hibs goalkeeper Jordan Smith, who had come on after Sallinger’s dismissal, into a series of saves. The breakthrough finally arrived when Lawrence Shankland’s near‑post flick was inadvertently deflected into his own net by defender Warren O’Hora, granting Hearts a 1‑0 lead. Despite the two‑man advantage, Hearts could not extend their lead immediately. The game settled into a tense midfield battle, with both sides creating half‑chances but failing to convert.
As the clock ticked down, Hearts continued to probe the Hibs defence, looking for a decisive strike. The decisive moment came in the 86th minute.
After a sustained spell on the right flank, Sabah Kerjota delivered a precise ball into the box, finding Spittal making a late run. Spittal curled the ball into the bottom corner with his left foot, sealing a dramatic comeback and sending the Hearts supporters into jubilation. The win not only gave Hearts three points but also widened the gap at the summit of the league.
They now sit three points ahead of Celtic and four points clear of Rangers, who will host Hearts in a high‑stakes encounter at Ibrox on May 4, broadcast live on Sky Sports. Post‑match, Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland reflected on the victory, saying, "We want to do it. We’re close enough. We’ve worked so hard to get to this point and it’s important we go and try to finish it off." His words captured the determination that has defined Hearts’ season under manager Derek McInnes.
McInnes praised his side’s composure and discipline, noting, "We stayed calm, stayed disciplined. When we need someone, our captain steps up again.
Then we need the winner and Blair Spittal scores goals like that every day. Nice side‑foot finish and it could be such an important goal." He added that winning a derby requires doing many things right and that the team deserved the result despite the unusual circumstances. Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd highlighted the consistency of Hearts’ performances, stating, "Hearts have been at the top of the table for a long, long time now. They’ve got full belief in their manager, and the fans see a team that represents them.
There have been questions about Derek McInnes, but the players would pick him any day." Hibernian manager David Gray, while disappointed, commended his players for their resilience: "The nine men that remained on the pitch from the 48th minute gave absolutely everything. They defended their box incredibly. The goalkeeper made big saves, and the own goal and deflection were just unlucky.
Both red‑card decisions were correct, but they were mistakes, not anything malicious." The derby will be remembered not only for the on‑field drama but also for the broader implications in the title race. With only four games left, Hearts’ victory puts them in a commanding position, but the upcoming clash with Rangers will be a true test of their championship credentials. The club’s supporters will be hoping that the momentum generated at Easter Road can be carried forward, while Celtic and Rangers will be looking to close the gap in the final stretch of the season. Overall, the match showcased the intensity of Scottish football, the impact of disciplinary decisions, and the fine margins that separate triumph from heartbreak.
Hearts’ late heroics, combined with Hibs’ valiant but ultimately insufficient fight with nine men, provided a fitting climax to a derby that lived up to its reputation for passion, drama, and unforgettable moments.