In a thrilling Edinburgh derby that produced a flurry of late drama, Blair Spittal emerged as the hero for Hearts, delivering an 86th‑minute strike that completed a remarkable 2‑1 comeback against a depleted Hibernian side. The win not only restored the league leaders’ momentum but also pushed them three points clear of second‑placed Celtic and four points ahead of Rangers, who sit in third place. From the opening whistle, the atmosphere at Easter Road crackled with anticipation. News of Rangers’ unexpected defeat to Motherwell had already filtered through, and Hearts supporters sensed a golden opportunity to widen the gap at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
Hibs, still smarting from their December derby triumph at Tynecastle, entered the match with a fierce determination to deny their city rivals any chance of progress. The early stages lived up to the derby’s reputation for intensity. Within seven minutes, Hibs’ specialist in derby affairs, Martin Boyle, pounced on a well‑taken free‑kick from Jamie McGrath and slotted the ball home, giving the visitors an early lead.
The goal seemed to set the tone for what could have been a dominant performance from the Edinburgh side that had already proven its mettle against the league leaders. However, the tide began to turn almost as quickly as it had risen. Seven minutes after Boyle’s strike, Hibernian’s goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger found himself in a precarious position when he attempted to clear a long ball.
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review showed that he had handled the ball outside the penalty area, prompting referee Don Robertson to brandish a red card after consulting the monitor. The dismissal left Hibs with ten men and shifted the momentum in Hearts’ favour.
Hearts, now bolstered by a numerical advantage, pressed forward with renewed vigor. Yet Hibs displayed resilience, with Claudio Braga missing two clear chances in the first half that could have levelled the score. The situation deteriorated further for the visitors when defender Felix Passlack received a second yellow for a high challenge on Beni Baningime, reducing Hibernian to nine men.
The decision, while controversial, was upheld, and the home side now faced an almost insurmountable task. The pressure on the shorthanded Hibs intensified as Hearts unleashed wave after wave of attacks.
Marc Leonard’s effort rattled the cross‑bar, and the relentless forward play forced reserve goalkeeper Jordan Smith into a series of high‑stakes 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 an equaliser and reviving their hopes of a full‑point haul. Even with a two‑man advantage, Hearts could not immediately capitalize further, as Hibs’ remaining players dug deep and defended resolutely. Nevertheless, the home side continued to dominate possession and create opportunities.
A decisive moment came in the closing stages when Sabah Kerjota, operating on the right flank, delivered a precise ball into the box. Spittal, who had been introduced as a substitute earlier in the second half, found space and curled a low‑driven shot into the bottom corner, sealing a dramatic 86th‑minute winner. The victory propelled Hearts to a three‑point lead over Celtic and a four‑point cushion ahead of Rangers, with only four games remaining in the season.
The win also set up a tantalising showdown against Rangers at Tynecastle on May 4, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and could prove pivotal in determining the championship. In the post‑match interview, captain Lawrence Shankland expressed the squad’s determination: “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 blend of confidence and urgency that now defines Hearts’ title charge.
Hibs, who remain in fifth place, will be hoping that the Glasgow giants falter, thereby easing the pressure on the Edinburgh side. Despite the disappointment, Hibernian manager David Gray praised his players’ tenacity: “The nine men that remained on the pitch gave everything.
They defended their box incredibly and the goalkeeper made big saves. It’s a shame the red‑card decisions went against us, but the players fought bravely.” Hearts head coach Derek McInnes reflected on the team’s composure: “We stayed calm, stayed disciplined.
When we need someone, our captain steps up. Blair scored a wonderful side‑foot finish that could be crucial.
Winning a derby requires doing many things right, and we deserved the three points.” He added that the psychological boost from the win could be valuable, though he warned that the next match would still demand a top‑level performance. Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd lauded Hearts’ consistency: “They have been at the top for a long time now. The belief in the manager is evident, and the fans have a team that represents them.
The squad is cohesive, and the bench players are eager to make an impact, which bodes well for the upcoming fixtures.” As the season edges toward its climax, Hearts find themselves in a commanding position, but the race remains tight. With Celtic and Rangers still within striking distance, every point will be critical. The upcoming clash with Rangers promises to be a decisive encounter, and the momentum generated by the dramatic Edinburgh derby win could prove to be the catalyst Hearts need to secure the Scottish Premiership title.