In a pulsating Edinburgh derby that delivered a final surge of drama, Blair Spittal emerged as the hero for Hearts, netting an 86th‑minute winner that secured a 2‑1 comeback triumph over a reduced‑strength Hibernian side. The victory not only lifted the Scottish Premiership leaders further ahead in the title race but also underscored the fine margins that have defined this season’s fight for glory.
The match began with high stakes. Hearts, sitting atop the league, were aware that a rival defeat – Rangers had just been beaten by Motherwell – could tighten the chase. Meanwhile, Hibs, who had won the previous derby at Easter Road in December, were eager to protect their pride and deny the Jam Tarts any momentum.
The atmosphere was electric from the first whistle, with both sets of supporters chanting and the stadium buzzing with anticipation. Early on, Hibernian took the initiative. Within seven minutes, Martin Boyle, a specialist in derby encounters, latched onto a dangerous free‑kick delivered by Jamie McGrath and hammered the ball home from close range.
The early goal sent the Easter Road crowd into raptures and forced Hearts to chase the game. Hearts responded quickly, but the drama escalated when Hibs’ goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger was shown a red card after a VAR review. The Austrian had rushed out to claim a long ball and, according to the officials, handled the ball outside the penalty area. Referee Don Robertson consulted the monitor and issued the dismissal, leaving Hibs with ten men just before the half‑hour mark.
The numerical disadvantage did not deter the visitors. Hibs continued to press, and their defender Felix Passlack produced a series of robust challenges that kept the Hearts attack at bay. However, his aggression eventually backfired.
In the second half, Passlack executed a high tackle on Beni Baningime, earning a second yellow card and reducing Hibs to nine men. The double dismissal left the Edinburgh side with a daunting two‑man deficit for the remainder of the contest.
Despite being outnumbered, Hibs displayed remarkable resilience. Claudio Braga missed two clear chances in the first half that could have levelled the score, and the team’s defensive shape remained compact. Yet the odds were heavily stacked against them, especially after the second red card. Hearts, now pressing with a numerical advantage, began to dominate possession.
Marc Leonard struck the post with a powerful header, and wave after wave of attacks tested the resolve of Hibs’ makeshift backline and reserve goalkeeper Jordan Smith. The breakthrough finally arrived when Lawrence Shankland’s near‑post flick was inadvertently deflected into his own net by Warren O’Hora, giving Hearts a 1‑1 draw and reigniting their hopes. With the scores level and the clock winding down, Hearts continued to apply pressure.
Sabah Kerjota, operating on the right flank, delivered a precise cross that found Spittal in the box. The Scottish forward calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, sealing a dramatic 2‑1 victory just minutes before full‑time.
The goal not only secured all three points for Hearts but also stretched their lead at the top of the table. The win propels Hearts three points clear of second‑placed Celtic and four points ahead of Rangers, who sit in third. With only four matches remaining in the season, the gap is both encouraging and precarious. Hearts’ next fixture promises a mouth‑watering clash against Rangers at Ibrox on May 4, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and could prove decisive in the title race.
Post‑match, captain Lawrence Shankland expressed the squad’s determination, stating, “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 confidence echoed the sentiments of manager Derek McInnes, who praised his team’s composure and discipline. “We stayed calm, stayed disciplined.
When we need someone, our captain steps up. Blair Spittal scores goals like that every day – a superb side‑foot finish that could be vital,” McInnes said. McInnes also reflected on the broader context of the derby, noting that winning such a high‑pressure encounter can provide a psychological boost, even if it does not guarantee success in the subsequent match.
“Just because you win this one, it doesn’t make the next one any easier, but it does us no harm psychologically. We still need to perform – no one is going to give us anything,” he added. Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd highlighted Hearts’ consistency, pointing out that the club has occupied the top of the table for an extended period and enjoys strong belief in McInnes’s leadership. He praised the supporters for their unwavering loyalty and lauded the squad’s collective spirit, especially the impact of substitutes who have been eager to make a difference.
On the Hibs side, head coach David Gray acknowledged the heartbreak of the defeat but commended his players for their tenacity. “The nine men that remained on the pitch gave everything. They defended their box brilliantly despite the odds,” Gray said. He also defended the referee’s decisions, describing the red cards as correct but unfortunate mistakes that ultimately cost Hibs the match.
In summary, the Edinburgh derby delivered everything fans could hope for: early goals, red‑card controversies, a dramatic equaliser, and a last‑minute winner. Hearts now sit in a commanding position as the season draws to a close, while Hibs must regroup and hope that the Glasgow giants falter, giving them a chance to re‑enter the title conversation.