In a dramatic Edinburgh derby that saw the Scottish Premiership leaders mount a late comeback, Blair Spittal emerged as the hero, netting an 86th‑minute winner to give Hearts a 2‑1 triumph over a depleted Hibernian side. The match, already charged with tension, turned into a showcase of late‑stage drama that could have significant implications for the title race. Spittal, who entered the game as a substitute, curled a precise shot from inside the penalty area to clinch the decisive goal.
His strike came after Hibernian suffered the costly loss of two players to red cards – goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger was dismissed in the first half, followed by defender Felix Passlack in the second – leaving the Edinburgh rivals with only nine men on the pitch. The win pushes Hearts three points clear of second‑placed Celtic and widens the gap to fourth‑placed Rangers to four points, solidifying their position at the summit with only a handful of fixtures remaining. The result also adds a fresh chapter to a derby that has been fiercely contested this season.
From the opening whistle, the atmosphere at Easter Road was electric. News of Rangers’ unexpected defeat to Motherwell filtered through the stadium, fueling Hearts supporters who saw the match as a golden opportunity to distance themselves further from the chase pack. Hibernian, still smarting from their previous derby victory in December, entered with a determination to thwart any attempt by their city rivals to gain ground.
The early stages lived up to the derby’s reputation. Within seven minutes, Hibs took the lead when Martin Boyle, a specialist in derby encounters, latched onto Jamie McGrath’s well‑delivered free‑kick and slotted the ball home from close range.
The goal set the tone for a high‑intensity contest, with both sides pressing aggressively. However, Hibernian’s momentum was abruptly halted when Sallinger, under pressure, attempted to play the ball forward. Video‑assisted referee (VAR) review showed that he had handled the ball outside the penalty area, prompting referee Don Robertson to issue a straight red card after consulting the monitor. The dismissal left Hibs with ten men and marked the first major turning point of the match.
Hearts, now with a numerical advantage, began to dominate possession. Yet, despite the extra man, they struggled to find a breakthrough, as Hibernian’s defensive unit, bolstered by the likes of Claudio Braga, produced a series of resilient interventions.
Braga missed two clear chances in the first half, but his effort underscored Hibs’ resolve to stay competitive even when short‑handed. The second red card arrived shortly after the halftime interval.
Felix Passlack received a second yellow for a high challenge on Hearts’ Beni Baningime, reducing Hibernian to nine men. While some observers argued that a straight red might have been warranted, the referee’s decision stood, leaving the home side in a precarious position. Hearts seized the moment, increasing the tempo of their attacks. Marc Leonard’s powerful header rattled the crossbar, and a wave of forward thrusts tested Hibernian’s makeshift defence.
The breakthrough finally came when Lawrence Shankland’s near‑post flick was inadvertently deflected into his own net by defender Warren O’Hora, gifting Hearts an equaliser and leveling the score at 1‑1. With the scores tied and Hibernian reduced to nine players, Hearts could have pressed for a quick finish. Instead, they showed patience, methodically building play down the wings. Sabah Kerjota’s work on the right flank created space, and in the dying minutes, Spittal found a sliver of opportunity.
He slipped the ball into the bottom corner, sealing a dramatic 2‑1 victory and securing all three points for the league leaders. The result not only reinforces Hearts’ lead over Celtic but also puts them in a commanding position ahead of their upcoming clash with Rangers on May 4, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Captain Lawrence Shankland reflected on the win, 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.” Hibernian, now sitting fifth, will be hoping that the Glasgow giants drop points in their remaining fixtures, a scenario that could keep Hearts’ title hopes alive. Despite the disappointment, Hibs coach David Gray praised his squad’s resilience, noting the extraordinary effort shown by the nine men who defended tenaciously after the dismissals.
Hearts manager Derek McInnes, speaking on Sky Sports, highlighted the team’s composure and discipline throughout the unusual encounter. “We stayed calm, stayed disciplined. When we need someone, our captain steps up.
Then we need the winner and Blair Spittal delivers. It was a bit unusual, but we deserved the win,” McInnes said.
Kris Boyd of Sky Sports echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the consistency of Hearts’ performances over the season. “Hearts have been at the top for a long time now. The fans want a team that represents them, and this season they’ve delivered.
There have been questions about Derek McInnes, but the players have full confidence in him.” Looking ahead, Hearts must maintain their focus and continue to execute their game plan, as the league’s final stretch promises intense competition. The victory at Easter Road not only adds three points but also provides a psychological boost, reinforcing the belief that they can overcome adversity and secure the championship.
For Hibernian, the loss serves as a harsh reminder of the fine margins in football. Gray acknowledged the mistakes that led to the red cards and the own goal, but also commended his players for their determination despite being outnumbered.
“When you’re down to nine men you need your goalkeeper to make saves and you need a bit of luck. The players gave everything; they didn’t deserve to lose, but the mistakes cost us.” The derby will be remembered for its late drama, the impact of disciplinary decisions, and the decisive strike from Blair Spittal that ultimately tipped the balance in favor of Hearts, keeping their title aspirations firmly on track.