YFS
It was Hearts who prevailed in an entertaining Edinburgh derby on Friday night, edging local rivals Hibs in a 3-2 thriller. The home team saw more of the ball throughout the game, and ensured their superior possession did not go to waste as they seized a three goal lead, thanks to goals from Connor Smith, Leeory Makaovora and Cameron Logan.
Hibs were determined not to go down without a fight however; Callum Yeats pulled one back for the visitors, but Josh O’Connor’s late tap in proved too late as Hearts claimed bragging rights on Derby Day.
Hibs made their attacking intent clear in the opening seconds of the game when centre half Jayden Fairley released pacey striker Yrik Galantes, but a timely tackle from Arron Darge, who was imperious throughout, quelled the danger to the Hearts goal. Hearts’ first chance came from a Makovora cross that found Ryan Schiavone, but the target man headed wide of Jay Cantley’s goal.
The deadlock was broken after 35 minutes when Smith fired Hearts into the lead. A throw in resulted in the Hearts captain collecting the ball on the right hand side of the box, with options in front of him, Smith elected to float into the box, whilst skilfully evading multiple Hibs tackles. He then picked his moment perfectly, unleashing a ferocious strike that flew across goal into the bottom right corner to give Hearts the advantage heading into the break.
Hearts may have doubled their lead before half time had it not been for an excellent save from Cantley. Schiavone used his strength to fend off the Hibs defence, but was denied by Cantley’s quick reflexes, as Hibs’ number one tipped the volley over the bar.