YFS
Hearts came from a goal down to defeat rivals Hibs in what was a strongly contested ‘Wee Derby’ at the Oriam Performance Centre in Edinburgh.
In a game which was shy on moments of true quality but featured plenty of grit, hard work and determination, Hearts were in the end worthy winners.
Rory Currie’s well taken goal on the half hour mark cancelled out Hibs defender Calum Crane’s sublime opener as the two sides entered the break level.
But the visitors took charge of the second half, taking the lead just before the hour through Lewis Moore’s close range shot.
As Hibs pressed for an equaliser, Hearts struck on the break. Moore grabbed his second after a devastating counter attack with less than 15 minutes to go before Callum Morrison extended their advantage with an exquisite curling effort from outside of the box.
In what was their first home match of the new SPFL Development League season, Hibs wanted to continue their excellent start following last week’s 6-1 opening win at Kilmarnock.
Indeed, it was the home side that settled quickest. They initially looked comfortable keeping possession whilst Hearts couldn’t get a touch.
Hearts defenders Chris Hamilton and Marcus Godinho were called into early action to prevent shots on goal, but Hibs took the lead soon after from a corner. The initial ball into the box wasn’t dealt with and after a bit of a scuffle it broke to the edge where Crane hit a rising shot, first time with his left foot, straight into the top left corner.
Hearts grew into the game shortly after falling behind. They fired a warning as Currie rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the empty net - only to be called back for offside.
The visitors were finding joy in the middle of the pitch. Their midfield of captain Angus Beith and journeyman pro Prince Buaben were moving the ball quickly, whilst Dario Zanatta was finding pockets of space in front of the Hibs back four.
But there was one pocket of space that caused Hibs the most problems - the space in between their wing and centre backs. The equaliser came from a long ball, hit into the right channel. Currie controlled the pass before turning his man, opening his body and guiding a left footed shot into the corner and past the keeper. A fine finish, but a frustrating and preventable goal to concede for Hibs.
