Hibernian clung on for a dramatic 3-2 victory over city rivals and Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts in a breathless Edinburgh derby at Easter Road. A three-goal lead was almost squandered in a frantic finale, with goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger making two crucial stoppage-time saves to secure the three points for David Gray's side.
Hibs Race into Commanding Lead
The home side made a dream start, taking the lead after just three minutes. Jamie McGrath expertly guided a volley into the net from Nicky Cadden's cross to send the home fans into early raptures. Hearts, who started passively, created chances through Lawrence Shankland and Oisin McEntee but failed to capitalise.
Hibs were forced into a first-half substitution when Cadden went off injured, replaced by Josh Campbell. The change proved inspired, as Campbell doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time, meeting McGrath's cross with a clever looping header that left Alexander Schwolow helpless.
Bowie Seemingly Seals It Before Hearts Fightback
The hosts appeared to put the game to bed just three minutes after the restart. Pressure from Josh Mulligan forced an error from Stuart Findlay, allowing Kieron Bowie to drive into the box and slot a low shot home to make it 3-0.
With the game drifting, Hearts manager Derek McInnes saw his side mount an incredible comeback. Lawrence Shankland headed in from an Alexandros Kyziridis cross with 15 minutes remaining to offer a glimmer of hope. That hope turned into belief in the 89th minute when Cammy Devlin pounced on a parried save from Sallinger to make it 3-2.
Grandstand Finish Sees Sallinger Become Hero
The final minutes were pure drama. Hearts, sensing a remarkable point, poured forward. Sallinger was called into action twice in added time, first denying Shankland and then pulling off a superb stop to thwart Beni Baningime. Those saves ensured Hibs claimed a vital victory, inflicting only Hearts' second league defeat of the season and sparking wild celebrations in Leith.
The result shakes up the Scottish Premiership race, while providing Hibernian with a massive confidence boost and a famous derby day triumph over their league-leading neighbours.
