Hearts take huge step towards title against nine-man Hibs as Rangers provide cause for double celebration

The Edinburgh derby has not disappointed with its drama this season and the final one was another gripping event. Hibs took an early lead through Martin Boyle but lost goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger to red card on 14 minutes and then defender Felix Passlack at the start of the second half.

They battled tremendously with nine men but Hibs could not keep the door locked forever. An own goal by Warren O'Hora on 65 minutes gave Hearts hope and then Blair Spittal's deflected strike on 86 minutes clinched a precious victory.

With Rangers losing 3-2 at home to Motherwell, and Hearts fans joyously singing for the Steelmen before kick-off, Hearts are now three points clear of second-placed Celtic and four ahead of Rangers in third, who go to Tynecastle a week on Monday.

The case for them to be champions is strengthening week on week. Dealt a blow with an injury to Cammy Devlin before the game, there was no lasting damage - well, apart from the nerves.

This will be a sore one for Hibs, who fought so gallantly with less players on the pitch. Ultimately two moments of misjudgement and some bad luck cost them. They are now six points behind fourth-placed Motherwell.

A setting befitting of the occasion

The pre-match scenes were befitting of such an occasion. The teams emerged to an impressive tifo from Hibs fans spanning the Famous Five and Pat Stanton stands. A packed away end watched on. There were very few spare seats in the house.

The teams matched up in 3-4-1-2 formations and Hearts shaded the opening stages without creating a tangible chance. Hibs looked jittery and were careless in possession. However, in their first meaningful attack, they opened the scoring on seven minutes.

Jordi Altena fouled Jamie McGrath wide on the left and Hibs were given the opportunity to swing the ball into the box. McGrath is a threat from set pieces and he swung in a devilish delivery to the back post. Boyle, playing his last derby, evaded Beni Baningime at the back post and stylishly volleyed home from close range.

Easter Road erupted. A couple of exuberant fans streamed on to the pitch. This strike wasn't quite as early as McGrath's in the December derby here but it set Hearts back.

They were given a helping hand - literally - by a grave error of judgement by Hibs keeper Sallinger. The Austrian has been largely excellent since arriving from TS Hartberg last summer but he put his team in real bother on 14 minutes.

Stephen Kingsley's clipped ball over the top of the Hibs defence ought to have been straightforward for Sallinger but he lost his bearings just outside the penalty box. He took the ball on his chest, backpedalled and realised that Hearts striker Landry Kabore was right next to him. He grabbed the ball and while referee Don Robertson waved play on, he was swiftly advised at the next break of play by VAR to go to the monitor.

Television images showed that while Sallinger's feet were in the box, his hands were outside. With Kabore so close to him, it was a clear denial of a goalscoring opportunity. Reserve goalkeeper Jordan Smith was called upon for the first time since August.

Ten becomes nine...

Hearts monopolised possession thereafter. Smith, one of the heroes of last season's third-placed finish, immediately made a fine sprawling save to deny Kingsley's header from a corner.

It was to Hibs' immense credit that they largely nullified Hearts for the rest of the half. Hearts were too slow on the ball and the half-chances that fell Claudio Braga's way were spurned. Murmurs of discontent emanated from the away end. The joy of hearing Motherwell had scored a late winner at Ibrox had subsided.

McInnes reacted at the break by introducing winger Sabah Kerjota for Altena and Hearts set about recovering the situation. They were given even more cause for optimism on 48 minutes when Passlack - earlier booked for a set-two with Kingsley - errantly fouled Baningime. Robertson went for his top pocket and Hibs were down to nine men.

Surely now, Hearts. Surely ...

Hibs were clinging on desperately. Substitute Kanayo Megwa did just enough to put off Braga and his shot was saved by Smith. The keeper then parried a long-range effort from Craig Halkett, of all people, and then Marc Leonard thrashed an effort off the crossbar.

It was a matter of time. Hibs are a good Premiership team but the numerical inferiority was taking its toll. On 65 minutes, the resistance finally ended.

Kerjota got to the byline, drilled in a low cross and the ball ricocheted off Shankland and then the unfortunate Hibs defender O'Hora. With Smith grounded, the ball trundled just over the goalline and Hearts - finally - had their equaliser.

With loads of time left to find a winner the Hearts fans had found their voice. However, there was a distinct lapse in the visitors' tempo. Hibs dug in. The clock struck 75 minutes and the scoreline remained 1-1.

The fight Hibs were showing with nine men was supreme. But energy levels were dropping. Hearts had enough in this team. They have scored late goals in every single derby this season and once again, they weren't to be denied.

Kerjota was at the heart of it once more. The Albanian stood up Jordan Obita on 86 minutes and found Spittal in acres of space inside the penalty box. He arrowed the ball first-time towards the goal and it fizzed past Smith via a nick off defender Rocky Bushiri. The away end at Easter Road has never celebrated a goal like it.

The goal was the dull, decisive blow to kill off Hibs. Hearts saw it out. They took their time here but Hearts are now closing in on the Premiership title. The match against Rangers a week on Monday is now enormous.