Hibernian 1-2 Hearts: Hearts go top after coming from behind to beat nine man Hibs in the Edinburgh Derby

Despite having 74% possession in the first half, Hearts were unable to break down a stubborn Hibs defence before the break. It did, however, feel that if the game continued in this way, it was only a matter of time before they found a breakthrough.

The second half started in the worst possible manner for Hibs as Passlack was shown a second yellow card which saw them go down to nine men after just forty-eight minutes, meaning they would have to hold on for more almost the entire second half with two players fewer than their bitter rivals.

Just a couple of minutes after, Braga found himself face-to-face with Smith in the Hibs net, but again the substitute keeper was able to keep it out, and it felt like only a matter of time before Hearts found the goal.

Marc Leonard was given time at the edge of the box as he struck one venomously with his left-foot which smashed off the crossbar as Hibs survived another scare and Hearts just kept knocking on the door.

With 65 minutes on the clock, the title-chasers broke down the Hibs resistance and found the goal they were searching for. It came from brilliant work down the right from Sabah Kerjota who played the ball in, and a combination of Lawrence Shankland and Hibs defender Warren O’Hora who bundled the ball over the line to bring the Edinburgh derby level. But Hearts wanted more.

And that is exactly what they got. Kerjota did well on the right before laying the ball off to Blair Spittal, who from just inside the box took on the shot, which took a slight deflection which helped to take it past Smith and give Hearts a priceless goal in the Scottish Premiership title race.

With Rangers losing at home to Motherwell earlier on, Spittal’s late goal sent the Gorgie side back to the top of the league, three points ahead of Celtic after their win over Falkirk yesterday, and four in front of Rangers. With only four games left to play, it was all about the three points for Hearts and that is exactly what they got. Next up is a huge game against Rangers at Tynecastle.