More late drama! Hearts beat NINE-man Hibs to move three points clear

TL;DR

Hearts secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over nine-man Hibernian in the Edinburgh derby, with Blair Spittal scoring the winner in the 86th minute. This win puts Hearts three points ahead of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race.

Key points

Hearts won 2-1 against Hibernian in the Edinburgh derby
Blair Spittal scored the winner in the 86th minute
Hibernian had two players sent off during the match
Hearts are now three points ahead of Celtic in the league
The match featured significant late drama

Mentioned in this story

Blair SpittalRaphael SallingerFelix Passlack

HeartsHibernian

Blair Spittal was the Hearts hero as his 86th-minute winner earned the Scottish Premiership leaders a 2-1 comeback win over nine-man Hibernian in the Edinburgh derby - on a day of late drama in the title race.

Spittal came off the bench to curl home from inside the box - after Hibernian's ill-discipline cost them dearly in seeing goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger and then defender Felix Passlack sent off in both halves. The victory moves Hearts three points clear of second-placed Celtic and four clear of Rangers in third.

It was an electric derby from the get-go. As news of Rangers' late defeat to Motherwell spilled through to a buoyant Hearts side, many billed this as the Jam Tarts' big opportunity to take a huge step towards the Scottish Premiership title.

But Hibs - who won the last derby at Easter Road in December and whose fans are desperate to stop Hearts whatever it takes - initially had other ideas with a spirited display.

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Sean Boyle gives Hibernian an early lead against Hearts.

First, derby day specialist Martin Boyle crashed in a close-range finish for Hibs after seven minutes, latching onto Jamie McGrath's dangerous free-kick.

Easter Road was bouncing, but Hibs' game plan unravelled seven minutes later. Goalkeeper Sallinger was put under pressure and picked up a long ball forward, with VAR spotting he had taken it out the area. Referee Don Robertson brandished a red card after visiting the monitor.