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Dwight Gayle came off the bench to score the winning goal as Hibernian beat rivals Hearts 2-1.
Gayle came on in the 68th minute to restore his side’s lead in the Edinburgh derby after receiving a cross from Nicky Carden. The experienced striker’s fine strike secured Hib’s first win at Tynecastle in five years.
Hibs opened the scoring on derby day when Hearts’ Kai Rawls saw a ball deflect off his head and into his own net after a corner kick. However, Hibs’ celebrations were postponed after VAR advised referee Nick Walsh to check the opener.
Goalkeeper Craig Gordon appealed, arguing Rocky Bushiri had blocked his view when Josh Campbell’s header hit Rawls, but after a lengthy review the goal stood.
Busiri’s involvement in the goal wasn’t over yet, as he scored an own goal of his own on the stroke of half-time.
A goal before half-time seemed to dash Hibs’ hopes, but their late fightback shocked a Hearts side who had been searching for a winner of their own. Hibs’ fifth win in a row moves them into seventh place, three points below the top six. Hearts’ defeat leaves them in tenth place.
Gray: Not a pretty result but important for momentum
Hibernian boss David Gray:
“The fans have been waiting five years but I think we can play better but the focus today was on the result and keeping the momentum going. Credit to Hearts, I thought they started the second half better, we were a little bit nervous but a little bit The adjustments and a couple of substitutes coming on made a huge difference and sometimes it wasn’t good, but I’m glad Gayle came off the bench and scored.”
Regarding the alleged racist incident:
“There’s no place for it and the bottom line is it’s been dealt with. Jordan came on and he was great when he came on. But as far as I’m concerned, it’s unacceptable.”
Critchley: Poor goals cost us again
red heart boss Neil Critchley:
“I think we didn’t play well enough, we started well but then conceded a really bad goal which forced us to chase the game and I think that broke us. In the second half we controlled the game but then conceded That’s the story of our season so far.
“Is it a problem? Of course it is, if there is a trend, then there was a problem at 1-1 where we forced Hibs back into their own half. They created a quality goal that we didn’t create time.”
