Hearts continue Derby domination

Hearts continued their recent fine form and results by beating Hibs 3-1 at Easter Road, even managing to miss yet another penalty kick. The match featured a few “firsts” – Paulo`s first visit to Easter Road, Billy Brown`s first Derby as a Hibee, and Pat Fenlon`s first Derby altogether.

Paulo Sergio re-assembled his “standard” team following the Aberdeen midweek shuffle, and his decision paid off as the players started to dominate the first half. Taouil should have scored midway through, but ended up injured instead – being replaced by Andy Driver. Then a short pass back from Booth resulted in keeper Stack hacking down Stephen Elliott – but the Hibs man redeemed himself by saving Ian Black`s rather tame kick.

Hibs started the 2nd half with much more fire than they had shown previously, without causing too much trouble for Hearts defence.

Black was outstanding in Hearts` midfield, and he had 2 fine 2nd half shots. It was from his corner that Hearts took the lead on the hour mark, Webster heading it towards goal and Ryan McGowan bundling it over the line. However Hibs struck back immediately when Galbraith`s low cross was knocked past Kello by Zaliukas.

Gradually, Hearts got themselves back on top – and Paulo Sergio`s gamble in replacing Robinson with Sutton helped enormously, by forcing Hibs to try to cope with an extra forward. Sutton was involved in the next 2 goals, scored by Webster and Skacel. In between them, Driver should have killed the game when he dribbled round Stack only to see his shot blocked by O`Hanlon.

So once again, the amateur Tynecastle players proved too good for the struggling Hibs men. – and Ian Black`s t-shirt slogan at the end (“I`ll paint this place maroon”) was a combination of arrogance, confidence and realism. The victory lifts us to 4th equal, and if we can keep this type of run going even if a couple of players leave in January, then 3rd place is a distinct possibility.

A rough measure of Hearts current confidence and “togetherness” is the crime count in these last 3 victories – fewer than 10 fouls committed in each match, and a total of only 2 bookings. Given the non-payment of December salaries, and the January transfer window now being open, you`d imagine that the players would have other things on their minds – yet the concentration, passing and movement is extremely good right now.

Well done to the players and coaching staff !!