Hearts edge Hibernian 1-0 in first Edinburgh derby of 2025/26 season
…Move 5 points clear of Scottish Premiership
JOHN SALAU
Craig Halkett scored a stoppage-time winner as Hearts edged city rivals Hibernian 1-0 at Tynecastle to move five points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
It was the third time in seven league matches this season that Hearts had scored a stoppage-time winner after beating Edinburgh rivals Hibernian on Saturday.
The first Edinburgh derby of the season had been heavily hyped in the build-up, but an attritional affair in the swirling wind looked like ending goalless after Hibs captain Martin Boyle missed two big chances in the second half.
After Halkett forced in a cross from substitute Sabah Kerjota to secure a first victory over Hibernian in five attempts, the euphoric scenes among the home support went quite.
The Jambos – who have not lost in the Premiership since Neil Critchley’s last game in charge in late April, now boast their biggest lead at the top of the table since they were six points clear in October 2018.
However, champions Celtic have the chance to reduce the deficit when they host Motherwell on Sunday.
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McInnes sent out the same Hearts XI that started the previous two victories against Rangers and Falkirk.
There were two changes to the Hibs side that started their 0-0 draw at Celtic Park as Chris Cadden and Josh Campbell replaced midfielders Miguel Chaiwa and Jamie McGrath.
At the other end, Claudio Braga’s low shot from the edge of the box was saved by Sallinger after Hibs got caught playing out, before Obita made a vital saving challenge to deny Lawrence Shankland from close range.
Boyle saw an effort ruled out for offside in the 68th minute and the Hibernian forward was left frustrated again five minutes later when he went clean through and took a heavy touch, allowing Schwolow to make a big save.
It proved pivotal as defender Halkett popped up two minutes into stoppage time to guide home Kerjota’s cross from six yards, sparking delirious scenes around Tynecastle.
