Hearts stunned by Hibs in Edinburgh derby

EDINBURGH: Hearts’ dream of winning their first Scottish Premiership title since 1960 suffered a major blow as they were beaten 3-2 by Edinburgh rivals Hibernian on Saturday.

The Jambos had started the day six points clear at the top of the table, hoping to end the decades-long dominance of Celtic and Rangers in Scottish football.

However, just a second defeat in 24 matches since the appointment of manager Derek McInnes and significant investment from Brighton owner Tony Bloom halted their momentum.

Hearts never recovered from a nightmare start at Easter Road, with Jamie McGrath scoring from Nicky Cadden’s cross. Hibernian’s David Gray-led side added a second through Josh Campbell just before half-time. Kieron Bowie’s early strike in the second half left some Hearts fans heading for the exits.

Despite a late fightback, with Lawrence Shankland reducing the deficit 15 minutes from time and Cammy Devlin setting up a tense finale, Hearts could not find an equaliser. Hibs goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger made crucial saves to deny Shankland and Beni Baningime during six minutes of stoppage time.

The win puts Hibernian back in contention for European places, closing to within two points of third-placed Motherwell, while dealing a significant setback to Hearts’ title ambitions.

Meanwhile, Celtic travel to bottom-of-the-table Livingston later on Saturday, and Rangers host Motherwell in a crucial clash as both Old Firm sides look to close in on Hearts at the top.