Hibernian 0-1 Hearts: Shankland the hero again as visitors grab derby win

Lawrence Shankland was once again the Hearts hero as his 93rd-minute Edinburgh derby winner sank Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

The usually lethal Shankland thundered his off the upright, before goalkeeper Zander Clark pulled off a stunning save to deny Martin Boyle at the other end.

Just as it looked as though the game was destined for derby deadlock, the Hearts captain atoned for his miss as he curled the ball into the far corner to spark scenes of jubilation in the away end.

The late winner maintains Hearts’ two-point advantage in third place over Kilmarnock, while sixth-place Hibs are now eight points adrift of their city rivals.

This feisty fixture can sometimes be caught cold in nervy early stages, but the typical derby anxiety quickly descended into bedlam.

Rocky Bushiri’s flailing arm invited danger, and the defender was punished when a check of the monitor prompted John Beaton to point to the spot.

Boasting a perfect penalty record – 15 out of 15 – since his successful move to Tynecastle, Shankland finding the back of the net seemed inevitable. Shock quickly morphed into glee in the home crowd as the prolific striker’s spot-kick bounced off the post.

A roused Easter Road had further reason to roar when Hibs were awarded a penalty of their own when defender Kyle Rowles did Clark’s job for him in saving Dylan Vente’s effort.

The goalkeeper had to be on his toes as Boyle stepped up to the spot, sprawling to tremendously tip the Hibs talisman’s effort on to the upright.

Beyond some far less glaring handball shouts, the game lacked quality for its searing start.

Hibs enjoyed the better of the play and had opportunities through the vigour of substitute Elie Youan, with Kenneth Vargas and Shankland also spurning chances for the visitors.

But Hearts know they do not have to dominate with a player like Shankland in their ranks, and their patience paid off.

Player of the match – Lawrence Shankland

Shankland steps up in dreich derby – analysis

Big players win big games. Sometimes, football is just as simple as that.

In truth, Hearts were far below the standards expected of a team looking to set the pace as the best of the rest in the top flight.

They rarely looked like threatening a Hibs side known for their defensive frailties and front-footed approach, but for the victors, performances mean little on derby day. It’s all about coming out on top, and through their lethal talisman, Hearts did just that.

Once those fans in maroon have scraped themselves off the Easter Road roof, attention will quickly turn to the importance of retaining Shankland’s services. Without him, Hearts are a shadow of the force he makes them.

Hibs will feel let down that they allowed the league’s top scorer to make his mark right at the end of a game they had edged. One lapse of concentration was enough.

They had promising spells and looked lively when Youan was introduced, but Clark was scarcely asked to make a save of note in front of a home crowd desperate to continue their strong derby record in recent times.

What they said

Hearts head coach Steven Naismith: “When you’ve got a top-class striker like Shanks, you never rule anything out. He finds calmness in the box, composure, and it’s some finish. Before that, Zander Clark makes some good saves, and saves the penalty.”

On Shankland’s future, he said: “If you got an outrageous offer, that’s something the club would consider. We’ve spoke as a club about what the plan is for any player and the development of the club.

“Shanks has got 18 months left, he’s happy, he’s enjoying his football. We don’t need to talk about a contract at the moment. We want him to stay, we’ll do all we can, but you can’t guarantee anything. We’ll enjoy him as long as he’s here and we’re ready for all eventualities.”

Hibs manager Nick Montgomery: “Obviously devastated to concede such a late goal.

“I said to the boys after I can’t ask for any more effort. It’s just one mistake and a moment of quality from a top-quality striker, probably one of the best in the league.

“There’s some big saves from both keepers, but towards the end I don’t think anyone thought it would be anything other than a draw.

“If I was being honest, I thought we were the team that would have scored the winner towards the end. I’m devastated for the players for their effort and for the fans of course.”

What’s next?

Hearts welcome Ross County to Tynecastle on Saturday , while Hibs host Motherwell on Tuesday (both 15:00 GMT).