A bit of a strange Edinburgh derby this one, both started the competition as Premiership clubs but now at the semi final stage in different divisions. There may be many arguments about the game but it’s still a derby and also a chance of getting to the Scottish Cup final.
During the opening 15 minutes Hearts took the game to Hibs and seemed to be play the style of play that’s done us well so far this season. Hibs caught us on the break and had space for a shot but Smithy did well to block. The Jam Tarts were limiting Hibs to very few chances.
Boyce did well running with the ball to the edge of the box but he seemed to take an extra touch rather than get the shot off. Doing well testing with set pieces, Olly Lee had a good strike from the edge of the box but just wide. Up to the 20th minute you couldn’t tell the teams were in different leagues I be honest. Jamie Walker seemed up for the game today and was getting stuck in well.
It was developing into a very open end to end game and was really good to see it so competitive. Hearts were dealing well with any pressure being thrown at them.
Hibs had the best chance so far as Nesbit headed but the amazing Gordon pulled off a superb left handed save from point blank. As good as it is seeing Walker get so stuck in, he was giving away some silly fouls in dangerous places. Hibs seemed to just be taking more control of the game as the half went on, but Hearts stayed strong at the back and were clearing their lines well. Having Gordon between the sticks is reassuring and gives us a bit of confidence at the back. We needed our attacking players on the ball a bit more. Hibs put a dangerous ball in the box but Popescu did well to put Doidge off who put it wide.
When we get the ball we need to make the most of it, our main threats and chances seemed to be coming from set pieces. Roberts created some space for himself near the edge of the box and got a good shot off but Marciano saved comfortably in the end. Boyce played the ball to Wighton who puts a dangerous ball across the six yard box but just too far away from Walker for him to get a touch, good pressure from the Jambos.
We went in at half time scoreless, a score that was a good one to take at half time. If we wanted to get a result though, our wide players needed to get in the game more as Boyce seemed lonely upfront.
During half time I read some very sad news that ex Jambo defender Marius Zaliukas passed away. The big man was skipper when I first became a Hearts fan upon moving up here, made a huge impression on me and was a favourite of mine. Very sad news indeed. Rest In Power Big Man.
The second half began at pace as Hearts pushed forward but worryingly Hibs threatening on more than one occasion. Too many dangerous attacks for Hibs, thankfully Boyce was able to clear on the near post when Hibs went close. We needed to calm it down a bit and get a grip on the game. Two great subs to be able to rely on came off the bench on 55 minutes as Naismith replaced Walker and Peter Haring came on for Roberts who had a quiet game. A change of shape may help Hearts threaten a bit more, as Wighton pushed up into a front two with Haring and Naisy in the midfield.
Olly Lee found a lot of space out wide and put in a beautifully floated ball onto the shaven napper of Craig Wighton, who nodded into the bottom corner. Hearts lead 1-0!!!! After the goal Hibs made a change and Hearts worked the ball in the middle of the park, so we have them on the ropes? Isn’t Wighton showing us what he can do these last few games, Get In There!! Think I almost took the roof off the pubshed when it hit the back of the net!
Halliday picked up a booking for smashing Boyle, can’t complain at the card being shown. Then up the other end Boyce was drawing the players in green and white to make mistakes and give away silly fouls. Hibs caught us napping on the break but Kingsley did superbly to get across and clear the danger.
A free kick given away results in a Hibs goal with a header from Doidge who levelled, Gordon could do nothing to keep it out. The lead lasted 7 minutes, now to see what the boys in maroon are made of.
Smith with some great battling out wide and put a pass into the box to Lee who swept it to Wighton who shot wide. Still very much anyone’s game at this point as the game is end to end. Hibs created a chance but then on the counter Boyce was one on one with the keeper but his shot went agonisingly wide.
The rain and wind in Glasgow is horrendous which must make it hard to play in. I can attest for it as my shed in Glasgow is getting a battering and just had to miss a few minutes to go pick up some patio chairs which hit the shed.
Need to hold our nerve as the game enters the final ten minutes but Halkett picked up a yellow and gave away a dangerous free kick in doing so, luckily it was hit against the wall. Hearts then attacked and forced a corner out of nothing, good to see we are still threatening and earning some set pieces. Goal scorer Wighton came off for Aidy White with seven to go. Some tired looking legs out on the pitch for both sides as the game enters the last five minutes, but they will have to muster up some strength as the game looked like it was heading for an extra half hour. Hearts dealt with pressure well as Hibs had a shout for a penalty but it resulted in a Jambos free kick.
As the referee blew for full time, a 1-1 draw is a fair result but not what we wanted. So we go to extra time at a sodden Hampden.
It was good to see Hearts keeping the ball on the ground and passing well as extra time started, Popescu and Halkett were blocking and clearing well at the back. A scare as Gogic tested the goal but Gordon did superbly to turn it around the post.
Henderson came on for Olly Lee in midfield to add some energy. The game was still end it end in the extra period with both sides going for it. Halliday landed awkwardly from a collision but not sure if it was cramp. The ever reliable Craig Gordon kept out a long ranger that took a deflection. Haring played a superb through ball to Boyce but his touch let him down, encouraging to see that we were still creating as we go into half time of extra time.
In the first minute of the second half Hibs got a penalty after what looked like a dive but it was smashed against the bar, danger averted. At the other end Boyce deflected a cross onto the post. The breakthrough had to come and it did when McGinn brought White down in the box and Hearts got a penalty!! Boyce put it away with precision past the keeper with ten minutes left to play!!!! Get in there Boycie!!!!!!!
Gordon again saved the day with a cracking save from a Doidge overhead kick. Andy Halliday took a bad knock to the head and was replaced by Irving with five minutes left.
The referee blew up for full time of extra time after three added minutes and Heart Of Midlothian have made it to the Scottish Cup Final!!!
The game was a good game over 90 minutes but then it became a great game in extra time, this was a proper derby game, a shame us fans weren’t there but still a great moment and a great memory for Hearts fans, getting one over the neighbours from Leith!! Another trip to Hampden just days before Christmas against either Aberdeen or Celtic, could Hearts give us all an amazing Christmas present come December?
My Man Of The Match was Craig Gordon, the Jambo’s keeper really proved his worth as he he made a number of top drawer saves and kept Hearts in the game numerous times. What a difference it is having a keeper like him in goal.
PLAYER RATINGS
GORDON – 9
Smith – 7
Halkett – 7
Popescu – 7
Kingsley – 6
Lee – 7
Halliday – 7
Wighton – 8
Walker – 7
Roberts – 6
Boyce – 7
Haring – 7
Naismith – 7
White – 7
Henderson – 6
Irving – 6
After the incredible high of tonight, next up for the Jam Tarts is a home game next Saturday in the Championship against Inverness.
Thanks for reading my thoughts on Hearts against Hibs.
Daz Carding
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