Hearts V Hibernian (Tynecastle Park 09/04/2022)

Hearts V Hibernian – Cinch Scottish Premiership (09/04/2022)

Most would have being opening a few beers with mates ahead of an Edinburgh derby but I went for a 8.4K run, as I prepared for my 6.55K tomorrow raising money for Big Hearts. If you want to sponsor me then you can by this link https://bighearts.enthuse.com/pf/daz-carding

What a day for a derby, the sun was shining and the sky was blue with a gentle spring breeze in the air. I boarded the 1308 train from Polmont to Haymarket in my blue and black Hearts third shirt, which I’ve worn to every game since we last lost as I’m superstitious and in my mind it’s a lucky shirt until we lose.

Wandered through Gorgie on my usual route to Tynecastle, stopped off and got a new pin badge, popped into the club shop for a programme and the reception for a team sheet before meeting up with Anas in the Foundation Plaza to collect my ticket for next weeks Scottish Cup Semi Final from him. To say I was buzzing ahead of the game today would be an understatement, for anyone who has never experienced an Edinburgh derby it’s a must attend game, the atmosphere inside a packed Tynecastle Park on derby day is unreal.

Whilst in the Plaza, we were recognised by Jock The Jambo, Hearts mascot , and got a photo with him. I also spotted one of my favourite Hearts players of all time, Ian Black, who was not only a former Jambo but also an ex Shrewsbury Town player. Also bumped into Scott, who helped organise our bus to Hampden with Forth Valley Hearts, was nice to finally meet him. The atmosphere was very different between each set of fans as there was a relaxed atmosphere amongst the Hearts supporters and in contrast our neighbours from Leith had police around them and making themselves heard, you could tell which team had more at stake in the game.

I got into the ground at around half two, bumped into the boys I travelled up to Dingwall with last week and then went to get something to eat. What a delight I got as I saw that Kebab Pies were still available!! Had to turn down the first I was handed as it was burnt but the replacement was as delightful as ever. As kick off got closer the atmosphere got tastier and you could feel the buzz!!

Four minutes gone and the Hearts defence let Drey Wright walk through them and allowed him to get a shot off that beat Craig Gordon after a deflection. A poor goal to concede and so early in the game, shouldn’t be allowing them that much space in the box.

During he opening 15 minutes Hearts were showing too much respect to Hibs, allowing them to dictate the game. It was clear that Hibs were more up for it, not only on the pitch but in the stands.

Worryingly with just under 20 minutes gone as a Hibs player was down receiving treatment, Liam Boyce limped over towards the Hearts bench but stayed on the pitch to run it off.

A good spell of pressure from Hearts saw Simms narrowly put the ball wide as the keeper ran out at him as he was one on one and Atkinson hit the bar from a beautiful cross from McKay.

Into time added on and the scores were levelled as Andy Halliday smashed a shot into the inside of the far post which ended up in the net, sending three sides of Tynecastle into raptures. What a way to silence the fans who had been giving Halliday stick all game.

Hibs controlled the opening 15 minutes but Hearts dominated possession for the remainder of the half and grabbed a much deserved equaliser right on halftime. Hearts could have done without the halftime whistle as they were enjoying great momentum.

Only a minute on the clock in the second half and the Jambos were in the lead, a superb ball into the box by Peter Haring finding Stephen Kingsley at the far post to smash home from close range, a superb goal. After the goal “Hibs, Hibs are falling apart again” rang out around the stadium as Hibs slipped to 7th in the live table.

Just over half an hour left it was 3-1 to the Hearts and the away end began emptying, as Super Andy Halliday got his second of the game and what a goal it was as he smashed the ball in from distance, further silencing his critics in the away end.

Sad to see the impressive Halliday have to be taken off after taking a knock, but what a standing ovation he received as he left the pitch.

In the end a dominant score line that matched the Hearts performance, following a shaky start. After his performance today, if fit then Andy Halliday must have played his way into a starting place at Hampden next week. The win mathematically secured Hearts third place and confined Hibs to the bottom six. Leaving Gorgie and that song about Hibs falling apart again echoed through the streets.