The Edinburgh derby is recognised as one of the fiercest affairs in Scotland, and it lived up to that in today’s semifinal. It hasn’t been a comfortable ride for Hibernian supporters as far as this season having only won two out of their last eleven fixtures that now sees them bottom in the premiership.
Six weeks, club legend David Gray, the last captain to lift a trophy for the Leith side 10 years ago in the Scottish Cup was sacked as manager and replaced by Marnick Reedjik. The question posed then was could the Dutchman send them back to Hampden for a first final since a League Cup defeat to Celtic five years?
And at the beginning, it certainly didn’t look that way. The Jambos were off to a flying start, piling on the pressure on a vulnerable Hibs. Their first goal seemed imminent.
And in the fourth minute, Calvin Miller’s corner was met by the head of their star striker Claudio Braga to send one half of Hampden into a frenzy.
Minutes later the Hibees tried to respond with a great chance that saw Joe Newell play a through ball to Felix Passlack, whose attempt was saved by Beau Reus.
Hearts would later have another opportunity when a header from Tomas Magnusson which went wide – this led the midfielder to go down with what looked like a head injury. He was replaced by Yan Dhanda
They then found themselves on the defensive when Joe Newell played a ball over the top that found Martin Boyle who sneaked it in at the back post, to give Hibs an equalizer in the 19th minute that not even a VAR offside check could chop off.
Hearts’ injury woes continued when Calvin Miller went down with a knock which saw him make way for Sarbi Guendouz.
The Gorgie men looked like they had less venom in attack now following the change.
Hibernian were later awarded a corner five minutes before half time after Newell had a shot parried out for a corner.
The out-swinging corner kick found Newell, who had a heroic effort saved from close range, but it fell to team-mate Jamie McGrath who slotted it past the keeper.
The boys in green were able to keep their rivals at bay to see out the first half despite an increased effort from Hearts.
The second half was a tight, back and forth game that saw both have many chances that almost led to goal, leaving the fans on the edge of their seats. Hibs looked like they were the ones in the control though.
With the back four snuffing out the danger, it did seem as if Hearts were going to find their way back at some points with Josh McPake whipping a few balls in the box however it never found a man in maroon.
Their final chance came from a free kick in the last shred of extra time delivered by Jordi Altena, but it only ended up in the hands of Sallinger much to the Hibbies delight. As Hib’s closed the gap, with the final score being Hibernian 2 – 1 Hearts
This massive victory sees them advance to the final on Sunday 13th December where they will take on Rangers.
