The long awaited Edinburgh derby finished all square at a windy Tynecastle this afternoon and the clubs will meet again in Leith on Wednesday week.
The poor underfoot conditions meant that passing football was at a minimum but both teams had good chances to win the game.
Ian Cathro made one change to the to the starting XI with Sam Nicholson replacing Bjorn Johnsen.
Neil Lennon made five changes to his starting XI with Ofir Marciano, Jordon Forster, Marvin Bartley, Grant Holt and Jason Cummings returning to first team action.
The game started at the usual 100mh pace and Hearts almost took an early lead when Lennard Sowah found Esmael Concalves on the edge of the area. The striker drove into the box but his effort was well saved by Marciano.
Hibs fought back and James Keatings did well on the left before sending a low cross into the six yard box. Holt attempted to flick the ball into the net but he was crowded out and the danger was cleared.
Both sides were guilty of illegal challenges although referee Willie Collum tried his best to be lenient and let the game flow.
Eventually however he took action and Darren McGregor was shown a yellow card for a barge on Don Cowie which left the midfielder requiring treatment.
Cummings had a chance after patching onto a long ball from Fraser Fyvie but his attempt to lob Jack Hamilton was unsuccessful.
Hibs had a great chance to take the lead just before the break. Holt did well to win the ball in midfield before setting up Cummings on the right side of the penalty box. The striker tried to find the far corner but Hamilton managed to prry the ball into the path of Holt but he was unable to get it under control and the Hearts’ keeper managed to get both hnds on the ball.
Hearts replaced Martin with Johnsen at half time and the move almost paid dividends when the ball was deflected into his path six yards from goal. Marciano reacted well and saved his effort however the ball fell to Jamie Walker who fired in a powerful volley which McGregor blocked for a corner.
The injured Forster was replaced by Fontaine in time for the corner kick and moments later John McGinn was booked for persistent fouling.
Hibs then had a spell of pressure and Cummings struck the side net with a shot from the edge of the box and James Keatings managed to rob Alexandros Tziolis but his shot flew high and wide.
Fyvie produced a great run down the right but his low cross was cleared for a corner by Aaron Hughes with Cummings waiting to pounce.
Hearts replaced Nicholson with Arnaud Djoum and the African did well down the right win before sending a low crss into the danger area but Marciano did well to gather the ball.
McGinn had a chance after a Keatings’ corner was cleared but his volley from 15 yards was deflected wide although a goal kick was awarded.
Hibs best chance came with 15 minutes remaining. Cummings latched onto a long ball but had no support in the area. He did well to wait until Holt arrived at the back post then slid the ball across the face of the goal but the former Norwich striker culd only divert it past the post at full strength.
Moments later Holt was replaced by Brian Graham and the big striker went close with a half volley which Avlonitis did well to block.
Concalves was booked in time added on for a late challenge on Gray and the game ended with Hibs on the attack.
After the game Man of the match Marvin Bartley told Sky Sports: “It was a massive battle. The pitch was not the best and we had to dig in and play to the conditions. Not only was it a bumpy pitch but it was also very windy out there.
“I thought to a man we were brilliant today.
“I think we created more opportunities and had more of the ball in their final third but we didn’t put the bal in the back of the net so we have to do it all again.
“They are a premiership team and we are the under dogs so if we do beat them it will be an upset, but going back to our place there will be a full house and it should be a good game.
Neil Lennon said: ” I am very pleased with my team and very pleased for the club. It’s not a win but psychologically it gives us plenty to be encouraged about.
“We had a fantastic support here. It’s my first Edinburgh derby and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
“It’s impossible to play football on the pitch and I am really pleased with the way we went about our business.
“I thought we had chances to win the game and hearts had a as well but probably on reflection a draw might have been a fair result but I though for long periods we were the better team.
“I didn’t think there was much between the teams. The pitch was a leveller but we can play but it was impossible to play on that today.
Ian Cathro said: “it was a difficult game. The frustrating part for us was the number of stoppages and the lack of being able to get some flow in the game. I do think the game could have had more flow to it.
“Ultimately I think we could have played better, I don’t think there is any question about that.
“There were some situations which were positive, the strength amongst the team and the unity to keep fighting so we finished the game with frustrations but we will very much look forward to the replay.”
Referee Willie Collum
Attendance : 16,971
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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
