Watching the fans sing ‘Sunshine on Leith’ was ‘unreal’ says goal hero McGrath

Yesterday’s Edinburgh derby Man of the match Jamie McGrath described the scenes at the final whistle as ‘unreal’

Making his first start in this fixture, McGrath got Hibs off to a flying start – finding the back of the net inside two minutes to set the tone for a breathtaking afternoon ahead. 

Further goals from Josh Campbell and Kieron Bowie put Hibs into a commanding position, but the players had to dig deep to claim the 3-2 victory as the visitors rallied late on.

Speaking to Hibs TV after the match, McGrath shared his thoughts on another memorable Edinburgh Derby victory.

“It was obviously my first start in the derby, so I didn’t really know what to expect. Coming out at the start of the game was unbelievable, just to be a player and be part of it today was some spectacle.

“To get the early goal was a dream start for me and the team – I think that’s what’s been lacking in recent weeks. 

“We’ve started really well but haven’t managed to get that goal, so it was important to get a foothold in the game early on.

“We made it hard for ourselves towards the end, but coming out on the right side of it is all that matters in the derby.”

The 29-year-old’s early strike was his sixth goal for the Hibees this season after arriving from Aberdeen in the summer.

“It’s honestly all I’ve been dreaming of this week — getting on the scoresheet. McGrath continued.

“My family all flew over today; there were about 10 or 12 of them in the stand, and my brother was watching at home with his newborn – everyone was tuning in.

“It’s what you dream of as a player — days like today and contributing as best you can. To get the win was special, and seeing Sunshine On Leith at the end was unreal.”

McGrath praised the full team performance – which was undoubtedly one of the best of the season – and hopes the result can be a catalyst for further success this season.

“I think the timing of the goals really set up a platform for us to go on and win the game. We’ve been dominant at times this season but haven’t always got the goals to reward us. I thought we deserved it today — we started very well.

“The early goal settled the game, then getting the next one was important, and then the third as well. The only slight negative was conceding two goals and making it difficult for ourselves at the end.

“But fair play to Raf (Sallinger) — he made an unbelievable save to keep it at 3–2. At the end of the day, all you care about is coming out on the right side.

“We can’t get too far ahead of ourselves. It’s a one-off game, it’s a derby, and of course we enjoy it. But we will go again against Aberdeen on Tuesday. They are right beside us in the league, so we can’t get carried away. 

“Hopefully this is the start of something we can build on. Our performances have been okay without being brilliant at times, but when we’re on top, we need to capitalise — and we did that today, which was important.”