A late goal from Tomas Magnusson secured not only the bragging rights but more importantly a hugely valuable three-points to consolidate top spot in the table for Hearts at Tynecastle tonight.
Hibs had the better of the chances and just when it looked as if a draw was on the cards, Hearts grabbed the later winner, just as they did when the teams last met in Gorgie.
Hearts manager Derek McInnes made two changes to his starting lineup following last week’s defeat to St Mirren,
Islam Chesnokov made his first start for Hearts after signing in January in place of Michael Steinwender and Frankie Kent replaced the suspended Craig Halkett.
David Gray made two changes to his starting XI following the victory over Dundee United last week.
Nicky Cadden and Kai Andrews replace the injured Jordan Obita and Eli Youan who dropped to the bench.
Jamie McGrath and Josh Campbell, who both scored in Hibs Edinburgh Derby victory in December, and centre-back Warren O’Hora all returned to the matchday squad after recovering from injuries.
Hearts had the better of the opening minutes before Kent was fortunate not to be shown a yellow card for chopping down Miguel Chaiwa who was breaking clear.
A lapse in concentration from the Hearts defence then allowed Hibs a two on one, but Felix Passlack’s pass was poor and Martin Boyle couldn’t get a shot away.
At the other end a long throw for Hearts was met at the near post and the ball drops for Alexandros Kyziridis at the edge of box but his effort was high and wide.
Boyle then looked to have got the better of Stuart Findlay but the defender did well to clear the danger and from the resulting corner the ball found Chaiwa but he sliced his effort from the edge of the area.
Chaiwa was harshly booked for pulling back Claudio Braga on the breakaway.
A long Jack Iredale throw almost found Dane Scarlett but his attempt at a diving header failed to connect.
Nicky Cadden did well to cut open the Hearts defence before finding Scarlett but his attempt at a cross was blocked.
A Dan Barlaser corner found the head of Scarlett and Bushiri almost connected with the knock down but instead kicked Harry Milne.
Cadden then sent Boyle clear with a wonderful long pass but Beni Baningime was alive to the danger.
Dane Scarlett then became second Hibs player to be booked for catching stand-in captain Kent with a flailing arm.
Hearts best chance came just before the break when Kabore’s effort was deflected to the back post and Chesnokov knocked it past the post and connected with Raphael Sallinger, who required treatment.
The final action of the first half saw Chaiwa set up Boyle on the right of the box but his shot was saved at the near post.
After the restart following a well-worked corner Milne let fly from the edge of the box and Sallinger saved at the second attempt.
Hibs then broke clear and Cadden’s low, curling cross was intercepted by Kyziridis who knocked the ball behind for a corder.
On the hour mark Jamie McGrath and Ante Suto replaced Scarlett and Chaiwa.
Moments later another teasing Nicky Cadden ball aimed at Boyle was cleared by Kent.
Cadden skipped past Islam Chesnokov and finds Martin Boyle between the posts, but he pokes over the bar.
Boyle was replaced by Youan in the 72nd minute.
Four minutes later McInnes brought on Jordi Altena and Tomas Magnusson for Islam Chesnokov and Beni Baningime.
Munashe Garananga picked up a knock and was replaced by O’Hora.
Winter signing Rogers Mato and Ageu replaced Kabore and Kyziridis for the final stages.
With three minutes remaining Tynecastle erupted when Tomas Magnusson opened his foot to turn in an excellent Milne cross from the left.
And Hearts hung on for the victory and a hugely valuable three points.
Hearts: Schwolow, McEntee, Kent, Findlay, Milne, Baningime, Leonard, Chesnokov, Braga, Kyziridis, Kabore.
Substitutes: Gordon, McCart, Steinwender, Spittal, Magnusson, Altena, Kerjota, Ageu, Mato.
Hibs: Sallinger, Garananga, Bushiri, Iredale, Passlack, Barlaser, Chaiwa, Andrews, N Cadden, Scarlett, Boyle.
Substitutes: Smith, O’Hora, Youan, McGrath, Megwa, Campbell, Molotnikov, Elding, Suto.
