Hibs 1 - 0 Hearts: Simon Murray's early strike wins derby

Hibernian's Simon Murray celebrates the opener. Picture: Ross Parker/SNS

It took the home side only three minutes to net what would prove to be the game’s winning goal. Simon Murray took a pass from Brandon Barker on the left, nutmegged John Souttar and lashed the ball high into the net.

It appeared at that point Hearts were going to become overrun, just like they were in their last trip to Easter Road for the 3-1 Scottish Cup defeat earlier this year. But the visitors managed to survive the early pressure and, even though they were never truly on top in the period, began to ask some questions of their own as Ross Callachan saw a shot blocked after good play by Jamie Walker and Euan Henderson down the left.

Hibs carried the greater threat, though they often found themselves denied by some last-ditch defending. Murray had a cross blocked after some nice wing play from Barker, before Lewis Stevenson had a free shot from inside the penalty area headed away by Christophe Berra.

After Walker struck a shot from the edge of the area straight at Ofir Marciano in the Hibs goal, the hosts created a terrific chance to double their lead. Dylan McGeouch was the architect, fighting and driving through the centre before clipping behind for Martin Boyle. Goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin won the race to the ball, but could only push it into the path of Steven Whittaker. With the goal gaping, the full-back fired it over.

John McGinn almost kicked off the second half with a stunning goal, shooting from 30 yards and seeing his effort whistle wide. Whittaker would then have another chance, this time from a corner which was blocked by Connor Randall.

Murray, ever a willing runner up front, fired a shot wide of the goal from a tight angle with 18 minutes remaining.

This was soon followed by Hearts having their first real chance of the half, as Berra’s header from an Esmael Gonalves cross was on target but lacked the power to beat Marciano.

Hearts almost had their equaliser three minutes later. A Souttar free-kick found Kyle Lafferty on the left of the penalty area. His hooked ball back in was nodded down for substitute Cole Stockton at the back post. The striker couldn’t quite connect with his close range effort at an angle. The ball pinged around the six-yard box before Goncalves saw his shot blocked.

The hosts then came tantalisingly close to sealing the victory after Barker raced down the left on a counter attack. The winger held the ball up for McGinn whose shot was tipped wide by a superb save from McLaughlin. But the third minute goal proved to be enough.