Hibernian 1-1 Heart of Midlothian: Boyle earns hosts dramatic draw

Martin Boyle made a heroic return to Hibernian with a 95th-minute equaliser to deny a Hearts Edinburgh derby victory at Easter Road.

But Hibbs called a late rally, sparking delirium after Boyle, who rejoined the club a day earlier, stabbed the home fan after Rocky Bushley squandered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Hearts extended their unbeaten derby to seven games, but that was no consolation as they regretted not making the most of their second-half advantage.

This leaves both sides with four points in their opening two league games.

Robbie Neilson changed the shape of the Hearts, starting from the back four and surprisingly, once his team found a rhythm, they had their first real chance to score after 22 minutes. Shankland crossed David Marshall’s leg after taking McKay’s ball. Debate has raged over whether the striker used his arm in the build-up.

The Hibs reacted well initially, Joe Newell shot, then Elie Youan found Craig Gordon in his usual long-limbed, spidery good form with the striker heading in.

It was Marshall’s turn to save his team after the break as Hearts looked to kill the game and the Hibbs goalkeeper made close-range blocks to deny Shankland and McKay.

There was no second goal to convince Hibs. Boyle shrugged off a desperate hearts defense, but his timid shot was blocked behind him. In this corner, the ball was nodded by Bushri at the back post, but he somehow headed in from close range.

But it wasn’t the last of the action, as Euan used good speed to create a cross that cut back to Boyle, who had a low shot to the delight of the Hibbers fans.

Best Candidate – Martin Boyle

As Hibs hold on, people’s hearts don’t take chances

Hearts and Hibs fans will generally agree that the Edinburgh derby, while the spirit, blood and thunder are high, is often of low quality. Sometimes it takes a little magic to win it.

Shankland’s off-foot shot looked like game-determining magic.

Hibs have lacked this magic lately. To be precise, starting in January. So the excitement was palpable when whispers of Boyle’s return came on the Easter road. He was much faster than anyone imagined.

Registered at 11 p.m. the night before, even head coach Lee Johnson admitted he didn’t think Boyle would be involved in the game.

Instead, the Australia international’s return has come to an almost perfect end.

When Hearts fans want to blame something or someone, they may bemoan the coach’s substitutions – they’re a little defensive when it’s just one goal ahead.

what they said

Hibbers head coach Lee Johnson: “We’re really brave as a team with tactics and substitutions. It’s a bit of a risk to have Martin Boyle on for so long, but we know what he can do and he’s a Ranger at the right time. Type Roy returns.

“We’ll be better, more cohesive, people will understand each other’s movements more. The important thing is we don’t lose the game, and five minutes of injury time, 1-0 down, it feels like A victory.”

Cardiac Manager Robbie Nelson: “We were very frustrated that we didn’t get the three points I thought we deserved. We dominated the entire game except for the opening 10-15 minutes.

“We had a lot of chances to get the second goal but we didn’t take it and we paid the price. We should have just crossed the line but we didn’t.”

What’s next?

Hearts boss Nelson’s former club Dundee United host Dundee United on Sunday, while the Hibbs make a short trip to Livingston on Saturday (both at 15:00 BST).