Dwight Gayle Wins It Late On As Hibs Beat Hearts In Boxing Day Edinburgh Derby 245a27

Watch Hearts Vs Hibs highlights as Dwight Gayle’s late winner secured an Edinburgh derby victory for Hibernian on Boxing Day.

An excellent first-time strike from Gayle was enough to earn Hibernian Scottish Premiership bragging rights over rivals Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle.

Visitors Hibs opened the scoring after just nine minutes. An own goal from Hearts’ Kyle Rowles was eventually awarded after a lengthy consultation with VAR.

But another own goal evened things up moments before half-time. A howler from Rocky Bushiri in added time at the end of the first half brought Hearts level at the break.

The second period was a mostly poor affair, with fans of both sides thinking the derby was heading for a 1-1 draw.

But in the 78th minute, 35-year-old Dwight Gayle scored a goal worthy of winning any fixture, with the veteran Englishman lighting up the match.

The ex-Crystal Palace forward beat Hearts’ Craig Halkett to the ball after Nicky Cadden’s perfectly placed cross and fired the winner back across Craig Gordon in goal.

Hosts Hearts threw everything at the visitors in the final ten minutes, but Hibs held out in front of their noisy away fans to take all three points and secure a derby victory.

Watch: Hearts Vs Hibs Highlights p4f38

For Hibs, the result is their first away win in the Edinburgh Derby for five years.

Victory also moves David Gray’s side up to seventh in the Scottish Premiership.

They have now won three straight games since losing 3-0 at Celtic on 7 December.

Hearts, meanwhile, stay tenth in the table ahead of the remaining Boxing Day fixtures.

They have won just one of their last five in all competitions, and were knocked out of the Europa Conference league following a 2-2 draw with Moldovan outfit Petrocub.

Next up, Hearts travel to Ross County on Sunday 29th December. Hibs also play on Sunday, when they will host Kilmarnock.