Simon Murray's early goal proved enough to give Hibs a deserved 1-0 Scottish Premiership win over rivals Hearts at Easter Road. In the third minute of typically combative capital derby, the returning striker lashed the ball high into the net to give the home side an advantage which they retained until the final whistle ended a frenetic encounter. Neil Lennon's side leapfrogged Hearts by one point into fifth place and are now unbeaten in eight games against their city neighbours. The hard-fought win was just the tonic for Hibs following their 4-2 defeat to Celtic in the Betfred Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Saturday. Manager Lennon made four changes from that game with goalkeeper Ofir Marciano, defender Steven Whittaker and attackers Martin Boyle and Murray, reinstated. The Gorgie side had youngster wide midfielder Euan Henderson making his first start, wing-back Connor Randall was back from suspension and midfielder Rafal Grzelak returned. Simon Murray celebrates his goal (c) Paul Cram | SportPix.org.uk Some fans were still taking their seats when Murray put Hibs ahead. The former Dundee United player picked up the ball in the Hearts box, nutmegged defender John Souttar and rifled the ball past Gorgie keeper Jon McLaughlin into the roof of the net from 12 yards for his 11th goal of the season - but his first in eight games. The visitors worked their way back into a game peppered with infringements. Visiting striker Kyle Lafferty came close in the 34th minute with a lob which landed on top of the net after he had chased a long clearance, before Marciano saved Jamie Walker's drive from the edge of the box. However, with three minutes of the first-half remaining Hibs should have doubled their lead after McLaughlin raced from his line to thwart Murray. The loose ball landed at the feet of defender Steven Whittaker but, with the keeper out of position, he blasted high over the bar. |
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