Sunday November 1st 2026
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Ewan Hornell
Despite falling behind inside 5 minutes to a Claudio Braga header, Hibs battled back to beat Hearts and book their place in the Premier Sports Cup Final. A tie with Rangers on December 13th now awaits. Goals from Martin Boyle and Jamie McGrath were enough to ensure a timely first win for Marink Reedijk.
There can be no doubt that Hearts entered the tie, in form and favourites to progress to the final.
It’s been a dire season so far for Hibs. They came into today winless under new manager, Marink Reedijk, and appear to be a side destined for a relegation battle this season.
Hearts continue to excite under Wouter Vrancken. Their high-tempo, dynamic style has them once again, turning heads.
There was significant levels between the two in their first meeting at Easter Road. Hearts swiftly dispatched of Hibs.
Hibs could hope that a change of atmosphere and the occasion would level the playing field, as both looked to secure a place in the final against Rangers.
The first half offered absolutely everything, except the chance to catch a breath.
Hearts got off to a blistering start, opening the scoring in under 5 minutes.
Claudio Braga, in Halloween spirits, ghosted through the Hibs box unmarked and nodded home Calvin Miller’s corner to put the Jambos 1-0 up.
Those in support of Hibs probably began to fear the worse – behind after only 5 minutes and Braga, McPake and Miller, circling.
However, they rode the early maroon tide and as Hearts made the early substitution of Tomas Magnusson, who suffered a nasty head collision with Jason Kerr, Hibs got the chance to reset and respond.
Martin Boyle, down the Hibs left, looked the most dangerous player on the park. Jordi Altena was having real issues handling his pace and direct ball carrying.
And, it was Boyle who brought Hibs level after 19 minutes.
Joe Newell wrapped a ball into the feet of Owen Elding, who had picked up space between the Hearts lines. Elding controlled it and flicked the ball over the Jambo defence for Boyle, who made no mistakes with his finish.
Boyle appeared to be extremely tight on VAR for offside, but the goal stood. 1-1.
Hibs continued to apply pressure and came close with a thunderous strike from Joe Newell, who was only denied by the crossbar.
Then came a major blow for Hearts as Calvin Miller was forced off with an injury.
Two in one half for Hearts as their injury list continues to pile up.
After all Hibs’ control, they finally went in front just before half time.
From a corner, the ball broke to Joe Newell on the edge of the box. He worked himself some space and unleashed a strike at goal.
His effort was prevented from crossing the line with a scrambling block from a Hearts defender. However, as it rebounded back into the box Jamie McGrath was on hand to convert and make it 2-1.
After such a fast start, Hearts looked stunned.
Claudio Braga provided the first test of the second half for Raphael Sallinger. After breaking away from the Hibs defence, Braga let a strike loose at goal, only to be denied by the leaping Austrian in goal.
Hibs continued to have chances of their own. Marko Ivezic may feel he should have done better with his header from a corner which could only find the gloves of Beau Reus – either side of the Hearts keeper and it may well have been 3-1.
The goal scorers, Boyle and McGrath, were replaced by Cadden and Hanley as time ticked towards 90 and both sides assumed their expected roles – Hearts attacking with everything they had and Hibs defending in a similar vein.
As Boyle made his way towards the bench, he soaked in the applause from the Hibs support. Even if he no longer wore the armband, it was most definitely a captain’s performance from him as he led by example all afternoon.
Captain on the day, Felix Passlack, was also excellent, nullifying the threat of Josh McPake who had caused so many problems in the previous matchup.
The full-time whistle brought jubilation for Hibs and heartbreak for Hearts.
There was special scenes post-match as the Hibs players were serenaded by Sunshine on Leith.
A first win for Marink Reedijk and a first Hampden derby win for Hibs mean they head to the Premier Sports Cup Final on December 13th against Rangers.
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