Hibernian Stuns Hearts with Late Winner in Boxing Day Edinburgh Derby

Edinburgh Derby Delivers Boxing Day Drama

The Edinburgh derby remains one of football’s oldest and most fiercely contested rivalries, and the Boxing Day 2024 encounter between Hearts and Hibernian lived up to its storied reputation. The Edinburgh derby is an informal title given to any football match played between Scottish clubs Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) and Hibernian (Hibs), the two oldest professional clubs based in Edinburgh, Scotland. The two clubs have a fierce rivalry that dates back to the clubs being founded in the mid-1870s, making this fixture a must-watch event for Scottish football fans.

Both clubs entered the match in challenging positions in the Scottish Premiership table. Hibs occupy eighth spot whilst Hearts languish in 10th, each just four and two points off the league’s plummet respectively. Edinburgh’s big two have spent almost two months as the Premiership’s bottom pair but with just one league defeat in each of their last four matches, making the stakes particularly high for this traditional Boxing Day clash.

Match Report: Gayle’s Impact Seals Victory

Dwight Gayle came off the bench to score the winning goal at Tynecastle as Hibernian saw off rivals Hearts in a 2-1 victory. The match began with Hibernian taking the lead through an early own goal, as Kye Rowles turned in an own goal to open the scoring in the ninth minute.

Hearts responded before halftime when Rocky Bushiri’s sliced a clearance into his own net to level before the break. The match remained finely balanced until the decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute. Gayle, who was introduced in the 68th minute, got on the end of a Nicky Cadden cross to restore his side’s lead in the Edinburgh derby.

The veteran striker’s neat finish ensured a first Hibs win at Tynecastle in five years, marking a significant achievement for David Gray’s side in this historic rivalry.

Significance for Scottish Football

This victory represents more than just three points for Hibernian. The Edinburgh derby has consistently produced tight contests, with Four of the last five meetings between these sides have ended in a draw despite visitors Hibernian winning just one derby in 15 since their Boxing Day victory in 2019.

The match was played before Attendance: 18,726 at Tynecastle, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this fixture. For both clubs fighting to move up the table and distance themselves from relegation concerns, victories in derby matches provide crucial momentum and psychological advantages.

Looking ahead, both Edinburgh clubs will hope this result serves as a catalyst for improved form in the second half of the season. For Hibernian, breaking their Tynecastle drought offers renewed confidence, while Hearts must regroup and refocus on their campaign to climb away from the lower reaches of the Scottish Premiership table.