Hearts 2-1 Hibs: Jambos show style and bottle to reach Scottish Cup final after thrilling Edinburgh derby
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Hearts reached their 17th Scottish Cup final with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Hibs.
It was a thrilling Edinburgh derby clash and it had a bit of everything - goals, quality, drama and controversy.
Hibs performed valiantly but two stunning goals from Ellis Simms and Stephen Kingsley booked Hearts' place in the final against either Celtic or Rangers.
It was a frantic opening ten minutes at Hampden between the two Edinburgh rivals.
Chances were at a premium but Liam Boyce spurned a great opportunity when he failed to find the unmarked Simms in the box, as his cross drifted behind.
Moments later, Hibs were screaming for a penalty when Ewan Henderson's cross hit Stephen Kingsley's arm but John Beaton was correct to waive away the claims.
Hearts were in the ascendancy as the first half progressed and they capitalised when Simms fired home a stunning opener on 16 minutes.
The Everton loanee collected the ball 25 yards out before unleashing an unstoppable rocket beyond the despairing dive of Matt Macey.
It was a brilliant strike from Simms but it was topped just five minutes later when Kingsley doubled the Jambos' lead.
Robbie Neilson was left beaming on the touchline as it was a free-kick routine straight from the training ground.
Kingsley played a short one-two with Boyce before he sent a sensational curling effort into the top corner.
But Hibs showed great character as they responded immediately, to reduce the deficit, through Chris Cadden.
Lewis Stevenson was the architect with some brilliant work as he cut the ball back for Cadden to arrow past Gordon, at the second attempt.
After an action-packed opening half hour, the game calmed down as Andy Halliday limped off with a suspected Achilles injury.
Hearts should have gone in at the break with a two-goal lead but Boyce missed a brilliant chance on the stroke of half-time as he fired past the post.
Read More Related Articles Read More Related ArticlesThe Jambos were dealt a major blow at the start of the second half when Craig Halkett was stretchered off and it looked to be a serious injury.
Hibs were the better team at the start of the second half and Hearts had Craig Gordon to thank for preserving their lead on 54 minutes.
Ryan Porteous' header seemed destined to find the bottom corner but the Scotland number one produced a magnificent fingertip save to divert the ball onto the post, before collecting the rebound.
Hibs were excellent in the second half but their task was made more difficult when Joe Newell was sent off.
The 29-year-old, needlessly lunged into a late challenge on Peter Haring and ref Beaton brandished a second yellow card on 64 minutes.
It was a nervy last twenty minutes with so much at stake with Hibs still on top despite being down to ten men.
But they were fortunate to escape going down to nine-men when Josh Campbell caught Barrie McKay with a reckless challenge.
Hibs deserve huge credit for their fighting spirit and Elias Melkersen wasted a good chance on 88 minutes when he headed the excellent Cadden's cross into the side netting.
Natural order?Craig Levein's infamous comments certainly stoked controversy.
But their can be no dubiety over which club currently holds the bragging rights in Edinburgh.
Hearts have enjoyed a remarkable season on their return to the top-flight.
They can now add a Scottish Cup final to a third place finish and guaranteed European group stage football.
They also enjoy supremacy over their fierce rivals at Hampden with Hibs still without a win over Hearts at the national stadium.
Style AND bottle"NO STYLE, NO BOTTLE, NEILSON OUT"
That was the banner that some disgruntled Hearts fans flew over Tynecastle last season.
But any concerns over Neilson's management has been dispelled this season.
Read More Related Articles Read More Related ArticlesStyle? Well, just look at the two brilliant goals that Hearts scored at Hampden.
Bottle? The Jambos lost two key players in Halliday and Halkett but they showed great spirit when Hibs were pressing for an equaliser.
Neilson is wise and experienced enough to understand the pressures of management but he deserves the support of every single Jambo.
Maloney malaiseThe pressure will be ramped up on the 39-year-old after two consecutive defeats to Hearts.
Hibs were much better at Hampden than at Tynecastle last weekend.
In fact, the Easter Road side were arguably the better after the opening 20 minutes.
But ultimately, Hibs lost and Maloney's record since replacing Jack Ross at Easter Road hasn't been impressive.
Three wins in 15 games simply isn't good enough for a club with aims of challenging for European football.
Hibs' injury problems have been substantial but large empty seats in their end at Hampden highlighted the growing discontent amongst the Leith support.
Maloney has claimed there's a media agenda against him, when that couldn't be further from the truth - he's a hugely respected figure.
But, ultimately, football is a results business and Maloney needs to start winning games.
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