Hibs came from behind to beat Hearts 2-1 at Hampden and reach the Premier Sports Cup Final against Rangers on December 13. Martin Boyle and Joe Newell inspired the win, giving Marink Reedijk his first victory as head coach in the semi-final.
Veterans inspire comeback
Hearts took an early lead through Claudio Braga, but Boyle equalised with Newell involved in the goal. Newell's shot then led to Jamie McGrath's winner before half-time. Hearts pressed for an equaliser after the break, but Reedijk's side held firm.
Miguel Chaiwa, Adam Mayor and Felix Passlack also impressed for Hibs. Hearts lost Tomas Magnusson and Calvin Miller to injury on a disappointing day for Wouter Vrancken's team.
Player ratings
Raphael Sallinger (8) was let down by his defenders for Braga's goal, but made a superb finger-tip stop to deny Guendouz. Felix Passlack (8) should have scored early on when Newell put him through, but was denied by Reus, and produced a brilliant clearance at the back post to deny Braga.
Jason Kerr (7) had a difficult start, as zonal marking allowed Braga to get a run on him and Ivezic to score, and he was booked for a late tackle on Dhanda. Marko Ivezic (7) also had to do better for Hearts' opener, but recovered well and probably should have scored with a close-range header.
Midfield control
Adam Mayor (7) was excellent at left-back, using his physicality to deal with Kerjota and charging forward at every opportunity. Josh Mulligan (7) started on the flank but played like an old-fashioned inside-right. Miguel Chaiwa (8) was Hibs' little general in midfield, sticking to his position in front of the back four.
Joe Newell (8) turned the clock back with a fantastic midfield display, delivering the incisive pass for Boyle's goal and having the initial shot for McGrath's winner. Martin Boyle (8) produced a vintage display on the left, giving Altena a torrid time and scoring with a trademark out-to-in run and finish.
Attack and substitutes
Jamie McGrath (8) was asked to play just off Elding, giving him the freedom to impact the game, and he was sharp inside the box to tuck away Hibs' second goal. Owen Elding (8) led the line well, should have scored from Mayor's cross, but produced a clever flick for Boyle's goal.
Thibault Klidje (8) was thrown on for Elding and had a terrific chance to put the game to bed but was wasteful. Callum Wright (8) replaced Newell with 15 minutes to go. Nicky Cadden (8) came on for Boyle to add energy, and Grant Hanley (8) was introduced near the end, going into the heart of a five-man defence as Hibs held on.
