Hibs secured a 2-1 win over Hearts at Hampden to book their place in the Premier Sports Cup final, with goals from Martin Boyle and Jamie McGrath cancelling out Claudio Braga's opener. The victory was the first derby win for manager Marink Reedijk and the first time Hibs had beaten their city rivals at Hampden.
Hearts took the lead after just four minutes when Braga headed in a Calvin Miller corner. Hibs responded in the 19th minute through Boyle, who finished off a pass from Owen Elding after a VAR check confirmed the striker was onside. McGrath put Hibs ahead three minutes before the interval, sweeping in after a shot from Joe Newell was cleared off the line.
Hearts' Injury Concerns Mount
Hearts were already missing several players through injury, including Rogers Mato, Craig Halkett, Blair Spittal, Eduardo Ageu, and Oisin McEntee. During the match, Tomas Magnusson was substituted after going down following a header, and Miller was replaced by Sabri Guendouz after a leg injury.
The loss of key players will be a concern for manager Wouter Vrancken ahead of a Conference League visit to Thun on Thursday. Hibs, meanwhile, can look forward to a return to Hampden on 13th December to face Rangers in the final.
Sallinger Keeps Hibs Dream Alive
Hibs goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger made a crucial save to tip over a shot from Guendouz, preserving Hibs' lead. Boyle had chances to extend the lead but could not convert, leaving Hearts with a chance until the final whistle.
The win marks a landmark moment for Hibs, who last lifted the League Cup in 2007. They will now face Rangers in the final, aiming to win the trophy for the fourth time in their history.
