Hibernian 3-2 Hearts: McGrath, Campbell and Bowie strike at Easter Road

Hibernian took derby bragging rights and dealt a blow to title hopefuls Hearts with a 3-2 victory at Easter Road.

League leaders Hearts had gone into the capital clash hoping to at least temporarily extend their six point lead over Celtic at the top of the Premiership but it was David Gray’s Hibs side who were celebrating after a thrilling 90 minutes.

Hibs struck after just three minutes when Nicky Cadden swung in a teasing cross from the left and Jamie McGrath steered in a perfect volley to put his side ahead.

Hearts responded well and dominated the ball for long periods but were rocked by a second Hibs goal just before half time. Mcgrath, who had moved to left wing-back after an injury to Cadden, turned provider this time and his cross picked out Josh Campbell at the near post to guide a header past Alexander Schwolow.

The home fans enjoyed a third early in the second half when Keiron Bowie got ahead of Craig Halkett and cut inside before curling in a left-footed shot.

The game looked done and dusted, but Hearts pushed back, with head coach Derek McInnes making attacking substitutions and throwing his side forward in search of a lifeline.

That came from Lawrence Shankland with 15 minutes to go when he found himself well placed to nod in from a corner.

Cammy Devlin then set up a barnstorming finish when he knocked in a rebound to make it 3-2.

Raphael Sallinger had to save from Shankland in a nervy ending, and Thibault Klidge had a chance to make it 4-2 but after a last-gasp Hearts corner had been saved, Hibs saw it out to take three vital points and give their rivals a bloody nose and a setback in the title race.