Fiesty Hibs start, Hearts take grip, Sibbick rescues a point - how the Edinburgh derby unfolded at Easter Road

Hearts protected their 12 point gap over their rivals and while they will be disappointed that they couldn’t extend that during their latest visit across the capital, they remain favourites to finish the season in third place.

Earlier in the season, the Gorgie side were, at times, accused of dropping unnecessary points but since November they had not settled for anything other than maximum points against anyone out with the Old Firm. But, under the Easter Road lights, they had to settle for a share of the spoils, leaving manager Robbie Neilson still looking for his away derby win while Hibs were able to swap the boos that hounded them off the pitch on Saturday for a more appreciative send up at full time in this one.

The Tynecastle side were made to work harder for their point than many have anticipated, given the recent form of both sides.

Both sides emerged from the tunnel to the roar of flames and ceremony but facing the home players was the added plea, or instruction. Fight For The Badge read the banner unfurled low in the East Stand.

It had been four years since Hibs had managed to get the better of their foes at Easter Road.

Back then Scott Allan and Jamie Maclaren had grabbed goals but finding someone capable of doing that in this one proved trickier, especially in a first half, where Hibs seemed to bench the measured possession football of recent weeks for a faster-paced performance.

That got them into danger areas on a fairly regular basis but the cutting edge was missing.

There was intent on the flanks, with young Josh Doig, given the nod ahead of Saturday’s goalscorer Demetri Mitchell, and Chris Cadden, who also managed to get on the scoresheet at the weekend, pushing up the wings.

But, they also managed to