Hearts fighters hiding in plain sight long before Hibs fisticuffs as Jambos roll with the punches

Rather fittingly, on a day when post-match fisticuffs, handbags and harsh words dominated much of the agenda, there was a distinctly pugilistic feel to Hearts’ combative performance against Hibs.

Ahead on points, needing only to keep their old rivals at bay, they absorbed virtually everything Lee Johnson’s men could throw at them. Despite playing a solid hour – nearer 80 minutes, once time added on was factored in – with 10 men following Alex Cochrane’s red card. If they were never likely to be awarded extra merit for style, that was never the point on a day when a draw would always be good enough to clinch fourth spot in the Scottish Premiership. On this occasion, they needed only show the spirit of Rocky Balboa, rather than the skills of Rocky Marciano.

It helped, of course, that they were able to take the lead so early. And through such an obvious route. The throw-in that leads to the opener came from a Hibs corner that Zander Clark launched up field for the always willing Josh Ginnelly to chase (see Photo 1). That would be a useful out ball for Hearts on more than one occasion.

At the set-piece itself, well, Elie Youan simply switched off. He was watching Yutaro Oda (see Photo 2). Then he wasn’t (see Photo 3). That was all the Japanese winger needed to take a touch and score his first goal for the Jambos.

On a day when their defensive work was always going to be put under the microscope, Hearts demonstrated solid organisational skills as they looked to deny Hibs a way back into the game, closing off key players and leaving the visitors with only bad options (see Photo 4).

Even the most well organised defence can be breached by a really clever opposition striker, though. And Kevin Nisbet certainly fits that