Hearts verdict: Frustration at Easter Road but a draw suits Tynecastle side more than Hibs

Three second-half efforts by on-loan Everton forward Ellis Simms should have taken care of business in Leith. Debutant Hibs goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski repelled all three, becoming Hearts’ scourge for the evening.

Mindful of those opportunities, it should not be overlooked that a late Toby Sibbick goalline block prevented a dramatic victory for the hosts. It was that kind of Edinburgh derby – pulsating, open, and fairly entertaining into the bargain.

Hearts remain 12 points ahead of Hibs in the cinch Premiership table and ten above Motherwell. They might feel this was two points dropped, however no ground has been lost in the race for third place and European football. That is the most important issue in the context of this result.

There was no John Souttar, no Craig Halkett and no Michael Smith in the visitors’ squad because of injuries. That didn’t prevent a boisterous bunch of Jambos piling into Easter Road’s away end eager to test what seemed a vulnerable Hibs side.

An injury to Matt Macey may have further increased confidence among those from Gorgie. Hibs handed reserve goalkeeper Dabrowski a competitive debut in Macey’s place.

As the floodlights glistened and noise level rose, drumbeats from the East Stand pricked the night air in Leith. The electric atmosphere at kick-off made for a predictably frenetic opening period with some nerves evident from both teams.

Hibs hit the net early only for an offside flag to kill the home support’s celebrations. It came via a free-kick conceded by Andy Halliday, who was finding Chris Cadden’s pace difficult to subdue in one-versus-one situations. Cadden and Chris Mueller doubling up down the Hibs right became a frequent danger for Hearts.

The creative forces in maroon toiled to