Hibs and Hearts played out a thrilling one all draw in front of a packed Easter Road.
Both sides had chances to win the match but yet another controversial refereeing decision appeared to go against the home side.
Already one up, Hibs Derek Riordan was clearly fouled by Jambo’s full back Eggert Johnnson but referee Eddie Smith (Celtic’s ‘security’ consultant) ruled against the former Parkhead man.
Hibs goalscorer Steven Fletcher said of the decision after the game ‘ ‘If it had been outside the box I think he’d have given a free-kick.’
It proved to be a costly mistake from the official who was atrocious all afternoon when Hearts were to equalise on the stroke of half time.
Hibees had taken the lead in just 78 seconds when a lovely move between the front trio of Riordan, Nish and Fletcher saw the latter prod home from two yards.
Ten minutes later Riordan had an opportunity to double the lead when he was left unmarked at the back post but he fired into the side netting.
The visitors were not without their chances either.
Berra saw his header come back off the bar whilst Nade missed when through one on one and Kingston missed an open goal from the rebound.
Hearts grabbed the equaliser four minutes from the brak when they were awarded a soft free kick on the edge of the box.
Returning Portugese midfielder Aguiar struck the ball low to Makalamby’s left and the ball found the bottom corner under the keepers hand.
The big Belgian must really question his positioning for the goal with it being on ‘his’ side.
Hearts replaced keeper Kello at the interval and his replacement Bolough was soon tested by Steven Fletcher’s effort which he just about managed to push wide.
Hearts looked to have taken the lead in 51 minutes when Nade nodded home but the ‘goal’ was ruled out for a foul on the flapping Makalamby.
Although over-running Hibs in midfield, Hearts tactics of punting to Nade weren’t causing too much concern for the Hibs back line and there were few genuine scoring chances until the last ten minutes.
Riordan saw a good individual effort tipped onto the post before Steven Fletcher saw a powerful half volley fly inches wide. However returning hero Riordan should have wrapped up the points with only a few minutes remaining.
Marius Zaliuskas failed to see the striker lurking when he knocked the ball back to his keeper but keeper Balogh bailed him out with a decent stop at the players feet.
There was still one last chance for the visitors which saw Nade have a clear sight of goal but the striker ballooned his shot over the top.
Player Ratings
Yves Makalamby 4
Suspect at goal and flapped at almost anything which came near him.
David Van Zanten 6
Done ok against pacy threat of Driver considering he had no support ahead of him due to Mixu’s diamond formation.
Sol Bamba 5
Sometimes looked good – at other times looked very raw indeed.
Rob Jones 6
Handled Nade well and done his job
Steven Thicot 5
Not a great game from the young Frenchman and struggled to impose himself.
Ian Murray 6
Worked his socks off and kept Stewart quiet – harshly booked.
Dean Shiels 4
The Ulsterman was again hugely disappointing. Continually chose the wrong options. Needs a wee spell on the bench to regain an edge.
Derek Riordan 6
Should have had a penalty, should have scored but set up goal with fine flick.
Steven Fletcher 7
Typical strikers goal – worked hard and missed out on a second when his thunderous volley flew just over.
Colin Nish 6
Tired towards the end – good ball across for Fletcher goal. Unsettled Jambo’s back four.
Lewis Stevenson 5
Not positive enough going forward. Rarely wants to beat a man which is a shame as he can produce good crosses.
Fabian Yantorno 3
Not long enough. Should have been Shiels that was hooked though.
Ref watch Eddie Smith – 3
Never attempted to let the game flow. Called both the penalty call and Nade’s header wrong.
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