SUNSHINE ON RELIEF

Hibees have bragging rights for 150th derby but almost throw away three-goal lead

- DARREN JOHNSTONE AT EASTER ROAD

HIBS fans ended up serenading their heroes with a rousing rendition of Sunshine on Leith - but only after heaving a huge sigh of relief.

The home side were cruising to what would have been their biggest derby win since 1999 thanks to goals from Jamie McGrath, Josh Campbell and Kieron Bowie.

League leaders Hearts were in derby disarray.

But somehow they dragged themselves back into the game through strikes from Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin.

It was a gripping ending to the game and Hibs had Rafa Sallinger to thank for two huge injury-time saves as the hosts held on to claim the spoils and bragging rights in the 150th anniversary match.

The smoke from the pre-match razzmatazz was still clearing as McGrath's superb volley cut through the haze to find the net after three minutes.

Nicky Cadden got the better of Michael Steinwender by the corner flag and his cross came all the way to the Irishman who planted a well-taken shot past Alexander Schwolow.

Once it began to settle down, Hearts created their first real chance in the 18th minute. It was one they should have scored from but Shankland headed Stephen Kingley’s cross wide.

The Jambos kept probing but it was Hibs who strengthened their grip on the Edinburgh derby.

Campbell got a delicate header on McGrath's cross at the corner of the six-yard box to send a stunning effort into the far corner just before the break.

Hearts boss Derek McInnes changed his teams shape and brought on Harry Milne and Beni Baningime at the break.