Hibernian: Scottish Cup win for is for fans - Pat Fenlon

Manager Pat Fenlon dedicated Hibs' Scottish Cup win over Hearts to the fans that had suffered the misery of last season's crushing final defeat.

Fenlon saluted the Easter Road supporters after David Wotherspoon's late deflected strike settled a drab fourth round contest.

"Although May was difficult for me, I was only in the door a short period," Fenlon told BBC Radio Scotland.

"This was to give them [the fans] a little bit of payback."

Hibs manager Pat Fenlon salutes the happy home support at Easter Road

Hibs had gone 12 games without a win against their Edinburgh rivals, including the 5-1 loss at Hampden, which destroyed dreams of ending a 110-year wait for Scottish Cup success.

"To see our end of the stadium empty so quickly [in the cup final], I totally understand that," added Fenlon.

"And that's why I wanted to go round and it was more a thank you to them for their support this season.

"It's been a difficult couple seasons for the club, so we'll enjoy today.

"It wasn't a great game but when you come out with a victory against your biggest rivals it's more enjoyable.

"The atmosphere was electric and we were all waiting for something to happen.

"Maybe if the goal had come earlier, we'd have had a better game.

"In the first-half I thought Hearts were a little bit better than us but there wasn't loads of chances in the game.

"And it was getting cagey, I suppose both sides might have settled for the draw."

Hibs keeper Ben Williams had to make two smart saves early in the game.

"I thought the back four were excellent and Lewis Stevenson was fantastic at left-back," added Fenlon.

"He hasn't been in the team, he's a central midfielder and has been filling in for the last few games

"He epitomises what we want to be here. We're not the biggest team but there wasn't many headers lost today.

"He's only a little lad, like myself, and he was up against some big boys and showed great commitment."

Top-scorer Leigh Griffiths was carried off with ankle early in the second half but joined Fenlon in the post-match celebrations.

"He's moving around a bit brighter than we thought," explained the manager. He normally recovers quickly, so hopefully he'll be okay. We'll need to assess him in training in the morning."

With Griffiths on loan from Wolves until January, Hibs are anxious to extend the striker's stay.

"Everything helps in relation to attracting players, whether it's Leigh or somebody else," said Fenlon.

"We have a fantastic stadium and great training facilities. Obviously, we don't have loads of money to throw at players but we have other good attributes.

"And winning football matches is the biggest help of all, I suppose."