Hibernian 1-1 Heart of Midlothian: Boyle earns hosts dramatic draw
- Published
Martin Boyle crowned his second Hibs debut with a dramatic equaliser
Hibernian head coach Lee Johnson hailed Martin Boyle's "Roy of the Rovers" return after the winger came off the bench to snatch a 95th-minute equaliser in the Edinburgh derby.
Lawrence Shankland's first Hearts goal, a fine finish amid suspicions he used an arm to control Barrie McKay's pass, looked set to give the visitors Scottish Premiership victory.
But Hibs summoned a late siege and Boyle - who rejoined the club a day earlier - stabbed in to bring fans rushing on to the pitch in celebration.
"We were really brave as a team with tactics and substitutions," Johnson said.
"Putting Martin on for that long was a bit of a risk, but we know what he can do and he's popped up at the right time with a Roy of the Rovers type return.
"It was important we didn't lose the game and with five minutes of injury time to go, 1-0 down, that feels a like a victory."
Hearts extended their unbeaten derby run to seven games but it was scant consolation as they were left rueing a failure to make the most of their second-half dominance.
The dramatic draw leaves both sides with four points from their opening two league matches.
Robbie Neilson changed Hearts' shape, starting with four at the back, and once his side found their rhythm they scored with their first real chance as Shankland slotted through David Marshall's legs after taking down McKay's clipped ball. Debate raged over whether the striker had used an arm in the build-up.
Hibs responded well initially, with Joe Newell firing a shot over before Elie Youan found Craig Gordon in his usual long-limbed, spiderish good form with a superb stop from the forward's header.
It was Marshall's turn to save his side after the break as Hearts looked to kill the game, with the Hibs keeper producing close-range blocks to deny Shankland and then McKay.
The lack of a second goal allowed Hibs to believe. Boyle jinked away from a desperate Hearts defence, but his timid shot was deflected behind. From the resulting corner, the ball was nodded to Rocky Bushiri at the back post yet he somehow headed over with the goal gaping.
It was not to be the last action though, as Youan used good pace to work a crossing chance, cutting back to Boyle who fired low to send the Hibs fans into raptures.
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Hearts and Hibs fans will normally agree that Edinburgh derbies, while high in spirit, blood and thunder, can frequently be low on quality. Sometimes it needs a bit of magic to win it.
Shankland's outside-of-the-foot finish looked like that bit of wizardry that would decide game.
Hibs have lacked that magic in recent times. Since January, to be precise. So when whispers of Boyle's return were heard around Easter Road, excitement grew. He's delivered much sooner than anyone thought.
Only registered at 11pm the night before, even Johnson admitted he didn't think Boyle would be involved in this game.
Instead, the Australian international's homecoming ended in heroic circumstances.
When Hearts fans look for something or someone to blame, they might bemoan their manager's substitutions - somewhat defensive when only one goal ahead.
What they said
Hibernian winger Martin Boyle: "It's up there with one of the best feelings. The reception before the game, warming up, coming on, but that [goal] was the icing on the cake. I'm delighted to help the squad to a well-deserved point.
"I got the call last night to say I was eligible to play and asked if I fancied it. It was a no-brainer. I knew the adrenaline, the buzz of the fans, and the magnitude of the game. I knew I was more than ready and I showed that."
Hearts manager Robbie Neilson: "We're devastated not to get the three points which I think we merited. We dominated the game throughout except the opening 10-15 minutes
"We had total control and a number of chances to get that second or third goal and we didn't take it. We've paid the price. We should've just been over the line but we didn't do it."
What's next?
Hearts host boss Neilson's former club Dundee United next Sunday, while Hibs travel the short distance to Livingston the previous day (both 15:00 BST).