Ouch!published at 21:10 Greenwich Mean Time 27 December 2023

21:10 GMT 27 December 2023

Hibernian 0-0 Hearts

Lawrence Shankland is slipped in behind by Beni Baningime, but the usually lethal striker is thwarted by Will Fish.

Josh Campbell is writhing in pain after his team-mate Dylan Levitt accidentally clattered into him. It looks like he'll have to be taken off on a stretcher. Could be a really bad one that.

Elie Youan on in his place.

Image source, SNS

Jane Lewis
BBC Scotland

The home side have made a bright start to the second half here.

They've certainly created two really decent chances through Kurtis Guthrie and more so Scott Pittman, which they maybe should have done better with.

An open start to the second 45 in West Lothian.

Nicky Clark seizes upon a second ball just inside the home box, but can only arrow his shot straight at Shamal George.

We are back up and running in Leith.

Can Hearts steal three points away from their cross-city rivals? Or will this fan go home with post-Christmas blues?

Barrie McKay is on for young Aidan Denholm; Hibs are unchanged.

Image source, SNS

A bungled chance which rather sums up Livingston's predicament.

Having scored only twice in their past ten games, the hosts carve out an opening with a lofted ball through to Scott Pittman.

Normally so dependable, the experienced midfielder shanks his effort well wide.

A big missed opportunity.

The SFA have released a statement regarding the quashed plans to have Nick Montgomery mic'd up.

It reads: "Contrary to reports and commentary ahead of tonight’s Edinburgh Derby, the Scottish FA did not block the use of communication equipment or cameras as part of the matchday broadcast.

"Upon learning of the plans via a media release, we asked IFAB on behalf of the clubs, league and broadcaster and were informed on Christmas Eve that the intended use was not allowed within Law 4, which states that the use of electronic communication by team staff is permitted only when it relates to player safety and wellbeing, or for tactical or coaching reasons.

"We immediately relayed this confirmation from IFAB to the relevant parties."

Sky Sports grabbed a wee chat with Hearts defender Frankie Kent on his way off the Easter Road turf, who summed the first-half up quite succinctly:

"There wasn't much quality in the game. We need to try and get more quality in the game."

Aye, think everyone watching would agree with that.

Away we go again in Paisley.

Livingston's forwards have been getting some joy in their aerial battles, and Craig Levein has changed up his defence at half-time.

Tony Gallagher is off, with veteran Andy Considine entering the fray.

We are back under way at Almondvale.

Jane Lewis
BBC Scotland

Livingston have had the better chances in the opening 45 minutes, with plenty of balls in right on top of Dimitar Mitov in the St Johnstone goal. He's kept them out really well.

The visitors looked lively early on, as Nicky Clark and Stevie May's pace caused problems, but their bright start drifted away. The second half will be interesting. A point on the road would suit St Johnstone surely, while Livi would love to get that long awaited win.

Well, that was a mental first 15 minutes.

Two penalties awarded for handball. Two penalties off the post.

Lawrence Shankland and Martin Boyle so often provide the spark for their respective teams, but both have failed to put their sides ahead in the Edinburgh derby.

The game has lacked much quality following the spot-kicks. More in the second half, please.

Image source, SNS

The lack of goals at Almondvale so far comes as no real surprise.

Livingston have failed to score a first-half goal in 16 of their 19 league games, while St Johnstone have failed to do so in 16 of their 20 league games.

Blunt.

Image source, SNS

A slick move from Hibs gives Jair Tavares the chance to try his luck from distance, but he sees the ball blocked behind for a corner.

The subsequent set-piece finds Rocky Bushiri at the back-post, but he's caught snoozing and the ball trickles behind.

Hearts dominating the ball now as they look to hush the Easter Road crowd.

The frantic pace that had us catching our breath at the start of the game has disappeared somewhat.

Stephen Robinson said this would be a good game before the match and, despite the conditions, he's been proved right.

The bad news for the St Mirren boss is Kilmarnock have been the better side. They look dangerous when they go forward, and the hosts have had no answer for Danny Armstrong's creativity on the right.

It was Marley Watkins who got the Killie goal though, taking the only chance that's fallen his way after Matty Kennedy slipped him through on goal. Two in two now, for the former Don.

St Mirren have had a few chances, mainly through the movement of Toyosi Olusanya, but they trail at the break.

Image source, SNS

Will Fish, what a pass that is.

The centre-half arrows a beautiful ball over the top in search of Dylan Vente. The final touch just eludes the striker, but Hibs have really grown into this game in front of their own fans.

As you'd expect, a fairly cagey encounter between two sides battling at the wrong end of the table.

That's not to say there haven't been chances.

St Johnstone really should have opened the scoring early on, with Stevie May bursting through and squaring for Nicky Clark, who couldn't quite wrap his foot around the ball with the goal gaping.

May has been a nuisance, while Bruce Anderson and Scott Pittman have fizzed around at the other end.

It was Jason Holt who nearly produced a stunning deadlock-breaker, though, unleashing on the volley from close to 30 yards out. His rocket required a fine, flying save from Dimitar Mitov.

Anyone's game, this...

Image source, SNS

Hearts' turn to play themselves into trouble as Martin Boyle is gifted the ball and drives forward into space.

The winger slides it across to Dylan Vente, who again lines up a shot that rattles off Kye Rowles.

That one was definitely his midriff, rather than his arm. Vente and Rowles have been right in the thick of it.