EDINBURGH---Hearts' unbeaten record in the Scottish Championship remains intact after they came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw with Hibernian in a fiercely competitive Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle.
Despite trailing their city rivals by 19 points going into the match, Hibernian were full of confidence following a run of three successive victories and were rewarded for their early dominance when teenager Jason Cummings put the visitors in front in the 23rd minute.
However, Hearts showed why they are yet to taste defeat in 20 league matches as Jamie Walker fired in a superb 40th minute equaliser against the run of play.
Chances were at a premium in the second half as Hearts' perfect home record came to an end. The result extends Hearts advantage at the top of the second-tier division to 16 points although Rangers could reduced this to 13 if they can win at home to Dumbarton.
Hearts, already without four players due to injury, had made two changes from the side that defeated Livingston while Hibs unsurprisingly named the same side that convincingly defeated Rangers 4-0 last week.
A mistake from Alim Ozturk handed Hibs an early opportunity but Neil Alexander made a good save to deny Cummings.
Liam Craig was next to try his luck as he sent a free-kick straight at the Hearts 'keeper as the visitors started brightly.
Hibs took a deserved lead in the 23rd minute as Cummings grabbed his first derby goal. Scott Allan swung an exquisite cross from the right into the box and Cummings applied an equally superb left-foot finish past Alexander.
The 19-year-old, who was booked for his enthusiastic goal celebrations, was close to a second on the half hour mark when he got on the end of a Lewis Stevenson cross but the unmarked striker sent his header just wide.
Hearts had created little in way of chances but a moment of magic from Walker saw them carve out a 40th minute equaliser.
Adam Eckersley picked Walker out with a pass and he worked his way in from the left before unleashing an unstoppable, curling strike past Mark Oxley from outside the box.
The Jambos started the second half well and Eckersley came close from Sam Nicholson's cross but his header bounced just wide.
Hibs were appealing for a penalty in the 54th minute when Danny Handling went down under a challenge from Miguel Pallardo but referee Steven McLean saw no infringement.
The Jambos were soon looking for a penalty of their own following Allan's challenge on Morgaro Gomis but the referee played on.
Hearts were playing with renewed confidence and Callum Paterson and Nicholson both put headers on to the roof of the Hibs net as they pushed forward.
Hibs, however, were still dangerous in attack and both Paterson and Ozturk had to make vital interceptions in the box as Allan and Dominique Malonga sent in teasing crosses.
In a frantic final 10 minutes both sides had chances with Callum Booth twice being blocked by the Hearts defence while Prince Bauben was close at the other end.
AFP
