Hibernian survived a late fightback to claim a 3-2 victory in the Edinburgh derby and deny Hearts’ chances of winning the Premiership title.
Jamie McGrath volleyed Nicky Cadden’s cross into the net to send the Hibees into heaven after just three minutes.
The Irishman then set up Josh Campbell’s header before half-time, but Hearts were still unable to get a shot on target.
Kieron Bowie’s third goal boosted Hibs’ confidence as they sought their first consecutive home win against their city rivals in seven years.
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland gave the league leaders hope by nodding in from a corner, Nicky Devlin scored his second goal in the final minute and a fine save from Rafael Sullinger in stoppage time prevented Shankland and Elton Cabang from conceding their second league defeat of the season to their arch-rivals.
Hibs derby glory
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Jamie McGrath gives Hibernian the lead in derby against Hearts
With smoke still billowing around the ground from the pre-match pyro display, Hibs took the lead in the third minute.
Nicky Cadden, who received a diagonal pass wide on the left from O’Hora, got out of Michael Steinwender and sent a cross to McGrath, who curled home a wonderful shot on the bounce from 10 yards to go.
After a passive start, Hearts started to make progress and had a great chance to equalize in the 17th minute when Shankland’s free header from Stephen Kingsley’s cross narrowly missed the target.
Oisin McEntee then headed wide from a Kingsley free-kick, but Thomas Magnusson’s shot was blocked behind by Grant Hanley.
Hibs had Cadden sent off with an injury in the 29th minute, forcing him to be replaced by Campbell.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Kieron Bowie scores Hibernian’s third goal in the match against Hearts
But the Easter Road side doubled their lead in the 45th minute, despite having to withstand Hearts pressure as the first half progressed.
McGrath broke away from McEntee on the left, floated up and played a fine pass to Campbell, who looped a superb header from the near post past Alexander Schworrow and into the far post.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Hibernian’s Josh Campbell 2-0 in Edinburgh derby against Hearts
Hearts manager McInnes made two changes to the team for the start of the second half, bringing on Harry Milne and Baningim in place of Kingsley and McEntee.
However, the leaders’ plight worsened within three minutes of restarting. Stuart Findlay tried to clear on the left, but Josh Mulligan charged down and the ball cut into the path of Bowie, who drove into the box before firing a low shot past Schwolo from 16 yards.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland scored against Hibernian to make it 3-1.
Just as the game seemed to be slipping away from Hearts, who were trailing, Shankland gave his side a glimmer of hope in the 75th minute, nodding in Alexandros Kouridis’ cross from the right.
The Jambos got another point in the 89th minute when Devlin smashed in the rebound of Sullinger’s shot from Kyziridis.
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Hearts’ Cameron Devlin capitalized on a rebound to score from close range against Hibernian, making the score 3-2.
The Hibs keeper then made two big saves in stoppage time to seal victory and thwart what would have been a surprising fightback from their city rivals.
