Heroic Halkett Delivers Derby Delight for Hearts
Hearts 1-0 Hibernian Halkett (90+1′) A late Craig Halkett strike saw Derek McInnes’ Hearts move five points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership. The team emerged into a red-hot Tynecastle atmosphere. Harry Milne’s early free-kick deflected behind off Halkett in the game’s first opening. Hibs responded with their own free-kick shortly after, an inswinging ball dropped to Boyle at the back post, whose shot was blocked Meaty challenges were aplenty in a feisty first half. Claudio Braga was given a warm welcome to his first derby after colliding with Jordan Obita. The visitors were structured in defence and settled into the raucous environment. They recycled a free kick in the 15th minute, which eventually found its way to Obita, whose deflected volley arrowed wide. Alexandros Kyziridis’ screamer helped the Jambos on their way to a 3-0 victory over Falkirk last Saturday. He attempted a similar effort in the 22nd minute, which drifted inches over. The Greek winger delivered a teasing set piece minutes later, which bounced in the 6-yard box, but had no takers in maroon. Alexander Schwolow played in several hotly contested derbies during his Union Berlin days and was alert to collect the ball as Martin Boyle raced in on goal after the half-hour mark. The industrious Cammy Devlin was constantly involved in the first period, his cross almost dipped into Raphael Sallinger’s goal as the quest for the opening goal continued. Kyziridis released Braga into space on the left flank, but the attacker’s cross was behind captain Lawrence Shankland as the half drew to a close. Both teams were defensively solid, but would have to show more bravery in attack to force the opening goal Stephen Kingsley’s cross narrowly missed Milne at the back post, and Grant Hanley smothered a Devlin pass as McInnes’ men rallied for a goal in the second half. Hibs had a golden chance on the hour mark, as Boyle raced clear of the Hearts defence and audaciously dinked over Schwolow. The ball looked destined to find the back of the net, but was scrambled clear after caressing the crossbar. Hearts responded through Braga’s low strike, which was saved by Sallinger as Tynecastle intensified. The large away following filled the Roseburn Stand with green, and went ballistic after Boyle finished low past Schwolow in the 67th minute. However, the celebrations were cut abruptly short as the Hibs attacker was deemed offside. Both managers turned to their bench for the final ten minutes; the first goal would surely settle this frantic derby match. That goal came in the 91st minute. An inspired substitution by Derek McInnes saw Sabah Kerjota deliver a pinpoint cross for Craig Halkett to sidefoot home. In a match that lacked attacking quality, it was The Jambos’ central defender who applied the winning touch to seal derby delight for Gorgie. Hearts: Schwolow 6 McEntee 6 Halkett 7 Findlay 6 Kingsley 6 Milne 7 Baningime 6 Devlin 7 Kyziridis 7 Braga 6 Shankland 6 Substitutes: Kabangu 5 Steinwender 5 Kerjota 5 Forrest 5 Magnusson Hibernian: Sallinger 6 O’Hora 6 Hanley 7 Iredale 6 C Cadden 6 Mulligan 6 Barlaser 6 Campbell 6 Obita 6 Bowie 6 Boyle 7 Substitutes: McGrath 5 Klidje 5
Townsend Takes Part-Time Advisory Role for Premiership Side
Gregor Townsend MBE, Scotland’s Head Coach, has just taken on a consultant role with Newcastle Falcons. On paper, it’s a fresh challenge and a chance for him to bring international experience into the Premiership. But the headlines it’s generating aren’t just about rugby tactics. Some fans are buzzing that his knowledge could help lift the Falcons off the bottom of the table. Others are worried it raises bigger questions: does splitting his focus dilute his commitment to Scotland at a time when consistency and cohesion matter most? Especially with a World Cup cycle already ticking down. It’s a fascinating twist in modern coaching, where boundaries between club and country roles are blurring more and more. What do you think – is this a smart move that’ll keep Townsend sharp, or a distraction Scotland can’t afford?
Warriors Head to Italy for Latest Round of URC Action
Franco Smith’s Glasgow Warriors are heading to Treviso to face Benetton in Round 2 of the URC — and the history between these two tells us this won’t be cosy. Here’s what the record books say: These sides have met 24 times. Glasgow have won 17, Benetton 7. Of those 7 wins, most have come at home (6 of 7), while Glasgow have taken 10 victories away at Benetton’s ground. The biggest margin in a Glasgow win? 37 points. The biggest margin in a Benetton win? 27. In recent clashes, Glasgow beat Benetton 37-0 in February 2022. This time, however, there’s some interesting subplots at play: Glasgow welcome back Kyle Steyn and Sione Tuipulotu, both major weapons in attack. The Warriors opened their season with a commanding 35-19 win over the Sharks — showing they’re in form and not afraid to score. Benetton at home remain dangerous — Monigo is rarely forgiving, especially against a team that oversteps in error or lacks discipline. Now, the question that matters: on October 4, Benetton host Glasgow in Treviso. And then on October 11, Glasgow return home (though their fixture is vs Dragons) — but fans will still be watching the Benetton result as a barometer for what their season might look like. So, who do you reckon comes out on top in Treviso — Glasgow extending their dominance, or Benetton digging deep for a shock?
