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Hibernian 1-3 Hearts: McPake Steals Show as Hearts Deliver Derby Delight

Hibernian 1-3 Hearts Mayor (51′) Wilson (13′) Mendy (43′) McPake (66′) A stunning Josh McPake solo effort rounded off a three-goal victory for Heart of Midlothian, delivering Wouter Vrancken a brilliant victory on his first taste of the Edinburgh Derby. The visitors produced a measured first half performance, dominating large portions of the match. James Wilson opened the scoring against St Johnstone on Saturday, and he was in the same mood on Derby day. Josh McPake had acres of space to drive, and beat Felix Passlack on the left wing before sliding a low cross into Wilson’s path. The 19-year-old continues to show maturity beyond his age, side-footing past Raphael Sallinger. The visitors began to enjoy themselves; the attacking threats of Calvin Miller, Claudio Braga, Wilson, and McPake were regularly finding pockets to attack a passive Hibs backline. Miller, a standout in Vienna last week as Hearts qualified for Conference League football, drove into space on the right flank, but his low cross to an unmarked Braga lacked the finishing touch, deflecting behind for a corner. Wouter Vrancken was experiencing his first taste of this historic derby, compared to David Gray’s 18th appearance as player, and now manager. It was safe to say the Belgian was enjoying the better of the opening 45 minutes, applauding his team’s persistence and hunger. The home faithful demanded more from their side, who had failed to test Beau Reus properly in the first half hour. Josh Mulligan’s surging run at the heart of the Jambos backline offered much-needed energy. But after picking out Nathan Lowe in the box, the Englishman’s effort was saved by the sprawling Reus. Justin Devaney’s right-footed strike narrowly missed the top corner, and the chance was gone. The visitors recovered from the Hibee pressure, delivering a sucker punch on the halftime mark. Blair Spittal was the architect, swinging a deep free-kick onto the head of Laurent Mendy. The summer signing from Forest Green Rovers had dominated the midfield battle up till then, and he rose highest to glance into the bottom left corner. 2-0, halftime, and a mountain to climb for David Gray’s side. As for the visitors, they looked well on their way to recording a 4th derby victory in 5 matches. Hibs searched for an instant response as the second half, and they found it through halftime substitute Adam Mayor. The leftback had already picked out Mulligan for a chance, but in the 48th minute he drilled a left-footed strike into the roof of the net from the edge of the box. Mayor had given his side, and three sides of Easter Road, a much-needed lift in the 346th Edinburgh Derby. Martin Boyle harried Reus after a slack McEntee backpass minutes later; the Jambos still had the lead, but desperately needed to regain their composure. Mayor found more space on the Hearts right channel in the 56th minute; Lowe found a pocket of space in between the Hearts defence and midfield, before finding the left-back unmarked. Instead of taking a touch, Mayor slashed his effort into the Famous Five end; a golden chance to equalise went begging. Hibs’ momentum ground to a halt, however, on the hour mark. Substitute Jack Iredale caught Miller with a high boot, and Don Robertson showed no hesitation in giving the centre-back a second yellow and his marching orders. McPake stamped the Hearts victory with a marvellous solo goal. After ghosting past three green jerseys on the left of the box, he showed poise to finish past Sallinger; although the strike was deflected, the skills to dance through the home defence were magnificent. Lowe should have done better from a close-range effort as Hibs huffed and puffed for a route back into the match but this was Hearts’ night under the Easter Road lights. Lowe eventually did have the ball in the net in the 78th minute, but his strike was quickly ruled out for a foul in the buildup, rubbing salt into the Hibernian wound. Rounding off an entertaining derby. Hibernian: Sallinger 5 Passlack 5 Hanley 4 Kerr 4 Obita 4 Devaney 6 Mulligan 7 McGrath 5 Wright 4 Boyle 4 Lowe 5 Substitutes: Iredale 3 Chaiwa 5 Mayor 7 Suto 4 Klidje 4 Hearts: Reus 8 McEntee 7 McCart 7 Findlay 7 Altena 7 Spittal 9 Mendy 9 McPake 9 Braga 8 Miller 8 Wilson 9 Substitutes: Williams 6 Magnusson 7 Kerjota 6 Guendouz Milne

September 3, 2026

Aron Benjaminsen Joins Hearts

Hearts have completed the signing of Aron Benjaminsen. The Faroese winger joins Hearts on a four year deal for an undisclosed fee as he looks to make a step up in his professional career. Benjaminsen arrives at Hearts after an impressive season with Víkingur, where his performances established him as one of the most exciting young players in Faroese football. Before returning to the Faroe Islands, Benjaminsen gained experience in Norway with Kristiansund. He made his professional debut in a Norwegian Cup match against Melhus in April 2025 before joining Víkingur in March 2026. During his time at Víkingur, Benjaminsen impressed with his goal contributions and also scored in both legs of the club’s UEFA Conference League qualifier against Icelandic side Stjarnan. His progress has also been recognised internationally, with the youngster representing the Faroe Islands at youth level and earning appearances for the country’s Under-21 team.

September 3, 2026

Leart Kabashi Signs for Hearts

Heart of Midlothian have confirmed the signing of promising Swiss midfielder Leart Kabashi from Grasshopper Club Zurich. The 18-year-old has joined Hearts for an undisclosed fee and signed a four-year contract at Tynecastle Park. Kabashi arrives in Edinburgh after progressing through the Grasshopper Club Zurich academy system. He impressed at youth level and featured regularly for the club’s Under-19 and Under-21 teams during his development in Switzerland. His breakthrough 2024/25 campaign was particularly productive, with Kabashi scoring 13 goals across Grasshopper’s youth sides. The young midfielder has also gained valuable international experience. Kabashi has represented Switzerland from Under 16s level and is now part of the Swiss Under 19 national team setup. Speaking about his move, Kabashi highlighted Hearts’ tradition and passionate supporters as important factors behind his decision. The teenager believes the move represents an opportunity to take the next step in his career.

September 3, 2026

Match preview: Hibernian host Hearts in first Edinburgh Derby of the season

With five fixtures taking place last night, the Edinburgh Derby stands on its own tonight as Hearts travel to Easter Road. The Edinburgh Derby wasn’t short of drama last season. In the four meetings last year, Hearts scored three late winners and nearly scored a late equaliser from three goals down in the other derby at Easter Road. The final derby of last season saw Hearts win 2-1 at Easter Road against a 9-man Hibs side as Blair Spittal netted a late winner. Hibs currently sit fifth in the table, with Hearts in third, but only goal difference separates the two. Both sides are coming into the match on the back of 2-1 wins at the weekend as Hearts defeated newly promoted St. Johnstone at Tynecastle, whilst Hibs were victorious away to Dundee. Prior to the match, Hibs manager David Gray noted how Hibs must pick up where they left off, he said: “We need to maintain our standards. “It’s something we spoke about going into the Dundee game, that the standards we set ourselves have been really high. That’s the level we’re setting now. “We want to try and be as consistent as we can with that. “If we can do that, we know we’re a very good side, as we demonstrated at the weekend. “This week, you’ve got the added incentive of it being a Derby. I think we are going into it in a really good place, and we have to take all the confidence from that. “The players should certainly be looking forward to it, because I am, because of where we are as a group. “We’re all very much aware of the expectation and what that means to the supporters of the game, so you need to contend with that, but keep that discipline as well within that.” Speaking ahead of his first Edinburgh Derby, Hearts boss Wouter Vrancken discussed the frequency of the fixture, he said: “I think it’s nice games all the time as long as the emotion stays around the game and there is no violence. Because sometimes in Belgium it was a little bit next to the pitch. A little bit too far in emotions there. So I think this is important. “And then they are good games. Everybody supporting their own colour, their own badge. This is a nice thing about football. Everybody looks forward to those games and is excited to play those games, or the coach. “You know that you have to be there directly, with your full focus and energy. But also be above the emotions to play your game and don’t get dragged into the emotions.” Team news: David Gray has confirmed Adam Mayor will be available for selection once more after missing the weekend’s win at Dens Park, This could free-up Jamie McGrath who played left wing-back on Sunday. Nicky Cadden and Owen Elding are confirmed to miss this one whilst Rocky Bushiri is a long-term absentee. Warren O’Hora’s departure yesterday could leave Hibs light at the back, with new centre-back Marko Ivesić only signing yesterday. For Hearts, Vrancken has confirmed Harry Milne is available again after missing the last few weeks with injury whilst Craig Halkett still faces a lengthy time on the sideline. The Tynecastle boss has also stated he expects Claudio Braga to remain at the club past the 5pm transfer deadline. Players to watch: Martin Boyle: The Australian international will likely wear the armband for Hibs tonight, and has proven to be a big game player over the years. Boyle has netted 5 Edinburgh Derby goals for Hibs, including in the last meeting. The striker netted his third goal of the season by scoring the opener against Dundee on Sunday. Calvin Miller: Hearts’ new winger has been in fine form since arriving from Falkirk. Despite a brief spell at left-back, Miller has netted 4-times for Hearts this season as he looks to make the right-wing spot his own, whilst also chasing down a Scotland call-up. One of Scotland’s best fixtures kicks off at 19:45 tonight in front of a sold-out Easter Road.

September 3, 2026

Sander Kartum Leaves Hearts

Hearts have confirmed the departure of Norwegian midfielder Sander Kartum today by mutual consent. Kartum joined the Edinburgh side in January 2025 and made 17 appearances for the club scoring twice. The 30 year old struggled to establish himself as a regular starter for the 2025/26 season spent the majority of the season on loan to Wellington Phoenix. During his time in New Zealand he made 12 starts and scored twice. The club thanked Kartum for his efforts and wished him well for the future. Kartum now leaves Hearts looking for the next step in his career after just over a year and a half with the Scottish Premiership club.

September 1, 2026

Hearts Europa Conference League Opponents Confirmed

Heart of Midlothian’s fate has been confirmed for the 26/27 Europa Conference League, league phase. The Edinburgh side will face Monaco, Pafos, Borac, Trabzonspor, Nordsjælland and Thun. They will play Monaco, Borac and Nordsjælland at Tynecastle and will travel to the remaining teams as they look to progress in the competition. Hearts faced Rapid Vienna in the Play off stage taking the Austrian side to Penalties where Beau Rues became the Gorgie Hero saving penalties form both Moulaye Haïdara and former Celtic player Marco Tilio. The leauge phase ties are set to start on the 15th of October, kick off times and any further changes are expected to be announced over the weekend. Hearts have never progressed past the league phase of the Conference league before but Wouter Vrancken’s men will be looking to make an impact on this year’s competition.

August 31, 2026

Hearts seal European league phases in Vienna

Heart of Midlothian have advanced to the league phase of the UEFA Conference League after defeating Rapid Vienna on penalties in Austria. Hearts travelled to Vienna level on aggregate after a 2-2 draw at Tynecastle, and it was the same scoreline at the Allianz Stadion as Wouter Vrancken’s side won 4-3 on penalties. Rapid Vienna went 1-0 up on the night and it could have went from bad to worse for Hearts’ fans after Tomas Magnusson was sent off. Instead, it seemed to be the catalyst that sparked change as Landry Kabore equalised on the night three minutes later. Calvin Miller had the Edinburgh side ahead in extra-time, but a 119th minute equaliser from the hosts sent the tie, and European football to penalties. New goalkeeper Beau Reus saved two penalties in the shootout to extend Thursday nights in Gorgie until December. Hearts entered European football in the Champions League QR2 thanks to their second place finish last season, but were dumped out 6-0 by fellow Austrian side Sturm Graz. Up next was no easy task in Benfica in the Europa League QR3. The tie was over after a 6-1 drubbing in Lisbon, with their 1-1 draw at Typecastle offering a mere consolation. It must’ve seemed everything was hanging in the balance prior to the penalty shoot-out as Vrancken was faced with either a triple-elimination from Europe of the treasured league phase that comes with European riches. Hearts will find out their Conference League opponents on Friday with the draw taking place from 12:00 BST.

August 26, 2026

Hearts 2-2 Rapid Vienna: Wilson wondergoal gives Jambos hope after late European blow

James Wilson produced a moment of magic as Hearts fought back from behind twice, but Rapid Vienna’s late equaliser leaves the Conference League play-off perfectly poised. Hearts will travel to Vienna with everything still to play for after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Rapid Vienna at Tynecastle. The visitors struck first in the 30th minute when Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao rose highest from a corner to head Rapid into the lead. Hearts had chances to respond before the break but found themselves behind at half-time, leaving Wouter Vrancken’s side needing a stronger second-half showing. And they delivered. The Jambos came flying out after the interval and were rewarded in the 55th minute when Josh McPake’s delivery was turned into his own net by Raux-Yao. The momentum had shifted and Hearts sensed an opportunity to take control. Vrancken then made a decisive change, bringing James Wilson off the bench in the 56th minute. Just six minutes later, the teenager produced a moment that will live long in the memory. Wilson collected the ball outside the box before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the top corner from around 30 yards. Tynecastle erupted as Hearts completed the turnaround and suddenly found themselves 2-1 ahead. Rapid, however, refused to go away. The Austrian side increased the pressure as the game entered its final stages and eventually found an equaliser in the 79th minute. Nikolaus Wurmbrand finished from a difficult angle after Rapid won a corner, restoring parity and denying Hearts what would have been a memorable comeback victory. There was still time for both sides to search for a winner, but neither could find the breakthrough. The final whistle confirmed a 2-2 draw and leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Vienna. For Hearts, there is plenty to take from the performance. They showed character to recover from going behind, Wilson’s spectacular goal provided another glimpse of his huge potential, and the Jambos proved they can compete with a strong Rapid side. But the late equaliser will undoubtedly leave Vrancken frustrated after his team had fought so hard to turn the game around. The prize is now clear. One more big performance in Vienna could send Hearts into the Conference League group stage. Hearts 2-2 Rapid Vienna ⚽ Rapid: Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao (30′), Nikolaus Wurmbrand (79′) ⚽ Hearts: Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao OG (55′), James Wilson (62′) Second leg: Rapid Vienna v Hearts — Thursday, August 27

August 21, 2026

Scottish Clubs UEFA Europa Conference League Play-Off Opponent Watch

As four Scottish representatives gear up to play for a place in Europe’s third tier of competition, let’s take a look at who stands in their way from reaching the league phase for this season. Hibernian vs KAA Gent The Belgian outfit gained a Conference League place by finishing fifth in the Belgian Pro League last season, they entered the competition at the same stage as Hibs, the second qualifying round and after defeating Ukraine’s LNZ Cherkasy 4-2 on penalties after two 0-0 draws over two legs and then winning 2-1 on aggregate against Sweden’s Göteborg they now face Hibs. They also have two wins from two at the start of this season’s Belgian Pro League. A player to look out for is Algerian international Abdelkahar Kadri, the creative midfielder who can pick a defence splitting pass and quickly has defenders on the back foot as he finds teammates in the final third to give them opportunities to score. Hearts vs Rapid Vienna Across Edinburgh, Hearts face Austrian opposition for the second time this season after they faced Sturm Graz in Champions League qualifiers earlier on this season. Rapid Vienna finished fifth in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and got through two rounds of qualifying to get here in quite convincing style. A 9-3 aggregate victory against Andorra’s FC Santa Coloma and a 6-1 aggregate score against Estonia’s Paide Linnameeskond. They also sit top of this season’s Austrian Bundesliga with three wins from three which includes last weekend’s 8-0 thrashing of Grazer AK. The player to look out for here is 31-year-old striker Tonni Adamsen, the Dane scored four at the weekend in the 8-0 win and will look to do more damage to the Hearts backline which has looked fragile in European competition so far. Motherwell vs SC Freiburg The Steelmen have the most mouth-watering tie of any of the Scottish clubs as they face Germany’s Freiburg who were beaten Europa League finalists last season after losing to Aston Villa. They finished seventh in last season’s Bundesliga in Germany to get to this stage and this is their only qualifying tie they face as they automatically got into the play-offs. The new Bundesliga season doesn’t start until the 30th August, however a noticeable pre-season result was a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace last weekend. The player to look out for is Italian international Vincenzo Grifo, the 33-year-old primarily plays left wing but can play centrally and scored seven league goals and five Europa League goals last season, Freiburg have him and various other dangerous players that Motherwell will need to keep an eye on. Rangers vs FK Jablonec Rangers have to contend with Czech side FK Jablonec if they’re to have European football at Ibrox this season. They finished fifth in the Czech First League last season and have won two qualifying ties before this. They sneaked past Croatia’s Varaždin 4-3 on aggregate and then they beat Latvia’s RFS 4-1 on aggregate to set up the tie against the Gers. They currently sit second in the Czech First league with three wins from three as well. A player to look out for is right-back Martin Cedidla, the epitome of an attacking full back has scored three goals this season in seven games and has one assist too. Rangers’ left side will need to be wary of his attacking play in order to protect their weak central defence.

August 20, 2026

Liam McFarlane Signs Hearts Contract Extension

Liam McFarlane has signed a new contract with Hearts, extending his stay at the Edinburgh club until 2029. The 21-year-old goalkeeper is currently on loan at Partick Thistle, where he has started the season in the Championship. McFarlane kept clean sheets in Thistle’s opening league matches against Greenock Morton and Livingston. The goalkeeper joined Hearts’ academy before progressing into senior football through loan spells with East Fife and Alloa Athletic. He has also represented Scotland at youth level and was involved around the senior squad as a training goalkeeper during the summer. McFarlane’s new agreement secures his position with Hearts beyond his current spell at Partick Thistle and gives the club a long term commitment from one of its young goalkeepers.

August 19, 2026