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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

Josh Campbell set for Hibs departure as Premier League veteran linked

Reports indicate that Josh Campbell is set to join St. Johnstone on a season-long loan, whilst Danny Ings is rumoured to be joining the club. Despite scoring at Ibrox earlier this season, game time has been hard to come by for the Hibs midfielder. Earlier reports indicated Dundee United were interested in Campbell, but it seems he is on his way to Perth to join up with Simo Valakari’s side. A boyhood Hibs fan, Campbell has played 184 times for Hibs since coming through the academy, being a mainstay at the club under numerous managers such as Jack Ross, Shaun Maloney, Lee Johnson, Nick Montgomery and David Gray. He’s scored 23 goals during his time at Hibs and has been known to pop up in the big moments for Hibs, scoring a penalty in this season’s win at Ibrox, whilst netting in last season’s Edinburgh derby win, a brace against Celtic in 2025, a hat-trick in a 6-0 win against Aberdeen (where he also provided two assists) and a late equaliser against Rangers whilst Lee Johnson was in charge at Hibs. The Edinburgh side have also been linked with ex-Premier League striker Danny Ings. The 34-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Sheffield United last season, but made his name in England’s top flight at clubs such as Liverpool, West Ham, Southampton, Aston Villa and Burnley. Ings won the 2022/23 Conference League title at West Ham and finished 2nd in the 2019/20 Premier League Golden Boot race, netting 22 goals whilst at Southampton, only Jamie Vardy scored more that year on 23. Hibs host Hearts in the Edinburgh derby tonight, if Campbell’s move to Perth is completed by the 5pm deadline, it is unlikely he’d make his debut this weekend as St. Johnstone host his parent club. However, he wouldn’t have long to wait as Celtic visit McDiarmid Park on Wednesday.

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

Warren O’Hora completes Leicester transfer as Hibs move swiftly to replace Irishman

Warren O’Hora has completed a move to Leicester City with Serbian defender Marko Ivezić arriving in Edinburgh on a three-year-deal. O’Hora was one of David Gray’s first signings as Hibs boss, arriving from MK Dons. The Irishman made 85 appearances for Hibs, scoring 3 goals in green and white. Leicester’s new defender was integral to Hibs defence over the years, being a mainstay in a Hibs defence that qualified for European football in back-to-back seasons. He will now join up with his old MK Dons boss and ex-Rangers manager Russell Martin as the former Premier League champions currently find themselves in League One. After completing his move, rumoured to be in the region of £400,000, O’Hora said: “I’m really excited to get started here. Leicester is a massive club with big ambitions, and I’m looking forward to being part of that and helping the team achieve its goals. “I’m ready for the challenge and can’t wait to get going, meet my new team-mates and play in front of the supporters at King Power Stadium.” Hibs have been quick to act in finding a replacement as 24-year-old Serbian defender Marko Ivezić has arrived from German side Holstein Kiel on a three-year-contract. Ivezić has mostly played in Germany’s second tier, but has a season’s experience in the Bundesliga and has earned one cap for the Serbian National Team so far. After completing his eight signing of the summer, David Gray said: “We’re delighted to bring Marko into the building and get the deal over the line.“He brings a really good combination of both physical defensive qualities and experience – having played in the Bundesliga and represented his country. “He’s very versatile, which gives us another option within the squad, and at 24, he is at an age where he has his best years ahead of him and we believe he is primed and ready to fit right into the squad.” Ivezić could be thrown into the deep end for his debut as Hibernian host rivals Hearts tomorrow infant of a sold out Easter Road.

September 2, 2026

Ex-Hibs striker loved by Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and Ange Postecoglu joins League One side

Dane Scarlett has completed a permanent transfer to Leyton Orient for an undisclosed fee. The forward spent last season on loan at Hibs, but failed to impress as a late winner at Ibrox was his only goal in 13 appearances in green and white. Despite being highly rated by many ex-Tottenham managers, it’s clear the Englishman wasn’t in Roberto De Zerbi’s plans in North London. During a 2021 interview when in charge of Spurs, Jose Mourinho said: ““He is a diamond – a kid with incredible potential. “He is still 16, 17 soon, and I believe next season he will be a first-team squad player because he has a lot of talent. “I just want to say that he will be 17 next month, and I want him to be part of the first-team squad next season. “So this season he is there and here, goes to training sessions with us and matches with the kids of his age and trains there. “Next season he has to be a first-team player. Immense talent. Very good physical development.” Jose Mourinho was replaced in North London by ex-Chelsea, Italy and Juventus manager Antonio Conte, who was also full of praise for Scarlett. In 2022, he said: “I think that Dane Is working very hard and he is a really good prospect from the academy. For sure in this moment he is the best prospect from the academy.” Prior to joining Ipswich on loan in 2023, then Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglu said: “He has been really good for us in training, he’s working really hard. “Look, I’ll sit down with Dane over the next couple of days and sort of chart a way forward for him. I really think he’s definitely got a future at our club and I really like his attributes as a striker. “I’ll make that decision over the next couple of days and sit down with him, but I certainly see him as a Tottenham player and a lot of that will depend on what else happens over the next two or three days.” After completing a move across London to League One side, Scarlett said: “I’m very happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started. “I want to play and help contribute with goals. It’s my first permanent deal and I’m excited to get the next chapter of my career going.” Still only 22, Scarlett will now aim to get his career up-and-running in England’s third tier, looking to prove why so many top name managers were fans of his.

September 2, 2026

O’Hora set for Hibs exit

SNN understands that Hibernian Vice-Captain Warren O’Hora is pushing for a move away from the club, with just days left of the summer transfer window. The Irish defender has today travelled south of the border to complete a medical at Leicester City. The 27-year-old previously worked with Leicester boss Russell Martin at MK Dons. O’Hora, who has 1 year left on his contract, was absent as Hibs defeated Dundee 2-1 at Dens Park on Sunday. Hibs held contract talks with O’Hora at the tail end of last season, but the defender opted to keep his options open. With Hibs now out of Europe following their Conference League play-off defeat to Gent, O’Hora now has his heart set on a move before Thursday’s transfer deadline. David Gray said after Sunday’s win that the club had not received any bids for O’Hora. He stated “’No bid as far as I’m aware. I’m not looking to lose anybody but everyone’s got valuations. If its the right thing for everyone involved, who knows?” * With fellow defender Rocky Bushiri out until early next year with an Achilles injury, Hibs look set to be busy in the last 48 hours of the window trying to find a replacement. It is now a race against time for the Leith side. *Hibs Observer 30/08/26

September 1, 2026

Motherwell bring Dylan Levitt back to Scotland

Motherwell have announced the signing of Dylan Levitt from Leyton Orient on a two-year-deal for an undisclosed fee. A product of the Manchester United academy, Levitt first moved to Scotland in 2021 on loan to Dundee United before making that move permanent a year later. The club’s relegation in 2023 opened the door for the Welsh international to move to Hibernian, where he spent two-and-a-half years in the capital. He’d then fall down the pecking order amongst David Gray’s midfielders last season, allowing him to move to Leyton Orient in League One, where he spent six months. After putting pen-to-paper in Lanarkshire, Levitt said: “I feel like I should be able to slot in here quickly and easily. From the games I’ve watched this season, this is the perfect system for me to play in. There are some really good players in the building, and now it’s my job to get to work and try to push into the team. “I’m well accustomed to Scottish football and know what it takes to be successful here. I’m looking forward to what comes next.” Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson pointed at Levitt’s ability and Premiership experience after completing his 11th signing of the summer, he said: “We have recruited from leagues across the globe this summer, but bringing someone in who has ample experience in this division is also really important. Dylan has played almost 100 games in the Scottish Premiership, so he knows exactly what’s needed. “His ability on the ball and characteristics were exactly what we wanted, and we feel he bolsters our options in the middle of the pitch. We have some really strong players in this position who will all be pushing each other on throughout the season. “I’m excited to see Dylan in our system and feel our summer recruitment has put the squad in a really healthy position.” Levitt could look to make his Motherwell debut soon as they host one of his former clubs Dundee United tomorrow in the Scottish Premiership, before going away to Rangers on Saturday.

September 1, 2026

New Hibs man raring to go ahead of first Edinburgh Derby

Jacob Devaney made his Hibernian debut on Sunday as Hibs defeated Dundee 2-1 at Dens Park. Speaking post match, he said the prospect of playing in the Edinburgh Derby was a big attraction when he weighed up his prospects for this season. Devaney impressed many in his debut for David Gray’s side, earning the man of the match award as he looks to fill the #6 shaped hole left by Dan Barlaser. The Irishman is no stranger to Scottish football, spending the second half of last season on loan at St. Mirren, but is relishing the prospect of playing in one of the country’s biggest matches. Speaking after Sunday’s win Devaney discussed his experiences of Hibernian’s European heartbreak against KAA Gent. The midfielder hadn’t joined the club ahead of the first leg, so was resigned to the stands for the second leg. He said: “I got a good glimpse of what the fans can be like on Thursday. “They were amazing. It was a real goosebumps moment in the first five or ten minutes, knowing that I could potentially be playing in front of those fans on Thursday.” The 19-year-old on loan from Manchester United also admitted that he will have to catch up with his teammates on the Edinburgh Derby experience, with focus at Easter Road quickly shifting from Gent to Dundee, and now to Hearts. Devaney said: “I’ve only ever watched the Edinburgh derby on TV. “But the chance to play in it was definitely a big attraction for me coming to Hibs and I’m looking forward to it.” The midfielder was also full of praise for his side’s impressive victory, where the 2-1 scoreline seemed to flatter Dundee, Devaney said: “We wanted to show people how good a team we are, and I think we showed that at times. I thought it was a really good performance and we held on in the end, which was the main thing, getting the three points.” The win was clearly an important one with the match coming so soon after Hibs conceded two late goals to exit the Conference League at the Play-Off stage for the second consecutive year. Dundee scored an 83rd minute goal to pull it back to 2-1 on Sunday which certainly caused some anxiety in the Dens Park away end, but Devaney praised the squad’s mentality and emphasised Hibs’ goals for the season, he said: “The lads could have been forgiven for letting their heads drop after what happened on Thursday. “But it just shows there’s a real spirit in that first team. There’s a great bunch of lads in there, staff included, and I think it’s a group of winners as well. We want to go out and keep getting three points. “It’s a massive club in Scotland, and a team that can push for success this year. We need to keep grinding out three points in the league and hopefully have a good two cup runs as well.” Hibs are now gearing up for their seventh consecutive Thursday night match as they host Hearts in the first Edinburgh Derby of the season in front of a sold-out Easter Road.

August 31, 2026

Gray calls for quick reaction after Gent heartbreak ahead of Dundee trip

Hibernian return to league action on Sunday afternoon as they travel to Dundee to face Steven Pressley’s Dundee at Dens Park. Following on from the disappointment of Thursday nights UEFA Conference League playoff defeat to Belgian side Gent, David Gray will be hoping for a positive reaction from his side. Hibernian were just six minutes away from qualifying for the group stages of a European competition for the first time in the clubs history, but two late goals from Gent would deny Hibs a place in the league phase of the Conference league for the second consecutive season. It was a familiar story for the Easter Road club, having experienced similar playoff heartbreak in the same competition twelve months ago, losing out to Legia Warsaw of Poland in extra time after a dramatic 3-3 draw in normal time. Speaking before Sunday’s match against Dundee, Gray insisted that if European nights are to return to Easter Road next season then domestic form will play a crucial part in that. “As I said last season, and I’m going to say it again now, (European) nights like this are special nights if you come out on the right side of the scoreline, but you felt it in the stadium”. “The players responded really well to it, and if you want nights like that, your domestic form needs to be good. “So we need to bounce back as quick as we can because we’ve got a tough game away on Sunday.” The Hibs boss also emphasised the need to stick together and believes that Thursday’s defeat should serve as motivation for the season ahead. “I think right now it’s very difficult. Clearly we’re all human beings that are all suffering, and they’re all really disappointed, but it’s my job and the staff’s job to get around the players and make them bounce back as quickly as we can. “There was nothing I was going to say immediately after the game that makes them feel any better about that in the dressing room, but as quick as we can, we get around the boys and we make sure that we show them where we can improve. “That’s what it’s all about. We always need to try and improve as much as we can, and there will be a lot of positives to take from the game and learnings to take from it. “But that’s the big thing that we need to make sure we keep moving forward, because as we showed in very large spells tonight, when we do get it right, we’re a very good side. We just need to put that complete performance in.” Hibs have started their league campaign with a loss to Motherwell at Easter Road on the opening day before defeating Derek McInnes’ Rangers at Ibrox. Focus for David Gray’s men is now on ending the month with three points before the first Edinburgh Derby of the season at Easter Road on Thursday night.

August 29, 2026

Gray Admits European Exit is “going to sting” Following Defeat

David Gray believes his Hibs side deserved more as they were knocked out by slim margins last night. Hibs managed to come away with a goalless draw in the first leg in Belgium, but two late goals in the capital ended the European dream for the Easter Road side. The Hibees went into the game full of confidence, with David Gray describing it as a “cup final.” Hibs fell behind not long before the break, as Vergara put the visitors ahead. Hibs came out looking like a whole new side, as the Hibees scored twice through Kerr and Passlack to lead in the tie, but two late goals by Burgess and a Chaiwa own goal, moments before the midfielder saw red, sealed the pain for the Edinburgh side. “It’s really hard to put it into words, in terms of the feeling in the group,” said Gray. “It hurts, it’s going to sting. It’s hard to be critical of the players over the effort they’ve put in. I think over the two legs we deserved to go through. “It’s tough to take because I don’t think we got what we deserved for our second-half performance. “The second half was exactly what was required because we were behind in the tie – we had energy, belief and the desire. “The tie was decided in two massive moments at the end of the game, we lost a goal from a set-piece then went up the other end and had the best chance of the game (for Callum Wright) to win it 3-2. “Unfortunately, we’ve been done by extremely fine margins. Across the two legs I thought we were worthy of going through. “People don’t want to hear me talk about positives right now but I think in time we’ll see there were. “Physically, we looked good; we didn’t just sit in and defend. I think we demonstrated what we can do tonight, against a team who play in Europe regularly. “If we were outclassed, outplayed or outfought or there was a gulf between the teams I’d say that, but I didn’t feel that was the case.” David Gray wasn’t prepared to criticize Chaiwa despite an own-goal and a late sending off. “Miguel covered every blade of grass but in the last minute in his recovery he put it into his own net,” David Gray stated. “It’s my job, the staff’s job to get around the players. The big thing in these moments is we stick together, the big characters need to pick the other ones up. That’s also my job and my staff’s job.”

August 28, 2026