A LATE goal from teenager James Wilson rescued a point for Heart of Midlothian against Hibernian in the Edinburgh derby on Sunday.
The 17-year-old substitute equalised in the 87th minute to make it two goals in two appearances for the Gorgie side, after Hibernian opened the scoring in the 65th minute through forward Mykola Kukharevich.
Neil Critchley continues his unbeaten start as Hearts boss, while it was disappointment for Hibs manager David Gray – who has seen his side concede yet another late goal this campaign.
Hibs remain behind their rivals in the table on goal difference, without a win in four games.
It was an expectedly cagey first half in the Edinburgh sunshine, in what was the 339th competitive meeting between the cross-city rivals.
Hearts had a promising first 20 minutes and controlled possession well, but Hibs soon began to grow into the game, looking to hit on the counter at every opportunity.
Hibs winger Junior Hoilett in particular whipped the ball in from the left-wing which nearly caught out Craig Gordon, and forced him to make a great reaction save.
Dwight Gayle looked favourite to score from the rebound, but James Penrice made a clearance off the line to keep things level.
The Jambos hit back minutes after, when skipper Lawrence Shankland drove forward into the box and hit a powerful strike which looked destined for the top left corner, forcing a save from Hibs goalkeeper Josef Bursik, who tipped the shot over the bar.
The home side would have another great chance to go ahead towards the end of the first half.
Referee Don Robertson awarded Hibernian a free-kick on 34 minutes.
Hoilett’s curled a ball into the area, and met the head of Gayle – but his effort was parried away by Gordon in net.
Hibernian continued their pressure in the second half, and would soon capitalise on it.
In the 65th minute, Hoilett’s delivery from a set piece caused calamity in the Hearts box.
The ball was headed off the bar before substitute Mykola Kuarevich arrived and scored a tap-in for 1-0, his first of the season.
Lawrence Shankland then had a golden opportunity to get Hearts back level a few minutes later.
Midfielder Jorge Grant’s cut back into the box found its way to Shankland- but his left-footed shot hit the side netting.
With just ten minutes to go, Hearts looked to have ran out of steam. That was before substitute striker Wilson arrived to get Hearts level.
James Penrice hauled a long-throw into the box, which winger Alan Forrest flicked on, finding its way to Wilson.
His first time shot hit off Bursik’s post and into the back of the net for 1-1, sending the travelling Hearts support into a frenzy with only four minutes to go.
Both sides remain bottom of the Scottish Premiership table, with Hearts in 11th and Hibs in 12th respectively.
Hibernian: Bursik, Miller, Ekpiteta, O’Hora, Youan (Moriah-Welsh 60′), Boyle (C), Kwon, Obita, Hoilett (Doyle-Hayes 81′), Triantis, Gayle (Kuarevich 60′)
Hearts: Gordon, Kent, Rowles, Devlin (McKay 72′), Boateng (Wilson 72′), Penrice, Dhanda (Forrest 60′), Spittal, Vargas (Grant 60′), Shankland (C)
