Hibs beat Hearts at Hampden to reach League Cup final but face…

Hibernian beat city rivals Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish League Cup semi-final at Hampden, a first win for head coach Marink Reedijk in his fifth game in charge and a long-awaited victory over Hearts at the national stadium. Hearts had won all four of the clubs' previous meetings there since 2006, and Hibs will face Rangers in next month's final.

The occasion was backed by a large Hibs support, and the win arrived after a difficult start to the season that included missing out on Europe, failing to win at home and a change of manager. Player of the match Joe Newell said he would have accepted four defeats if this was how the team clicked, and described the character shown after falling behind as making the performance more special.

Claudio Braga's early header had put Hearts ahead before many supporters were in their seats, prompting Newell to admit his first thought was "oh no, here we go" and that the game plan had gone out of the window. Hibs responded, and the final whistle brought visible emotion among players, with Jason Kerr holding back tears and Nicky Cadden singing along as the team celebrated together.

Supporters who made the trip were described as savouring a moment of joy after previous disappointments, including European exits and the frustration of the season so far. Reedijk, who had spoken of wanting music and beer after the game, said he had to make rational decisions and step away from the atmosphere rather than linger in it.

The final against Rangers is six weeks away, and Hibs have the same number of league games before it, ending with a home meeting with Derek McInnes' side. With only two wins in 11 league games and the club bottom of the Premiership, Newell said the team must kick on and use the result to build confidence, starting with a trip to Aberdeen.

Source: BBC Sport

Image: PA Media / BBC Sport