Hibs fans have waited five years to see their side gain an away win at Hearts so they are rightly lapping it up.
David Gray’s side probably deserved their victory, earned with Dwight Gayle’s deft finish from Nicky Cadden’s cross on the 77th minute.
They had taken an early lead through Kye Rowles’ own goal and went on to keep dominating that first half, but couldn’t add to their lead.
Hearts got a shot in the arm when Rocky Bushiri scored an own goal of his own at the other end just before the break, and they carried momentum into an improved second period.
But Hibs were the side who carried more attacking threat and so it was no surprise to see the experienced Gayle climb off the bench to score the winner.
They now have just one defeat in their last six games and now sit seventh in the table after the vast improvement of recent weeks.
Manager Gray praised his players’ efforts and was over the moon to supply such a moment for the supporters.
Gray on Hibs’ character after Hearts win
The inexperienced boss was asked whether holding on in this derby, after succumbing to a late James Wilson equaliser in the last one, showed the character of his side.
Gray had felt Hibs deserved to win that one and was gunning for revenge on Hearts this afternoon.
He agreed that it did show character but is also pleased they are showing an ability to win games in multiple ways.
Speaking to Sky Sports the Hibees boss said: “Yeah, it does. I think it always shows different ways in which we’re winning games now.
“We went 1-0 up but then got pegged back so to come again, especially here which is a real tough place and their fans then got behind them.
“We showed character, strength at the back and pressing from the front. The energy from every single player was there for everybody to see.”
Hibs boss delighted for fans
The Hibees faithful lapped up the moment at the end as they enjoyed their fist win on enemy soil in half a decade, rubbing it in to the Jambos who filed out quickly.
Gray was pleased his team could reward the support.
He said: “Fantastic achievement for the players. Delighted for them, all the hard work that has went into it. You see the scenes at the end with the fans, they’ve waited five years for that. Delighted for them.
“I think we can play miles better but today was all about the result and keeping the momentum going. Delighted for the players, they fully deserved it.
“It’s a great feeling.”
Asked what his approach was at half-time after being pegged back just before the whistle, he added: “You still have to remain to positive about all the good things.
“We had a few things we needed to improve on and, credit to Hearts, I thought they actually started the second half better. We were under the cosh a little bit.
“Little tweak, couple of subs came on and changed things as well. It wasn’t’ pretty but delighted for Gayley coming off the bench.