Hearts manager Craig Levein has praised the Jambos support following their 2-1 win over Hibs.
Stevie Mallan handed the home side a 1-0 advantage with a brilliant strike from distance, before Uche Ikpeazu and Aaron Hickey netted to give Levein’s men all three points.
The Gorgie manager has dedicated the victory to the fans after a tough period at Tynecastle.
He told Sky Sports: “Our supporters deserved the victory. They’ve had to watch us struggle up until now, and I’m not saying everything’s fixed and that we’re going to be flying high from now on, but that’s certainly a major step up for us.
“I’m just so thrilled for those who’ve come down here and sold out all our tickets at a time where things aren’t going as well as they want them to.
“This one’s for them.”
Levein is right to credit Hearts fans
Hearts fans that travelled to Easter Road do deserve some credit for the way they backed their team. Despite all the anger towards Levein in recent weeks, it was all put to one side on derby day.
They cheered their side on from the first whistle to the last, making sure the players knew they were present. The Jambos players reacted well to this, turning in a spirited performance against Hibs.
It wasn’t a brilliant performance, but Hearts certainly showed more character and will to win than their Edinburgh neighbours. On that alone, they deserved to win the derby.
Supporters turned out in their droves and for once Hearts rewarded them for the efforts they put in to be there. Very few Jambos will have left Leith unhappy on Sunday.