Hibs player ratings vs Hearts as Elie Youan brace seals stunning comeback to earn derby point

Nick Montgomery’s side showed grit and determination to claw back a two goal deficit thanks to a brace from Elie Youan as he makes it five unbeaten as boss since his arrival.

Hibs pulled off a stunning derby comeback from two goals down to take a huge point against Hearts at Tynecastle.

Nick Montgomery took his Hibs side across the city to face Steven Naismith’s Hearts. The men from Leith have been unbeaten since the sacking of Lee Johnson and the new man was appointment last month. Last week’s 0-0 draw against Dundee came after two huge home wins to St Johnstone and high-fliers St Mirren in the Viaplay Cup last eight to book a day out at Hampden in the semi-final. Today though, they faced a Hearts side also on a good run as they attempted to leapfrog their rivals in the league.

Montgomery’s mantra has been to go out on the attack and his side certainly looked fired up from the off. Martin Boyle caused all sorts of problems during a frantic opening. The Aussie attacker almost burst through on goal but for a last ditch foul from Cammy Devlin. Hibs continued to probe but soon became pegged back by their rivals who took control.

They were then stunned by Alan Forrest’s strike on the half hour mark. There was absolutely nothing David Marshall could do as the former Livingston man cut inside and rattled a superb strike into the top corner. Hibs showed some late-first half threats but despite their efforts were unable to register a shot on target.

Hibs displayed a never say die attitude in the second half as a brace from Elie Youan hauled them back into the game after Hearts doubled their lead. The pacey attacker powered through into the box to score two goals two minutes apart. It came after Christian Doidge swiped the ball into his own net put the home side two goals to the good. Hibs pushed their rivals all the way as they searched for a late winner. Here is how we rated the Easter Road side as Montgomery stays unbeaten following a dramatic derby comeback.

David Marshall – 6

Called to make some important early saves after strikes from Lowry and Shankland. Absolutely nothing he could do about Forrest’s opener which flew past him. Was rooted to the spot as Doidge’s flick directed it in for Hearts second. Limped off in a major injury blow to Hibs.

Lewis Miller – 7

Strong display and played a key supporting role on the overlap. Done by Lowry for Hearts second but overall dealt with most of the threats thrown at him.

Will Fish – 7

What a difference almost a year makes. Had a horror show in last year’s fixture but today was calm and composed in defending. Marshalled Shankland well. Booked for late challenge on Vargas.

Rocky Bushiri – 6

Looked shaky after Hearts opener, grew into the game and showed better distribution before being subbed.

Jordan Obita – 7

Struggled to stop Forrest for the opener but would never have seen the strike coming. Plenty of desire and passion. A decent derby debut.

Jimmy Jeggo – 6

Struggled to deal with Lowry and Forrest, with the pair too much to handle. Plenty of drive but poor on the ball.

Joe Newell – 7

Made himself a nuisance in the middle of the park with his usual influence on the game. Never stopped running. Left it all on the Tynecastle Park. A real warrior for Montgomery.

Martin Boyle – 8

The Aussie demonstrated his blistering pace all day long. Caused Hearts all sorts of problems, with Devlin booked for an early foul at the flying wing man. At it again in the second half. Constant threat.

Elie Youan – 8

Scored a deadly double to level it from nowhere. Like Boyle was a constant threat with pace. Used pace and power to ghost into the box and fire home two fine finishes.

Christian Doidge – 6

Linked the play as Hibs went long and looked to get runners around. Not as effective as Montgomery would have hoped. Unlucky with an own goal to double Hearts lead in what was his last action. Subbed.

Dylan Vente – 6

Quiet first half as he struggled to link up with Doidge. Failed to show his quality when it mattered. Had several half chances blocked. Not the Dutchman’s day.

Subs

Maksymillian Boruc 3 – On for the injured Marshall as he gets a taste of the Edinburgh derby. Called into action as Hearts created late chances. Helped keep the point intact.

Paul Hanlon 3 – On for Bushiri as Montgomery looked to bolster defence.

Dylan Levitt 3 – On as a late sub.

Adam Le Fondre 3 – On for Doidge to try and haul Hibs back into it. Made the difference