Hearts 4 - 1 Hibernian

MARK WILSON January 30 2006

Scorers: Hearts – Hartley (27, 44 pen), Skacel (41) Elliot (50); Hibernian – O'Connor (58)

Expect a copy of the "Demolition Derby 2" to be gift-wrapped and air-mailed to Prague in the near future.

The last note from Michael McCurry's whistle had barely dispersed into the Gorgie chill on Saturday evening before the Tynecastle PA system surged forth with a call to place orders for Hearts' latest dvd release.

How's that for a harmonious partnership of capitalist opportunity and rubbing it right in? Graham Rix's side did not need brilliance, so inept was the Hibernian defence, but in Rudi Skacel they continue to enjoy a player capable of it.

The Czech midfielder, in between saluting the home support and needling the visitors', was essential to each of his side's four goals in a match that showcased his talent. An outside chance of reaching his nation's World Cup squad fuels further motivation within Skacel and Karel Brückner, the Czech Republic coach, may well receive a reminder in the post.

"I want to help Hearts but perhaps they can help me get to the World Cup," he said. "Maybe if I make a lot of goals and we get the league or the cup, it will happen. Who knows?"

This sequel to August's 4-0 derby win is likely to produce more significant consequences, as Hearts now peer nine points down the Bank of Scotland Premierleague table to locate their rivals.

Hibernian's back four didn't so much fluff their lines as launch into an avant-garde improvisation piece that totally discarded the script.

The closing 20 minutes of the first half witnessed a scarcely believable level of chaos as they conceded three goals and were reduced to 10 men.

"It's not necessarily the defence, it's the way the team plays," said Mowbray afterwards. That, however, is protectionism. Individually and collectively, his defenders failed him. Worringly, they now have just two wins in their last eight matches.

For Hearts, the joy of city supremacy was boosted by news of Celtic's late lapse against Dundee United. Eight points now separates them from SPL leadership and Skacel will not curb his ambition to safeguarding a runners-up spot. "It would be amazing for this club to play in the Champions League, but we have a chance for the title," he said. "Why not try and take the title? We have 14 games left, so we'll see."

The 26-year-old, though, dodged the question of whether Champions League football would be enough to keep him in Edinburgh when his loan from Marseille expires this summer. Oddly, not one of his nine Tynecastle goals has come at the Gorgie End. He revelled in shirt-twirling celebrations nearer the opposite stand where the Hibs fans were massed, in front of whom lay strewn a variety of thrown objects. Andy Webster and Paul Hartley made a sensible intervention and steered the Czech to safer ground.

"Maybe they were afraid of what might happen but I was only celebrating." said Skacel, who tossed shirt and shorts to the Hearts support. Some Hibs fans turned their back on the minute's applause for Wallace Mercer and that was as good a view as they got all afternoon.

Cruelly, there had been a promising start, as Craig Gordon was forced to make three smart saves, twice from Garry O'Connor and once from Derek Riordan. Then came the capitulation.

On 27 minutes, Skacel was untracked as he managed to hook a cutback from the byeline which Hartley converted at the near post. Elliot shot wide when gifted possession by Michael Stewart before Hearts doubled their lead as Skacel fired beyond Simon Brown for his 16th goal of the season.

Hibs' disarray was encapsulated by their third concession. Steven Whittaker collided with Gary Caldwell, which allowed Skacel to surge into the penalty area where he was fouled by the Celtic-bound centre back. Hartley smashed the penalty high into the net.

Gary Smith then elbowed Saulius Mikoliunias to be shown a red card by McCurry, and fears of a derby record-equalling 7-0 flitted through Hibs minds when Elliot turned in Skacel's spearing cross five minutes after the restart. Hearts, though, had sated their bloodlust and O'Connor reduced the deficit with a right-foot thump from the edge of the area that went in off a post.

Rix's first derby has bought him increased approval from supporters, but Mowbray's mind must now contain multiplying doubts. Scott Brown hobbled out injured and his presence would be sorely missed in the Tennent's Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against Rangers this weekend.

The other Brown, Hibs' blameless goalkeeper, suggested a look at their 3-0 win at Ibrox earlier this season may provide a cheering tonic.

"That might get our confidence up," he said. "But we have a good record against Rangers this season and have to go into that game with belief.

"I think Hearts gave us a lesson in finishing. We could have been a couple of goals up at the start but at half-time the game was over. There could have been a disaster in losing five, six or seven but we kept the score down in the second half."

It was a small consolation on a day for Hibs to forget. The Hearts club shop is likely to do brisk business from those keen to be reminded of it at the push of a button.

Taken from the Herald