Hearts derby classics: Hibs 1 - 2 Hearts, November 3, 2002

HEARTS secured their third derby victory over Hibs in the same season with a late fightback owing much to the tactical nous shown by Hearts manager Craig Levein.

Hibs looked to be heading towards their first derby win of the season however late goals from Kevin McKenna and Phil Stamp secured what looked to be an unlikely win for the Jambos, with only four minutes remaining.

Hibs went into the interval with the lead courtesy of an instinctive Mixu Paatelainen strike after 35 minutes and looked to be comfortably in control as the second half wore on however somehow they managed to lose a game which brought a run of five straight victories to an abrupt end.

It was the decision from Levein which saw Scott Severin replaced by Neil Janczyk which changed the game, Janczyk proving to be the provider for the two Hearts goals which followed from his introduction.

With four minutes remaining, Janczyk provided a superb cross for Canadian McKenna who nodded across Hibs goalkeeper Nick Colgan into the far corner of the net.

An equaliser at this stage in any match would have prompted most managers to shut up shop and settle for a point away from home but Levein, who had yet to see his side win a league game outwith Tynecastle that season, sensed that even at that late hour a win was a distinct possibility.

As the match marched on deep into injury time, Janczyk again turned provider, slipping a delightful ball through for Stamp who drilled a low shot across Colgan’s body and into the net, consigning Hibs boss Bobby Williamson to his third derby defeat since taking over at Easter Road.

Understandably, Stamp’s strike on his derby debut sparked scenes of unbridled celebration among the 3225 Hearts fans.

Referee Willie Young, however, was in a less-than-charitable mood, booking Stamp as he had McKenna for his expressions of delight and, as the midfielder had been cautioned for a first-half trip on Orman, it resulted in an early bath for him.