Hibs fans in Edinburgh derby show of faith as expanded Tynecastle allocation ticket sales update provided
David Gray’s men looking to break rivalry deadlock after winning one and losing one against old foes
Hibs fans snapped up an INCREASED allocation for next month’s Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle within hours of sales opening to season ticket holders. And David Gray’s men will be backed by a travelling support of almost 3000 when they head to Gorgie in search of a second straight win over their nearest rivals.
Hibs received 2902 places for the showdown with Hearts on Tuesday, February 10 – an increase of almost 100 on the number of seats made available to travelling fans for the first derby of the season back in November. Hibs First members were given priority access to sales on Tuesday.
And, when the remaining briefs were put up for grabs to season ticket holders at 10 am yesterday, they quickly sold out – despite fans being restricted to one purchase per season ticket number. Hibs will have the entire Roseburn Stand for a game that will see both teams looking to edge ahead on the season’s bragging rights.
Hearts ran out 1-0 winners over Hibs at Tynecastle in the first derby of the season, courtesy of a late, late goal from Craig Halkett in a game where neither side had created much in the way of chances. In stark contrast, the city rivals were involved in a five-goal thriller at Easter Road on December 27, Hibs scorching into a 3-0 lead and withstanding a late comeback from the visitors to draw level at one win apiece in head-to-head clashes this season.
Hearts and Hibs nursing Scottish Cup wounds
Both teams will head into their third encounter of the campaign in search of a boost after being left with a blank weekend ahead of the Tuesday night contest, as a result of the capital clubs each being knocked out of the Scottish Cup. Hibs lost 1-0 to Dunfermline in Fife while Hearts lost at home in a penalty shoot-out against Falkirk.
Hibs travel to Falkirk tomorrow seeking a more immediate recovery from their Cup elimination by extending their unbeaten run in the league to six games. They’ve won three and drawn two of their previous five Scottish Premiership matches, although failure to beat Motherwell at Easter Road in their most recent outing saw Gray’s men fall short in their attempt to overtake the Steelmen and claim fourth place in the table.
Falkirk are currently five points and one position behind fifth-placed Hibs. John McGlynn’s side, buoyed by their Cup win over the Jambos, have won three of their past five league games.
Hibs should be virtually at full strength for this weekend’s game, pending an update on the injury that forced Josh Mulligan out of the game at East End Park, with Martin Boyle and Nicky Cadden both back to full fitness. Joe Newell has suffered no ill effects from making his first start in over a year against the Pars.