Hibs ratings from five-goal Edinburgh Derby thriller as David Gray's men bask in Sunshine on Leith

Hibs packed a century-and-a-half of drama into 90-plus minutes of Easter Road high points, high-jinks, hilarity and hanging on for dear life, as David Gray’s men ran out 3-2 winners to mark the 150th anniversary of the Edinburgh derby in fitting fashion. On a day when the home side streaked into a 3-0 lead, they survived a late Hearts comeback to deliver a timely morale boost at the halfway stage of the season.

A beautifully taken Jamie McGrath finish after two minutes and a delicate glancing header from substitute Josh Campbell just before half-time had the home fans bouncing with derby delirium. A Kieron Bowie strike two-and-a-half minutes into the second half made it 3-0.

Late strikes from Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin gave Hearts a lifeline. And Raphael Sallinger made two stunning injury-time saves to secure a victory that should have been more comfortable. But could hardly have been celebrated with more gleeful abandon.

On balance, Hibs more than deserved the three points. Not least for the way they dominated their opponents from the off.

Everybody wants a fast start in this fixture. And Hibs could hardly have asked for better.

With barely 120 seconds on the clock, Nicky Cadden created just enough space on the left wing to deliver a chipped cut-back into the box. And McGrath met the ball perfectly on the half-volley, his right-footed finish beating the keeper at his near post.

That set the tone perfectly for Gray’s men, who made the visitors look anything but title contenders as they dominated most of the first half. While Shankland probably should have scored with a free header at the back post, the league leaders were comprehensively outplayed in midfield – and that made it difficult for them to gain any kind of control on the contest.

Hibs absorbed the loss of wingback Cadden without too much disruption, the left-sided chance maker – just back from injury – limping out of action just before the half-hour mark. On came Campbell, with McGrath moving to a position he’d filled just once during his time at Easter Road.

The Irishman showed his quality in unfamiliar territory to create the second, skinning – not for the first time – Oisin McEntee and delivering a chipped cross into the near post area. Up popped Campbell to meet the ball with a superb glancing header that sparked wild celebrations.

When Bowie wasted a great chance two minutes into the second half, Hibs fans wondered if he might come to regret that opportunity. Just 30 seconds later, however, the Scotland striker made fulsome amends.

Charging onto the ball after Campbell had closed down Stuart Findlay’s clearance, Bowie absolutely ripped a shot beyond Alexander Schowlow with a swing of his right boot. Limbs? Scenes? And then some …

Already sitting 3-0 up, the home side had chances to extend their lead. They really were in control.

Shankland showed his quality to give his team a little hope heading into the closing quarter hour, his fine headed finish giving Sallinger no chance. When Devlin buried a rebound two minutes from the end of the 90, it was game on.

But Sallinger denied both Shankland and Beni Baningime during 6 minutes – plus change – of time added on. Prompting celebrations at fulltime. And a rendition of Sunshine on Leith to rival, well, the exact same victory scenes the last time these teams met here …