Kevin Nisbet pounced to end Hibs’ Edinburgh Derby hoodoo and take the heat off his gaffer – while wrecking Steven Naismith’s debut in the Hearts dugout.
The Scotland striker smashed home a second half winner to end a horror run of nine games without victory against the Jambos and give gaffer Lee Johnson his first win in the fixture in a rocking Easter Road. It was a nightmare start for Naismith though after taking charge in the wake of Robbie Neilson’s shock sacking earlier in the week.
The interim boss has his work cut out halting the slide in Gorgie with defeat across the city leaving his side five points adrift of Aberdeen in the fight for third – and just two above their fierce rivals on their tails. Johnston and Naismith both got booked after a minor touchline Barney but only one of them was left smiling at the end. The Hearts caretaker’s early plans took a hit inside the opening few minutes when Michael Smith was forced to hobble off after stretching to reach an early ball through the middle.
