Returning Hibernian forward Martin Boyle was the hero for the Leith-based side as they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Hearts in an Edinburgh derby at Easter Road this afternoon.
Boyle only re-joined Hibernian yesterday on the back of a frustrating short spell playing in Saudi Arabia but he made an instant impact, coming off the bench to net a 95th-minute equaliser against Hearts which sent the Hibs faithful wild.
It was a far from perfect performance from Hibs who are yet to really get into their groove under the guidance of new boss Lee Johnson. They managed just three shots on target in the 90 minutes and the club's fans will undoubtedly want much more from their side in the coming weeks and months.
Opponents Hearts looked comfortable throughout and they will be kicking themselves that they are leaving Easter Road with just the one point. Robbie Neilson's side were in control for much the contest, particularly after Lawrence Shankland's first half goal.
Story of the match
It was Hibs who started the match the brighter of the two sides and Ryan Porteous headed an early chance wide before Elie Youan saw a shot from a narrow angle saved by visiting keeper Craig Gordon. The visitors warmed to the task and Shankland soon saw an effort deflected wide by covering Hibs defender Rocky Bushiri.
The big moment of the first half came on 22 minutes. A delicious ball over the top from Barrie McKay found Shankland who advanced into the box and prodded his effort beyond David Marshall and into the Hibs net.
Hibs responded and Nohan Kenneh fired an effort wide before Gordon rolled back the years as he clawed away a Youan header, a truly wonderful save by the veteran.
The hosts were far from at their best in the first half and they were fortunate not to suffer further damage in the second period. Goalkeeper Marshall needed to be agile to keep out Shankland's effort with his boot before denying McKay from the follow up.
Hibs boss Johnson threw on Christian Doidge and then Boyle to spice things up but the home side were struggling to bring quality to what was turning out to be a scrappy game.
Hearts looked set to end the game as 1-0 winners with Boyle scuffing a shot on goal and Bushiri heading over in injury time but then came the one moment of magic. Youan pulled a ball back for Boyle and he rescued Hibs a point by netting the equaliser at the death on his second debut for the club.
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Boyle could add real fire to Hibs' season
After Shaun Maloney's disastrous four-month spell in charge at Easter Road last season, the pressure is on new boss Lee Johnson to get things right for Hibs this season. The fans need to connect with this latest group of Hibernian players, no easy task given last season's disappointments and the fact that there are so many new faces in the side.
The signing of Boyle will bring trust. The fans will trust both the club's ambition and their desired direction. The forward can act as that human connection between the fans and that very new-look Hibs team.
Hibs went into the season with a shortage of proven goalscorers at cinch Premiership level but they now have their man and that could very much change the course of their season for the better. A European return this season is an absolute must.
Man of the Match: Martin Boyle
In a typical scrappy derby affair, it had to be the Hibs fans' favourite who grabbed the headlines. Johnson's side were in real danger of losing the first derby clash of the season, huffing and puffing to find rhythm following Shankland's opener for Hearts, but new signing Boyle came to their rescue.
While Hibs only collected a point from this game, it will feel like a win to everyone involved with the club. The result keeps the early-season momentum rolling onto the next game while Hibs have avoided handing the local bragging rights to their bitter rivals from down Gorgie Road.
What is next?
After taking four points from their opening two cinch Premiership matches, Hibernian travel to The Tony Macaroni Arena to face Livingston on Saturday.
As for Hearts, they also have four points in the bag and they will look to pick themselves up for a home fixture against Dundee United at Tynecastle next Sunday.