The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Plenty heart but no goals in tough derby
SCOTTISH CUP: Hearts and Hibs face fifth-round replay
Esmael Goncalves wasted the best chance to clinch victory for Hearts over Hibernian in a goalless Tynecastle derby.
The Portuguese striker had an effort saved by Ofir Marciano three minutes into a fiercely competitive William Hill Scottish Cup fifth-round tie.
Goalscoring opportunities were at a premium in a physical battle, and the sides must do it all again in the replay at Easter Road on February 22.
The teams were still sizing each other up when Lennard Sowah’s pass inside was picked up on the run by Goncalves, but his close-range effort was saved.
The game started at breakneck speed and referee Willie Collum showed common sense in keeping his cards in his pockets by having words with Hibs midfielder Marvin Bartley and Hearts playmaker Malaury Martin.
Hibs started to settle and created their first chance after 10 minutes, but Grant Holt headed a Lewis Stevenson cross well wide from close range.
The experienced marksman then looked like the favourite to get on the end of a teasing low pass into the sixyard box from James Keatings, but Tasos Avlonitis made a fine interception.
Hibs defender Darren McGregor was cautioned for a body check on Don Cowie but the Hearts captain was able to continue following lengthy treatment.
Hibs striker Jason Cummings did well to create room for himself eight minutes before the break but his tame rightfooted shot was easily collected by Hearts goalkeeper Jack Hamilton.
Hearts breathed a huge sigh of relief before the break as they survived a Hibs attack. Holt found Cummings in the box following a powerful run, and the striker whipped in a left-footed shot which was parried by Hamilton.
The rebound bounced up and hit Holt but Hamilton gathered the loose ball.
Hearts brought on Bjorn Johnsen at half-time for Martin and the American had a close-range shot parried.
The game was more open in the second half. Hibs striker Holt and substitute Liam Fontaine headed wide from Keatings corners.
Cummings was again the outlet for Hibs as the marksman dug out a teasing pass across the face of goal but teammate Holt could only fire wide after sliding in.
Hearts had penalty claims waved away after a Jamie Walker shot seemed to strike the hand of Fontaine.
Hearts manager Ian Cathro said: “I’m somebody who loves football. I think we could have played more of it.
“But the most pleasing factor at the end of all that was we saw a strong team dealing with the frustration and staying focused and sharp.”