McGrath winner sends Hibernian past Hearts into League Cup final

Hibernian reached the Scottish League Cup final by beating Edinburgh rivals Hearts 2-1 at Hampden on Sunday, November 1. Martin Boyle and Jamie McGrath scored before half-time to overturn Claudio Braga's early opener, securing a final against Rangers on December 13. The SPFL confirmed that the result was Hibs' first derby victory at the national stadium after four previous defeats.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVVjcscDVQI

The breakthrough also delivered a first win for manager Marink Reedijk since taking charge. Hibs had entered the semi-final bottom of the Premiership, according to BBC Sport, but emerged with a place in the cup decider. An attendance of 41,673 watched the clubs' first meeting at the semi-final stage of this competition, with Hibernian midfielder Joe Newell named man of the match by the SPFL.

Hearts made the stronger start on the scoreboard. Braga headed in Calvin Miller's corner after four minutes, and Beau Reus then stopped Felix Passlack from bringing Hibs level. Hearts' official match report said Tomas Magnusson subsequently headed narrowly wide from another Miller delivery before being forced off after a head knock. Yan Dhanda came on as his replacement.

Boyle equalised in the 19th minute, getting into the penalty area and scoring with a deflected effort that went in off the post. Newell later sent a long-range attempt over via the crossbar. McGrath completed the turnaround before the interval, finishing from close range after Reus had saved another Newell shot. Hearts also lost Miller to injury during the first half.

The second half brought chances at both ends. Reus denied Boyle and kept out a Marko Ivezic header, while Hibs goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger pushed away a Braga effort and tipped a powerful Sabri Guendouz shot over the bar. Hearts continued to seek an equaliser, but Hibernian preserved their one-goal advantage through to the final whistle.

For Hibs, the win changed a difficult stretch into a cup-final opportunity without altering their league position. Their next Hampden assignment will be against Rangers, with the trophy at stake. Hearts, meanwhile, must return to European competition: their club report identified Thursday's away UEFA Conference League match against FC Thun as the team's next fixture.