Hibernian 1 Heart Of Midlothian 1

Last updated : 15 February 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Hearts produced a stirring second-half performance to salvage an untidy Edinburgh derby at Easter Road.

The game will be remembered for a wonderful strike from Derek Riordan for the opening goal but Hearts came back to win a point when skipper Steven Pressley scored from the penalty spot.

Hearts dominated the early play but could not put any serious pressure on Hibs goalkeeper Daniel Andersson.

Riordan had the first clear-cut chance when Roland Edge picked out him out at the edge of the six-yard box but he could get no power in his shot and Craig Gordon saved comfortably.

Andersson was finally called to make a save in the 19th minute when a Paul Hartley cross was met by Mark de Vries but his header was tame.

Hibs moved in front with Riordan's spectacular goal which left Gordon with no chance after he collected a pass from Garry O'Connor 30 yards out.

The goal gave Hibs a lift and they looked capable of adding to their lead against an uncertain Hearts defence.

Scott Brown, booked earlier for a high challenge on Alan Maybury, was fortunate to stay on the field two minutes from the break for a rash challenge on Pressley.

But referee McCurry bizarrely decided the challenge did not merit a second yellow card.

Maybury and Brown were also involved in an unsavoury off-the-ball incident which was not spotted by the officials.

Hearts were level within two minutes of the second half after Colin Murdock made an ill-judged challenge on de Vries in the area for a clear penalty.

Pressley calmly drilled home his second penalty in two games to put Hearts on level terms.

O'Connor had a chance to put Hibs back in front shortly afterwards from a great cross from Alan Reid, but the striker's header was poor.

Hartley's control then let him down at the other end when he was given the freedom of the Hibs penalty area.

De Vries missed an even better chance when he failed to control a pass from Maybury when he was clean through on Andersson.

Hartley was unlucky not to give Hearts the lead in the 70th minute with a 25-yard free-kick which cracked against the post before Gary Caldwell scrambled the ball to safety.

Patrick Kisnorbo was then only inches away with a right-foot shot from 25 yards as Hearts tried in vain for the winner.