Hibs dedicate Hearts win to fans
Hibernian boss Pat Fenlon dedicated his side's 1-0 Scottish Cup win over Edinburgh rivals Hearts to his club's supporters as they claimed their first derby victory in 13 attempts.
David Wotherspoon's 83rd-minute deflected goal was enough to send the holders crashing out at the fourth round stage as Hibs finally broke their derby hoodoo with their first win over Hearts since 2009.
Fenlon saluted the Easter Road club's fans as Hibs gained some revenge for the misery caused in May by the crushing 5-1 defeat by Hearts in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden.
"Although May was difficult for me I was only in the door a short period of time and to see our end of the stadium empty so early was hard but I totally understood that," the Hibs boss said.
"But we gave them a bit of payback today and that's why at the end I wanted to go round the stadium and it was more of a thank you to them for the support they have given us this season.
"It's been a difficult couple of seasons for the club so we will enjoy today. It wasn't a great game but when you come out with a victory against your biggest rivals it's more enjoyable.
"There was not a lot of football played in the game but I am delighted for the supporters. I think today is really about them and they are the people who deserve that win. They can go away with their heads held high now.
"They have been down in the doldrums a little bit for too long to be honest and this one is for them."
After narrowly avoiding relegation last season followed by the crushing cup final defeat, things are looking much brighter for Hibs this season.
Fenlon's side sit second in the Scottish Premier League, just one point behind Celtic, and the win against Hearts means their 110-year quest for a Scottish Cup win is still alive.
However, the Hibs boss has warned his players to keep their feet on the ground and try to build on their derby win.
"We have had a good result today, nothing more than that," Fenlon said.
"We have got a massive game next week up at Inverness and we have to keep the momentum going – that is the important thing.
"It is about rebuilding this club and getting us back to where we should be."
It was a sore result to take for Hearts, where serious financial problems and tax demands threaten the future of the Tynecastle club.
Their manager John McGlynn said the club's survival was the main priority.
"Obviously making sure we survive the financial situation we are in has to be the priority," McGlynn said.
"We have got the semifinal of the League Cup to look forward to at the end of January against Inverness and we have got to come back to Easter Road as well.
"We are bringing through young players and developing young players and we have to continue that and start climbing the table in the league."
