Hibs Celebrate Historic Derby Win: Can They Build on This Momentum?
Hibernian players and their dedicated supporters shared a passionate rendition of 'Sunshine On Leith' after a historic victory over rivals Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish League Cup semi-final.
"I want music, I want beer," Marink Reedijk cheekily expressed in a post-match Hibs video. Following the monumental win, the head coach definitely had plenty of options if he ventured into Leith that night, having finally etched his name into the club's history.
After a rocky start to his tenure, Reedijk celebrated his first win in just five games. Player of the match Joe Newell reflected, "I would have taken four losses if this was the way it clicked," highlighting the importance of the moment.
It had been a long wait for Hibs fans since 2006, who had endured four previous disappointing outings against their city rivals at Hampden. But this time, the atmosphere was electric as the iconic anthem rang out from the east end of the stadium, cementing the significance of this victory.
Reedijk, known as the self-proclaimed "ice king," savored the jubilant atmosphere while acknowledging the need to stay grounded in his decision-making. He understands that this win must serve as a springboard for the team as they strive to lift themselves off the bottom of the Scottish Premiership.
Who could have predicted such a turn of events? Just a day prior, Hibs found themselves languishing at the foot of the league table after Kilmarnock drew with 10-man St Johnstone.
However, this disheartening position quickly became secondary as Hibs drew strength from the backing of nearly 19,000 fans. Those who had previously traveled to Poland and Belgium, only to return home disappointed, finally had their moment of joy, and they made sure to celebrate it fully.
When Jordi Altena's free-kick found its way into the hands of goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger in the dying moments, the roar from the Hibs fans echoed through Hampden, shaking the very steps where the Hearts supporters stood, eager for a quick exit.
While the maroon-clad contingent, numbering about 23,000, remained unfazed by the celebratory atmosphere, Hibs' players were united in their emotions. Newell, who had been pivotal throughout the match, was initially filled with dread as Hearts scored just two minutes into the game.
"Oh no, here we go," he recalled, reflecting on the early setback. A sharp header from Claudio Braga sent alarm bells ringing before many supporters had even settled into their seats. Would history repeat itself, mirroring the painful Scottish Cup final of 14 years ago?
“The game plan was out the window,” Newell admitted. “It’s not ideal, is it? But it shows the character we have and makes this win even more special.”
That resilience is what Reedijk and his squad will take away from this triumph. Winning a cup game is one thing, but showcasing the heart and determination they displayed is what sets them apart as they prepare for a final against Rangers next month.
With the showpiece event still six weeks away, Hibs know how much can change in that time. They have multiple league fixtures ahead, the last of which will serve as a dress rehearsal against Derek McInnes' side at Easter Road.
Even as they celebrated their Hampden success, the players were aware of the pressing need to improve their league form. With only two wins in their last 11 matches, they face a struggling Aberdeen next, followed by encounters with both Dundee clubs in the capital.
The hope is that this monumental performance will ignite a resurgence in their league campaign.
“It’s huge,” Newell emphasized. “You kind of forget about the cup final after this, but we have to build on it. We need to use this momentum to boost our confidence because we were outstanding.”
If they can replicate this level of performance against Rangers on December 13, Reedijk and his squad can look forward to a future filled with music and beer in Leith.
