Robbie Neilson has challenged his Hearts Hampden heroes to secure a “great” season by getting their hands on the Scottish Cup.
The Jambos made it two derby wins in the space of seven days with a 2-1 victory against their 10-men rivals after Joe Newell was sent off in the second half of their semi final.
Hearts were leading at that point through Ellis Simms and a Stephen Kingsley wonder strike before Chris Cadden pulled one back in six frantic first half minutes.
There were no more goals after the restart but it was Hibs who were the better side even after Newell’s dismissal for a second yellow with Craig Gordon pulling off a brilliant save to deny Ryan Porteous a leveller.
Hearts have already secured third place in the Scottish Premiership and this win guarantees European group stage football next season as they go into the Europa League play off round which, even if they lose, would see them drop into the Conference League group.
And Neilson told the BBC: “We spoke before the game about how it’s been a good season, today has turned it into a really good season so can we go now to Hampden and make it a great season?
“It was a tough, tough game and credit to the Hearts players but also credit to the Hibs players as I thought they battled really well and put us under a lot of pressure, moreso with 10 men and it was a real nail-biter at the end.
“I’m just delighted to get through and I can go home and rest now!
“We did well to get that second goal and then there’s that five-minute period and we made the wee error and let them in it and it gives them an opportunity.
“But to the players credit they hung in there and deserved to go through.”
Hearts did suffer a double injury blow with Andy Halliday going off in the first half and Craig Halkett stretchered off in the second.
And Neilson shrugged when asked about Gordon’s stunning stop, saying: “It’s bog standard for Craig - I expected him to catch it!
“He’s been outstanding this year but the rest of the players have been the same.”
