The first all-Edinburgh Scottish Cup final in over a century had been eagerly anticipated by supporters of Hearts and Hibernian alike. However, as it transpired, those of a green persuasion will prefer to banish this historic occasion from their minds, having watched their side take a terrible mauling at the hands of their old foes.
Anyone who witnessed this match would surely acknowledge that the 5-1 final scoreline didn’t flatter Hearts. In fact, it could have been even worse for Hibs, who were simply out-played and out-fought from the first whistle to the last in what was one of the most one-sided finals in living memory.
Pre-match, a cursory glance at the final SPL table would have indicated a sizeable gulf in quality between these two sides. Hearts finished in fifth place, with qualification for Europe next season secured. By contrast, Hibs have fought relegation for the most part this year, their top league status not assured until the penultimate match of what has been a wretched season for the Leith club.
Nevertheless, the fervent hope was that Hibs, desperate to lift the world’s oldest club trophy for the first time since 1902, would raise their game sufficiently to provide an absorbing contest to round off this strangest of seasons.
The atmosphere inside Hampden prior to kick-off was electric, befitting the first cup final between the Edinburgh rivals since 1896. However, it was the maroon end of the national stadium which had cause to celebrate during the opening half hour, as Hearts attacked their opponents with an intensity that Hibs simply failed to contain.
When Rudi Skácel fired home the second goal with barely a third of the match completed, the sense that this would be Hearts’ day was palpable. You suspect that Hibs fans (and neutrals, for that matter) watched this unfold from between their fingers, as the prospect of an embarrassing beating faced Hibs.
As it transpired, an unexpected goal just before the interval reduced the deficit to one, and perhaps even the most pessimistic of Hibs fans dared to dream again. However, with less than a minute of the second half played, Hearts had restored their two-goal advantage with a penalty, following an incident which left Hibs down to ten men.
That the offence leading to the spot-kick took place outside the box would have done little to console the men from Leith, who saw their chances of cup glory turn to dust there and then.
The second half must have felt like an age to anyone associated with Hibs, although, by the time the final whistle put them out of their misery, most of their fans had long since made their exit from the stadium. Those who had hung in there grimly shuffled out when Hibs’ goal was breached for the fifth and final time.
To add insult to injury, Hibs manager Pat Fenlon was sent to the stand in the dying moments, for allegedly making a gesture towards the Hearts fans who had goaded the Irishman with sarcastic chants of ‘There’s only one Pat Fenlon.’ It was, in a sense, the final humiliation of a desperate day for the Easter Road club.
Not, of course, that Hearts would concern themselves with their opponents’ plight at the end, as the raucous celebrations rocked Hampden to its core. The Gorgie club may have won the Scottish Cup as recently as six years ago, but this brutal laceration of their city rivals was marked with scenes of unbridled joy.
Followers of these two great clubs have long memories when it comes to recalling moments from their respective histories, especially the derby clashes. Many of these occasions were remembered in the fevered build-up to this particular clash, although the suspicion remains that, for Hibs fans at least, this defeat will leave a deep scar for some time to come. For some, the wounds may never heal.
Meanwhile, Hearts can be forgiven for enjoying their moment in the sun. Some key players will be departing this summer, whilst manager Paulo Sérgio is keen to continue his work, but as things stand he is unaware as to whether or not his expiring contract will be extended.
Difficult financial times await as owner Vladimir Romanov continues looking for a buyer for the Tynecastle club. However, on Saturday such matters could not have been further from their thoughts as one half of the capital kicked off the mother of all parties.