SPL: Hibernian 2 Hearts 2

Ten-man Hearts escaped with a 2-2 draw against bitter rivals Hibernian in Sunday’s Edinburgh derby at Easter Road.

Hearts took the lead after 24 minutes thanks to a rasping strike from the edge of the box from Ryan Stevenson, but joy turned to despair nine minutes later when defender Marius Zaliukas was sent off for a professional foul on Hibs striker Akpo Sodje.

Liam Miller stepped up to hammer home the resulting penalty to level the scores.

Hibs had to wait until the 80th minute to make their numerical advantage count with a close-range strike from Portuguese substitute Ricardo Vaz Te, but three minutes later Stephen Elliott tied things up once again to ensure a share of the spoils.

The result means Hearts move a point closer to second-placed Rangers, who are now six points ahead of the Edinburgh club, while Hibs remain in ninth.