Hibernian target Premiership turnaround after securing League Cup final berth
Head coach Marink Reedijk earned his first win in charge as Hibs overcame Edinburgh rivals Hearts at Hampden Park to book a cup final against Rangers.
View of a stadium with blue and red seating from an open window. Stock image · Photograph: Photo by Bree Anne on Unsplash
Hibernian head coach Marink Reedijk secured his first victory since taking charge as his side defeated Edinburgh rivals Heart of Midlothian at Hampden Park to reach the Scottish League Cup final.
The victory ended a difficult run against Hearts at the national stadium, where Hibs supporters had endured four consecutive derby defeats since 2006. The result also confirmed a final meeting with Rangers scheduled for 13 December.
Hibs went behind after just two minutes when Claudio Braga headed Hearts into an early lead, but the Easter Road side recovered to overturn the deficit in front of 19,000 travelling green-and-white fans.
Midfielder Joe Newell, named player of the match, admitted initial concern after the early concession before praising the squad's response. Newell noted that going behind so quickly scrapped the initial tactical plan, but argued the recovery demonstrated strong character across the team.
Despite the semi-final success, Hibs sit at the foot of the Scottish Premiership following Kilmarnock's draw against St Johnstone the previous day. The club has won only two of its opening 11 league fixtures this season.
Reedijk's side faces six Premiership fixtures before the December showpiece, starting with an away trip to Aberdeen on Saturday, followed by home games against Dundee and Dundee United, away visits to Motherwell and Kilmarnock, and a home league fixture against Rangers.
Newell stressed that the squad must now direct its attention back to the league campaign, stating the semi-final result must provide the confidence needed to climb the Premiership table.