Football: Hearts deliver blow to Duffy

Hibernian 0 Heart of Midlothian 4

Jim Duffy's managerial reign at Hibernian began in the worst possible manner yesterday as two goals from Jim Hamilton and strikes by John Robertson and Colin Cameron gave Hearts their biggest Premier Division win over their Edinburgh neighbours.

Hearts won comfortably against a Hibs' team hampered by the sending-off of the defender Andy Millen seven minutes from half-time for a second bookable offence. Millen will be suspended for Saturday's match against Rangers at Easter Road.

Hibs started brightly and Pat McGinlay came close with a header which flashed past Gilles Rousset's post. Then the excellent Darren Jackson edged clear of Dave McPherson but Rousset again came to Hearts' rescue. McGinlay was unfortunate in the 31st minute when his ferocious shot beat Rousset but struck the outside of the post.

Hibs had no time to dwell on that miss as Robertson gave Hearts the lead two minutes later when his effort flew past Jim Leighton. Five minutes later Hibs' task was made more difficult with Millen's dismissal.

Hearts took the initiative at the start of the second-half and Leighton did well to counter Colin Cameron's net-bound drive. Hibs, however, missed a clear chance to equalise on the hour. Ian Cameron played a one-two with Keith Wright and was through on Rousset but shot against the bar.

Moments later Hamilton scored his first goal in a Edinburgh derby when he turned in a pass from Colin Cameron with his left foot. Hibs were stunned again on 66 minutes when Cameron thundered in a 35-yard half-volley to put Hearts three up.

With just three minutes left, a mistake by Willie Miller let in Hamilton for his second goal to complete the rout.

Hearts have now scored 11 goals in their last three matches to show they have recovered from their hangover after the Coca-Cola Cup final defeat by Rangers.

Hibernian: Leighton; Miller, Love, Millen, Grant (C Jackson, 72), Hunter, Cameron, Wright (Donald, 72), Harper (Wilkins, 81), D Jackson, McGinlay.

Heart of Midlothian: Rousset; Murie, Naysmith, Weir, McPherson, Ritchie, Mackay, Fulton, Robertson (McCann, 45), Cameron, Hamilton. Substitutes not used: Goss, Pointon.

Referee: K W Clark (Paisley).