Aussies Iredale and Boyle make Hibs kings of Edinburgh

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Aussies Iredale and Boyle make Hibs kings of Edinburgh

Socceroo Martin Boyle and one-time youth international Jack Iredale have delivered terrific goals as a four-strong *********** contingent inspired Hibernian to a famous 2-1 win over Hearts in the Scottish Premiership’s Edinburgh derby.

Boyle won an unlikely race to latch onto Iredale’s long-ball and score brilliantly after just six minutes to give Hibs the early lead at their ecstatic Easter Road stadium on Sunday in of the Scottish game’s iconic fixtures.

But after Hearts had levelled in the first half through Jorge Grant, the home fans’ reaction was as nothing compared to the remarkable reception that greeted centre-back Ireland’s unlikely thunderous left-foot volley winner, smashed past Scotland veteran international keeper Craig Gordon, in the 74th minute.

It was a sweet moment for the Scottish-born, ***********-raised defender Iredale, who once played in Perth Glory’s youth ranks and was an Aussie under-17 international, as he transported Hibs to back-to-back derby wins for the first time since 2017.

“It is such a special feeling to be able to share a moment like that with the fans,” Iredale told the club’s in-house Hibs TV, after he had clambered up the hoardings in front of the supporters following his thumping strike from outside the box.

“I just thought ‘why not?’ as it sat up really nicely. It was probably the highest I got up the pitch all day, I thought if there was a day to score a goal like that then why not today?”

The win sparked huge celebrations at full-time with the club’s anthem, the Proclaimers’ standard Sunshine On Leith, belting out around Easter Road.

“That has got to be the best song in world football – it is so special to hear it,” Iredale said.

Hibs’ coach David Gray enthused equally: “I was right behind it, it’s a fantastic hit and a goal well worthy of winning a derby, something that will live with him for the rest of his life.

“It needed to be a really good strike, because Craig Gordon’s a top goalkeeper. A special moment for a special game.”

Gray, who watched his side extend their unbeaten run to 15 matches in the match that means most to their supporters, was also impressed with the resurgent Boyle, and Hibs’ two other Australians, under-23 international midfielder Nectarios Triantis and Socceroos’ defender, substitute Lewis Miller.

Boyle’s goal was a special effort too as he looked to have little chance of outpacing and outmuscling defender Gerald Taylor for his goal. He did both, before beating Gordon from a narrow angle.

Triantis has become a Hibs’ stand-out too. “He’s been brilliant, maturing all the time too,” said Gray.

“He joined the club as a centre back, had a difficult start in that position, played towards latterly at the end of the season in midfield and I really like him in there. He’s still only 21, powerful, aggressive and has all the qualities to be a strong number six.”

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#Aussies #Iredale #Boyle #Hibs #kings #Edinburgh

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