As we reach number one on our countdown, it only makes sense for the most memorable game of my life to also be the most memorable Edinbugh Derby ever, the derby to end all derbies if you will. Hearts triumphed by four goals over their counterparts at Hampden in the 2012 Scottish Cup final.
This game was absolutely huge, with tensions running high as perhaps the most high-stakes Edinburgh Derby perhaps ever approached. The matchup was confirmed in early April and this meant that there was over a month for the pressure to reach almost intolerable levels in Scotland’s capital. This was more than just the usual bragging rights that came with such a game. This was an opportunity to write history and, as any of the players on each side will tell you, cement yourself into the hearts and minds of everyone with any connection to either club. There was some talk of shifting the fixture from Hampden Park in Glasgow to Murrayfield for the convenience of everyone, but the stubborn-as-ever SFA had no ears for this discussion. So, on the 19th of May 2012, 50,000 Lothian residents descended on Scotland’s second city. The atmosphere inside the national stadium was amazing, with both sets of fans in fine voice. However, very soon it would become clear that there would be only one group of supporters celebrating at full time.
Hearts took the lead just before the fifteen minute mark, as a corner was only half cleared which allowed Darren Barr to steal in and score his first goal for the boys in maroon and spark wild scenes in one end.
They doubled their lead just ten minutes later through talisman Rudi Skacel, who dispatched a great strike beyond Mark Brown in the Hibs goal. The Leithers were dragged partially back into the game through defender James McPake as he pushed a shot in from close range just before half time.
However, the game was effectively ended as a contest four minutes after the interval with Hearts scoring twice in quick succession. Danny Grainger scored from the penalty spot after Pa Kuijabi cemented his place as a Hearts hero as he was sent off for two bookings. Minutes later, Ryan McGowan steered a diving header into the net from extremely close range.
Just mere minutes after Hibernian had dragged themselves into the game their fans had seen enough, and a mass exodus began as Hearts went through the motions. Rudi Skacel added a fifth goal late on to really put the icing on the cake for the Hearts fans, who hadn’t tasted defeat against their rivals in three years.
When the final whistle sounded, a party broke out of epic proportions as everyone in maroon celebrated the biggest result in their clubs history. 200,000 people lined the streets of Edinburgh the next day to salute their new heroes, who to this day are revered by those in Gorgie.
Games of Our Lives 