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Hibernian saw goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger sent off for handling outside his area in the 14th minute.

By that stage, Hibernian was already leading thanks to a close-range finish from Australia international Martin Boyle.

Yet Hibs made it through to half-time unscathed. Within three minutes of the restart, however, they were down to nine men, with Felix Passlack receiving his second booking.

It took Hearts until the 65th minute to make its numerical advantage count, with Warren O'Hora turning into his own net.

But the momentum and pressure told fully in the 86th minute, with a deflected strike from substitute Spittal finding the bottom-right corner to send the travelling fans into ecstasy, and moving Hearts three points clear of Celtic, which beat Falkirk 3-1 on Sunday (AEST), at the top of the standings.