GLASGOW — Hearts climbed off the foot of the Scottish Premiership as goals from Sean Clare, Oliver Bozanic and Conor Washington earned a 3-1 Edinburgh derby victory over Hibernian at Easter Road.

Hibs were favorites to inflict more pain on their local rivals after a run of one defeat in 11 games, but Daniel Stendel's men built on their Scottish Cup victory over Rangers at the weekend to boost their chances of survival.

Hibs were lucky not to find themselves down to 10-men early on as the officials missed Marc McNulty's blatant stamp on Clare.

But the midfielder showed no ill-effect as he stroked home a penalty just after half-time following a handball from Scott Allan, while expert strikes from Bozanic and Washington sealed a stunning result to Hearts above fellow strugglers Hamilton.

Melker Hallberg bundled home a late consolation for the hosts, who have much to improve on for when the sides meet again next month in the Scottish Cup semifinals. — AFP