Hibs Hearts Edinburgh Derby League Cup final — Hibs secured their place in the League Cup final by defeating Hearts in the Edinburgh Derby, a result that also delivered Marink Reedijk his first victory as manager. The win, discussed at length on a 24-minute Scottish football podcast episode dated 2 November 2026, was framed by host Stevie Miller and panelists Alison McConnell and Cammy Kerr as a potentially season-defining moment for the Easter Road club.
What Hibs got right — and where Hearts fell short
The panel picked through the derby with a focus on the decisions and details that separated the sides. Hibs’ approach was assessed as correct in the key moments, while Hearts’ shortcomings in a big-game setting drew scrutiny. The discussion did not settle on a single explanation, but the consensus pointed to Hibs handling the occasion better and Hearts failing to impose themselves when it mattered.
Reedijk’s first win since taking charge was treated as more than a routine result. The panel debated whether the derby victory can spark a genuine Hibs revival, with the League Cup final now providing a concrete target for the remainder of the campaign.
Rangers edge Aberdeen as Naderi makes the difference
Rangers’ narrow cup win over Aberdeen was another talking point, with Ryan Naderi’s decisive contribution highlighted. The panel noted Naderi’s remarkable rise and considered what another cup final appearance means for the club. Derek McInnes’ growing winning mentality was also assessed, with the manager’s ability to get his side over the line in tight knockout ties treated as a notable asset.
Aberdeen’s display, despite the defeat, was described as improved. The panel’s view was that the performance gives the Pittodrie side something to build on, even as Rangers progressed.
Falkirk's shock win raises Celtic questions
Falkirk’s Premiership victory over Celtic was the weekend’s other major result. The panel raised questions about Celtic’s performances, recruitment and defense in the wake of the defeat, with the Parkhead club’s issues treated as more than a one-off setback. John McGlynn’s work at Falkirk was described as remarkable, with the manager’s coaching achievement at the club drawing particular praise.
Kilmarnock miss their chance; Motherwell end wait
Kilmarnock’s failure to capitalize against ten-man St Johnstone was noted as a missed opportunity. The panel considered the match a chance lost rather than a point gained.
Motherwell, by contrast, achieved a long-awaited victory. The panel asked whether the win can start a campaign turnaround, with the result framed as a possible platform rather than a guaranteed turning point.
Why the derby matters beyond the scoreline
The Hibs result carries weight because of what it unlocks. A League Cup final place is tangible progress, and Reedijk’s first win arriving in the Edinburgh Derby gives the manager a result to point to as he seeks to reshape the season. The panel’s discussion reflected that dual significance: the immediate satisfaction of beating Hearts, and the longer question of whether Hibs can use the win as a foundation.
Hearts, meanwhile, leave the derby with questions about their big-game performance. The panel’s analysis did not paint the defeat as a freak result but as a reflection of gaps that emerged on the day.
