BBC SPORT | Football | Scot Prem | De Vries downs Hibs

Hearts 5-1 Hibernian

Mark de Vries made an outstanding home debut for Hearts as the Tynecastle side demolished city rivals Hibernian.

The Dutch striker terrorised the Hibs defence with his muscular presence and was rewarded with four goals for his considerable effort.

Andy Kirk grabbed the opener for Hearts, who were inspired by new midfielder Jean-Louis Valois, while Ian Murray struck for the visitors.

Hibs contributed much to an entertaining match but were frail at the back and, as the only SPL team with no points on the board, Easter Road fans will be worried - even at this early stage.

Hibs suffered an early blow when captain John O'Neil was forced off with a collarbone injury.

Grant Brebner, who had been a fitness doubt ahead of the match, was his replacement.

The early proceedings were played at the usual whirlwind pace with the ball pin-balling around the middle of the park in haphazard fashion.

Luna goes down under the challenge of Simmons
The game was played at a high-tempo

When the opening goal arrived in the 18th minute it was a result of the midfield being by-passed altogether.

A long clearance from Hearts goalkeeper Antii Niemi was missed by De Vries and the challenging Gary Smith, allowing Kirk to race on to the ball and loft it over the advancing Tony Caig.

Ten minutes later, Scott Severin saw his diving header skim the top of the Hibs crossbar after connecting with a Valois corner kick.

Buoyed by the opening goal, Hearts were playing the more purposeful football but Hibs went close to an equaliser when Frederic Arpinon's 30-yard shot flew inches wide of Niemi's goal.

Kirk should have added a second goal but skewed his header wide from a great position after another excellent cross from Valois.

Five minutes before half time, Hearts extended their lead and again Valois was instrumental.

The Frenchman drifted by a couple of Hibs defenders before delivering a wonderful chip to find De Vries, who controlled the ball on his chest before lashing home a powerful strike from 15 yards out.

De Vries was denied just a minute later when Caig was at full stretch to push away the striker's low shot.

Derek Townsley had a chance to snatch a goal back before the break but the Hibs midfielder shot at the legs of Niemi from an acute angle.

Luna keeps tabs on Valois
Jean-Louis Valois was outstanding

The visitors needed to make an early impression in the second half and that is exactly what they did when Paco Luna and Brebner linked to set up Murray for a headed goal in the 51st minute.

Hibs were pushing forward with menace but Hearts continued to look lively on the break and Caig had to tip a fierce shot from Kirk away.

De Vries added his second goal in the 66th minute when Caig could only parry a fierce shot from Valois into his path and the striker calmly rolled the ball home from 10 yards.

Townsley made a mess of a great chance to hit back immediately when, with his back to goal, he failed to connect with a knock down just a yard from goal.

De Vries grabbed two more goals in injury time with the Hibs defence exposed and looking ragged.

He showed great composure to round Mark Dempsie and chip past Caig, then he got on the end of a Gary Wales cross to nod in another and send the Hearts fans home delighted.

Hearts: Niemi, Maybury, Pressley, McKenna, Mahe (McMullan 61), Simmons (Twaddle 54), Severin, Boyack, Valois, De Vries, Kirk (Wales 80).
Subs Not Used: McKenzie, Webster.
Booked: Twaddle.

Hibernian: Caig, Orman, Smith, Mark Dempsie, Murray, O'Neil (Brebner 12), Townsley (Paatelainen 77), Jack, Arpinon, Luna, O'Connor (McManus 78).
Subs Not Used: Colgan, Fenwick.

Attendance: 15,245

Referee: Mike McCurry