Hearts' impotent attack let them down once again as the first Edinburgh derby of the season against Hibernian ended goalless at Tynecastle.
The goal-shy Jambos dominated much of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game with their arch-rivals but they were unable to seriously test Graham Stack.
They almost paid the ultimate price, as goalkeeper Janos Balogh tipped David Wotherspoon's drive on to the post and also had to be alert to deny substitute Derek Riordan.
Hearts, who were looking to avoid a hat-trick of competitive derby defeats for the first time since 1922, were desperate for a win to kick-start a season that had brought just two in 10 SPL games..
The home support almost had reason to make noise in the opening exchanges when Christian Nade's header from a long throw was deflected just wide for a corner.
Steve Conroy was in lenient mood, refusing to card Abdessalam Benjelloun for a crude challenge on Ian Black or Michael Stewart - who was everywhere - or Liam Miller for kicking the ball away.
The referee finally snapped midway through the half when the excellent Stewart was upended by Anthony Stokes, before Ian Black sent a first-time drive just over from the edge of the box.
Hearts twice went close within three minutes of the restart. Andrew Driver spoilt a fine run straight at the Hibs defence with a tame finish before Arvydas Novikovas was unlucky not to find the net when his spectacular overhead kick was blocked by Lewis Stevenson.
Jason Thomson's flighted cross was then glanced just past the post by Black, who also fired in a mid-range left-foot shot which was comfortably held by Stack.
Nade headed the latest Jose Goncalves long throw wide before Hibs almost took the lead out of nothing in the 65th minute. Wotherspoon drove forward from right-back and let fly from 25 yards, forcing Balogh to spring to his left and tip the ball onto his near post.
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pt2 hibs are playing good football they do however need to play for 90 min raher than 45 i think most people excpected to much from hibs today and possably hearts derby games are always the same end to end stuff but by the end off the season i still think it will be hibs,dundee utd,motherwell,fighting for 3rd place and unless hearts get some new players i fear they will be fighting to get into the top 6 and if you look at consistancy hibs are the most consistant over the last 10 games
I expected alot more from Hibs and they are very overated. There is no way they will remain in 3rd place for much longer. Hearts are poor this season, however you rarely have an SPL side which is consistent from season to season, especially those competing for 3rd & 4rth place.
11 ponts clear draw was a fair result box teams had the chance but never took them hearts realy need about 5 players because they are realy struggling but im sure they wont remain in the bottom half
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