FIRST RULE OF DWIGHT CLUB

Gayle makes the difference as Gray's Hibees battle back from Rocky's clanger

ROCKY had left his Hibs team-mates on the canvas with a horror self-inflicted blow in a Boxing Day derby ding dong.

But just like Sly Stallone in the film franchise, David Gray's side are made of stern stuff these days.

And they proved it on the biggest arena of all as they fought back to deliver a brutal blow to Hearts with sub Dwight Gayle climbing off the bench to lift his side off the ropes.

Don't question the fight in this Hibs side under Gray.

The character they showed to battle back from the moment of madness from Bushiri right on half time when he slashed needlessly into his own net to level the game will go down in legend. In doing so they ended a five-year wait for a win on enemy territory.

Funnily enough that one arrived on Boxing Day 2019this one ended Hearts' stranglehold on capital bragging gifts.

The away end echoed to strains of 'One David Gray' and 'Hearts are falling apart again' at full time of this furious clash.

What a difference a month makes. Rewind to November 26 and Gray looked certain to walk after a run of eight games without a win left Hibs rock bottom of the table.

That was until Bushiri of all people popped up with an injury time equaliser against Aberdeen sparking a run of form that's seen them win four of the five games since.

Bushiri might have been the fall guy here. But he was saved by Gayle.

And the man known as Sir David Gray's standing has elevated beyond all belief.

For Hearts this was another painful blow.