Fringe Socceroo Jack Iredale set up one goal and scored a cracker of his own to earn Hibernian a memorable 2-1 derby victory over Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
Iredale rifled in a stunning left-foot winner from the edge of the box in the 74th minute after a cross was partially cleared.
Earlier, the full-back’s hopeful ball forward down the left flank ran through into the box for Socceroo Martin Boyle, who shielded it well before side-footing home first time for 1-0.
Iredale earned an 8/10 rating from the Edinburgh Evening News, who wrote: “Dangerous ball down the line created the opener for the home side. And then, by way of an encore, scored one of the best goals you’ll see all season.”
Hibs boss David Gray praised him: “I think he’s a real man. He’s a guy who puts his body on the line all the time. He’s 100 per center. He plays at times when carrying knocks and niggles, he’d always put his hand up to try and play.
“He had to be really patient for his opportunity. When he joined the club, he had a bit of an injury, but since he’s had his opportunity and he’s got in the team, I think he’s very consistent, makes really good decisions.
“If he does make a mistake, he doesn’t let it fluster him, he keeps moving forward and he’s certainly the type of player that you need in your dressing room.
“It was a brilliant strike – and it needed to be to beat a goalkeeper like Craig Gordon from that distance. It’s special moment for him. Something that I’m sure he’ll have on screensavers and constantly repeat because he certainly won’t do that very often again.”
“It’s always great to win games of football, but it’s even better to do it against your local rivals.”
David Gray reflects on today’s Edinburgh Derby win 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/X8ilJvUkpN
— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) March 2, 2025
Nectar Triantis put in a full shift and was rated 7.5/10 by Edinburgh Evening News who wrote: “Brought a degree of control and composure to a game often lacking in both. Involved in build-up to second goal as Hibs turned the screw.”
Boyle, who started and played 85 minutes, earned an 8/10 rating: “Won a 30/70 contest to open the scoring before six minutes had elapsed. A constant menace – and worked back diligently to win the ball more than once. Replaced by Hoilett late on.”
Lewis Miller came on before half-time due to an injury and was rated 6/10: “Replaced O’Hora on the right of the back three, not his natural position, just before half-time.”
Calum Nieuwenhof was a 69th minute sub for Hibs, receiving a 4/10 rating: “Put his foot in to help in midfield. Competed well for the time he was on the pitch.”
In Switzerland’s Super League on Sunday, Nestory Irankunda started and played 64 minutes for Grasshoppers in a 1-0 home win over Young Boys.
That comes after Irankunda was named Grasshoppers’ Player of the Match for February.
Euer Synergetics Spieler des Monats Februar ist Nestory Irankunda 🔵⚪💥#gczürich #immerwiiter pic.twitter.com/GMzxMtXVyZ
— Grasshopper Club Zürich (@gc_zuerich) February 27, 2025
The Club website said: “The FC Bayern Munich loanee joined GC in January and has really arrived in Zurich this month.
“Even though he has yet to score his first goal in blue and white, the Australian has collected three assists and also won a penalty against Servette FC.”
Hayden Matthews’ maiden Championship season with Portsmouth is over not long after it started, with the Club confirming he needs ankle surgery.
Pompey boss John Mousinho told reporters on Saturday: “Hayden’s out for the season – he’s going to have surgery on his ankle.”
Portsmouth played on Saturday without Matthews, going down 1-0 to struggling Luton Town with Kusini Yengi coming on as a 63rd minute substitute.
ℹ️ John Mousinho has confirmed that Hayden Matthews will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury, while Rob Atkinson will be sidelined for 6-8 weeks.#Pompey pic.twitter.com/bEdtelgcom
— Portsmouth FC (@Pompey) March 1, 2025
Riley McGree remained sidelined for Middlesbrough who won 1-0 over Callum Elder’s Derby County.
Elder put in a full shift for the Rams while Tom Glover was an unused sub for Boro.
In the FA Cup, Alex Robertson played his second game back since injury as a 65th minute substitute for Cardiff City as they went down 2-0 to Aston Villa on Friday.
90+3 – Robertson’s effort is blocked. More solid work from Rubin in the build-up. (2-0)#CityAsOne | @EmiratesFACup
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) February 28, 2025
In Germany’s Bundesliga, Jackson Irvine put in a full shift for St Pauli who fell to a fourth straight defeat, losing 2-0 at home to Borussia Dortmund.
Irvine volleyed over from a corner in the 14th minute. Connor Metcalfe was absent.
The result leaves St Pauli four points above the bottom three.
In France’s Ligue 1, Mat Ryan played a full game but shipped three goals as Lens twice blew a lead to go down 4-3 to Le Havre.
In Belgium’s Pro League on Sunday, Aiden O’Neill put in a full shift in Standard Liege’s 2-0 home defeat to Anderlecht.
Jordan Bos was absent due to injury and Rhys Youlley remained unused in Westerlo’s 0-0 draw at Leuven.
In Korea’s K League 2, John Iredale scored his maiden goal for new club Seoul E-Land, netting their only goal in their 1-1 home draw with Jeonnam Dragons.
In Japan’s J1 League on Sunday, Jason Geria was an 84th minute sub for Albirex Niigata in their 2-2 draw with Cerezo Osaka.
Mitch Duke was an unused sub for Machida Zelvia in a 2-1 win at Nagoya Grampus.
In USA’s MLS, Kye Rowles played a full game for DC United in a 2-2 draw at Chicago Fire.
Patrick Yazbek was a 58th minute substitute for Nashville in their 2-0 loss at New York Red Bulls.
Others
Full games
Ryan Strain (Dundee United), Paul Izzo (Randers), Connor Chapman (Gimpo Citizen)
Minutes
Anthony Kalik – ST 78 (Hajduk Split), Mohamed Toure – ST 90+4 (Randers), Josh Nisbet – ST 90+3 (Ross County), Ajdin Hrustic – SB 87 (Salernitana), Keanu Baccus – ST 86 (Mansfield), Caleb Watts – SB 74 (Exeter), Sam Silvera – SB 71 (Blackpool), Craig Goodwin – ST 82 (Al Wehda), Harrison Delbridge – SB 32, SB OFF 46 (Incheon United)
Unused subs
Denis Genreau (Deportivo Coruna), Johnny Koutroumbis (Motherwell), Nicholas Bilokapic (Peterborough)
Absent
Max Balard (NAC Breda – suspended)
