Jack Iredale scored an impressive winning goal as dominant Hibernian beat city rivals Hearts 2-1 to solidify their European aspirations and stretch their unbeaten streak to 15 games.
The Australian defender netted his first goal for the team with a powerful shot in the 74th minute, securing another victory in the Edinburgh derby for Hibs after Jorge Grant of Hearts quickly equalized Martin Boyle's early goal.
In addition to improving Hibs' chances of clinching third place in the William Hill Premiership, Iredale's goal halted Hearts' momentum, who had only suffered one defeat in 11 matches since losing to Hibs on Boxing Day.
Instead of potentially closing the gap to Hibs, Hearts, currently in seventh place, now need to fight to secure a spot in the top six in the next four matches before the split.
Hibs manager David Gray, who was named Premiership manager of the month for February, made two changes to the team that won 3-1 against Dundee United with Chris Cadden and Kieron Bowie coming in for Lewis Miller and Mykola Kuharevich.
Hearts also made changes from their previous match against St Mirren, with Grant and Blair Spittal taking the places of Calem Nieuwenhof and Sander Kartum in midfield.
The early stages of the match saw both teams taking advantage of defensive errors to score.
After Hearts' Lawrence Shankland had a shot saved by goalkeeper Jordan Smith, Hibs took the lead in the sixth minute.
Iredale provided a pass down the left flank, and as the ball entered the box, Hearts' right-back Gerald Taylor was slow to react, allowing Boyle to seize the opportunity, fend him off, and score past Craig Gordon from a narrow angle.
However, Hearts quickly equalized as Grant volleyed the ball into the net from 16 yards out after a poor clearance by Rocky Bushiri.
The fast-paced start was followed by a quieter period with fewer clear chances for the rest of the first half.
Hearts missed an opportunity on the half-hour mark when Warren O'Hora lost possession to Blair Spittal, leading to a counter-attack where Shankland and Elton Kabangu failed to capitalize.
Kabangu had a goal disallowed for offside in the 33rd minute before a shot from Hibs' Nicky Cadden narrowly missed the target moments later.
Before halftime, Hibs were forced to make a substitution as O'Hora was replaced by Miller due to an injury.
The hosts started the second half strongly, with Josh Campbell and Nathan Moriah-Welsh going close to scoring.
Hibs regained the lead in the 74th minute when Iredale struck a brilliant left-footed shot from 20 yards out after a cross from Cadden and a header from Michael Steinwender.
Hearts failed to mount a comeback as they suffered a second consecutive defeat to Gray's team.