EDINBURGH, Dec 26 (SW) - A season filled with turmoil was put aside for day on Boxing Day as Hearts claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over city rivals Hibernian.

Paul Hartley put Hearts in front after just two minutes, and that was the only goal of the first half for either side in the first 45 minutes, but the second half provided a wealth of excitement.

Striker Edgaras Jankauskas then made it 2-0 to the home side at Tynecastle in the 49th minute from a rebound after Zbigniew Malkowski spilled a Hartley shot, but that would spark the Hibs revival.

Chris Killen pulled one back five minutes later with a header from Dean Shiels' corner kick, and Shiels then slotted home from the spot in the 61st minute after being brought down by Nerijus Barasa.

Shiels, though, picked up a wholly foolish red card during his celebration, clattering into Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon and pushing him to the ground.

Hearts then made use of their numerical advantage in the 70th minute when Andrius Velicka's pass rolled harmlessly across the Hibs defense before being blasted home by Saulius Mikoliunas.

But Hibs still could have had the equalizer if not for some poor luck, Steven Whittaker's driver crashing against both goalposts but not crossing the line late on.