Hearts lead Hibernian 2-1 at the interval of the Scottish Cup final on Saturday.
It was Hearts who perhaps started the match the better, with Darren Barr winning a number of headers in advanced areas, but to no avail.
Hibernian might have taken the lead after 11 minutes when Pa Saikou Kujabi searched out Garry O'Connor in the box, but the forward stayed offside.
It was Hearts who took the lead, however, and it came after 14 minutes when Barr poked home following a Danny Grainger corner.
Hibernian responded well as the half developed, and might have levelled via Leigh Griffiths, but they remained behind.
Hibs had a penalty shout turned down when O'Connor was seemingly impeded by Grainger with 22 minutes on the clock, but no decision was forthcoming.
Instead, Hearts moved into a 2-0 lead just before the 30 minute mark when Rudi Skacel found the bottom corner, albeit via a deflection off James McPake.
It might have been three moments before the break when Suso Santana struck from inside the box, but McPake made a smart clearance on the line.
Hibs did grab a goal back before the break, however, when McPake struck from inside the box.
