Heart of Midlothian made it 10 Edinburgh derbies against Hibernian without defeat as they triumphed 2-0 at Tynecastle yesterday.
The result left Hibs winless against the Jambos since May 2009 and allowed the victors to go eight points clear of League Cup winners Kilmarnock in sixth position.
The victory, which was the Tynecastle club's seventh in 10 meetings, came courtesy of a first-half strike from Craig Beattie and a fine individual effort in injury-time from Suso Santana and Hearts manager Paulo Sergio was so proud of his players as they continue to deal with the dire financial situation of the club.
"I am very proud of the players because, at the right moment when we have to suffer, we suffered together.
"We fight, always looking to kill the game. The second goal came too late but it was a great victory.
"The spirit of the players doesn't surprise me, because I work with them every day. I know that in hard conditions, they will stick together and fight for our jersey.""We had to speak about the wages two days ago," he said.