Hearts supremo Ann Budge ‘disappointed’ as a FIFTH successive league derby against Hibs is scheduled for a weeknight

BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport

HEARTS owner Ann Budge has expressed her ‘disappointment’ after the Jambos were handed another midweek Edinburgh derby.

The capital clubs will meet at Tynecastle on Wednesday, October 31 for a Halloween showdown under the lights in Gorgie.

It will be the fifth successive league game between the sides to be scheduled for a weeknight, with the previous four encounters taking place on a Tuesday, Wednesday (twice) and a Friday night.

Although Hearts defeated Hibs 1-0 in the Scottish Cup fourth round on a Sunday last season, the last time the fierce foes crossed swords at the weekend on league duty was a Championship match in April 2015.

“I always check [the fixtures] for the Edinburgh derbies and I must say I’m a little disappointed that, once again, it is a midweek game,” Budge told Sky Sports News HQ.

“I think that is the fifth in succession that has been a midweek game.

“It will still be a packed house, no question, but it would be great if we could play Hibs on a Saturday.”

Hearts, meanwhile, can look forward to a blockbuster home curtain-raiser, with their first match at Tynecastle on August 11 seeing the visit of double treble winners Celtic.

“You obviously look for your early games and we are playing Celtic in the second game of the season,” Budge added. “That is a great game to have as our first home match.”