Lennon warns derby places are on the line
Raging Neil Lennon is ready to wield the axe for next weekend’s Scottish Cup derby after Hibs were held by strugglers Ayr.
Ian McCall’s side were widely written off ahead of their trip to the runaway league leaders after failing to win since October 22.
But the Honest Men turned in a dogged display, claiming the lead after four minutes thanks to Robbie Crawford’s stunning solo strike.
And while Jason Cummings’ 15th goal of the season prevented a first defeat in nine, Lennon (right) is weighing up whether to ring the changes for their fifth-round clash at Hearts a week today.
The Hibs gaffer said: “It was a very poor performance in the first half, I don’t know where it came from. Ayr’s goal just summed it up – if we had backed off any more we would have been in the away end. We should be winning these games.
“I’m frustrated by the sloppiness, the decision- making and the final ball. If you take Jason out of it then you are looking for who will step up and score goals.
“I’m giving people chances to play and they are not taking the opportunities. Does it give me food for thought ahead of the Hearts game? Yes, it does.
“I’m sick of talking about the game next week – it’s not top of my agenda and it shouldn’t have been for the players.”
Hibs were seeking to avenge their only league defeat at home this season having suffered a 2-1 reverse to Ayr in September.
United had other ideas though and silenced Easter Road when Crawford surged forward before poking a low drive towards goal . Ross Laidlaw got a hand to the shot but it trundled over the line. It took 27 minutes for Hibs to muster a response, James Keatings stinging the palms of Greg Fleming with a 30-yard set-piece. Fleming then smothered Martin Boyle’s volley minutes later before Andrew Shinnie headed over as Hibs turned the screw. Ayr’s brave rearguard was finally breached with 15 minutes to play when sub Cummings nodded home a superb delivery from Keatings. A final push saw Fleming save from Cummings and Brian Gilmour clear Grant Holt’s header off the line. Ayr boss McCall said: “Hibs deserved their point but they didn’t cut us open too often and to concede so late is disappointing. “We won’t be judged on games like this although I wish we were – we’re unbeaten at Easter Road.”