Victory over Killie helps Hibs in hunt for top half of table

KILMARNOCK 1 HIBERNIAN 2

Hibernian strengthened their grip on securing a topsix finish in the Ladbrokes Premiership with a vital 2-1 win at Kilmarnock.

Their first league win at Rugby Park since October 2017 enabled Hibs to open a fourpoint lead over their opponents and move a point behind fifthplaced Livingston.

A stunning strike from loan signing Greg Docherty opened the scoring but that was soon cancelled out by Chris Burke’s equaliser.

On the stroke of half-time, Hibs restored their lead through Adam Jackson and the visitors withstood second half pressure, with goalkeeper Ofir Marciano pulling off some impressive saves to secure three precious points.

Hibs were first to threaten when Joe Newell had a goalbound shot from Martin Boyle’s cut-back blocked and Vykintas Slovka’s effort on the rebound was blocked by Dario Del Fabro.

In blustery conditions at Rugby Park, both sides attempted to get the ball down and play and when the deadlock was broken it was through a moment of magic in the 27th minute.

Newell did well to keep the ball in play and rolled possession back into the path of Docherty.

The midfielder, on loan from Rangers, cut inside from the left flank and curled a glorious right-footed shot from 20 yards out of the reach of Jan Koprivec and into the top corner.

The Hibs lead lasted just three minutes as Burke drew Kilmarnock level.

Kilmarnock captain Gary Dicker displayed quick feet as he weaved his way into the Hibs penalty area and then passed to Niko Hamalainen, whose low cross fell for Rory Mckenzie.

Mckenzie’s drive from 12 yards was deflected into the path of Burke and the winger reacted well to send a diving header beyond Marciano.

Hibs went close to restoring their advantage through a quick free-kick from Newell as he played in Marc Mcnulty but Koprivec pulled off a fine save to deny the striker.

The visitors, however, did go in ahead at the interval as Jackson grabbed their second.

Dicker was penalised for a foul on Boyle and from the resultant free-kick, Newell swung in a cross which Mcnulty flicked on and Nicke Kabamba made a hash of clearing as it bounced off of him into the path of Jackson for the defender to finish from close range.

Hibs were forced into a change just two minutes into the second half when Newell limped off and was replaced by Lewis Stevenson.

Kilmarnock pushed for an equaliser with Kabamba and Eamonn Brophy forcing Marciano into saves.

While at the other end, Koprivec denied Boyle when he was sent in on goal from a Scott Allan through-ball.

Marciano preserved Hibs’ advantage when he tipped over Stephen O’donnell’s powerful drive and in stoppage-time the goalkeeper pulled off a fingertip save to deny substitute Greg Kiltie.

Speaking to BBC Sportsound post-match, Hibs manager Jack Ross praised his “resilient” side.

He said: “For the first hour we were good and given the conditions our play was excellent. In the last half hour we came under pressure and then it was about being resilient.

“It wasn’t so long ago we were in a relegation fight. At the moment all we are doing is trying to win games regularly. We have been in good form since the winter break and we’ve got big league games and a quarter-final to look forward to.

Killie boss Alex Dyer admitted he didn’t have too many complaints with his team, saying that he “can’t fault his side’s efforts”.

He told the BBC: “They worked hard and gave me all they had but it wasn’t to be today. There were good balls going in the box but we just need to anticipate a little bit better and take a chance.

“I cant fault their efforts. We weren’t great first half, but we came up against a good side. If we had equalised and came away with a point I would’ve been well happy with that.

“It’s now about regrouping, going again and trying to start another mini run.”