Montgomery in sigh of relief after late Maolida strike finally finds breakthrough
Hibs manager rues missed chances but is delighted to pick up morale-boosting win ahead of Edinburgh derby
Hibernian 2 Dundee 1
HIBERNIAN manager Nick Montgomery confessed he was relieved to see his side find a way to win after witnessing a late 2-1 victory over Dundee. The Easter Road team found Dark Blues goalkeeper Trevor Carson in inspired form as he kept the visitors in the game after Dylan Vente’s firsthalf penalty.
And they got their rewards when Luke McCowan scored with the Dens Park men’s only shot on target.
However, Myziane Maolida’s solo goal earned a first triumph in nine league games for the capital outfit.
Montgomery said: “It should have been more comfortable – but we’ve probably said that too many times this season. I thought the performance was worthy of three points.
“The stats tell you it should have been a lot easier than it was. Dundee had one shot on target and scored a goal from that, a long throw-in and second phase, so we’re disappointed to concede that. But the game could had probably should have been out of sight by then. All credit to Dundee, because Carson was outstanding for them, pulling off some outstanding saves.
“Our boys showed real character, losing a goal at such a late stage and then coming back.
“We’ve played some good football and haven’t always got the results we deserved. We’ve thrown away a lot of leads. Too many draws.
“I’m a bit relieved to get the win because we’ve been a bit anxious at times, dropped points in games we could have and should have won.
“Today is another step forward to building on this end to the season.”
Meanwhile, Dundee boss Tony Docherty has admitted his side’s firsthalf display had put the Dark Blues on the back foot.
But he was still frustrated they left with nothing after a second-half comeback.
He said: “I was disappointed in our first-half performance. That was uncharacteristic of us, maybe we were too concerned with what we were doing out of possession.
“In possession we were wasteful and passed up opportunities.
“We made a few changes at half time and I think as we made changes throughout the game we got better and better.
“I thought we became the stronger team and had all the momentum when we got it to 1-1.
“So I was disappointed to go from that position to losing the game.
“The message to the players is that when you come to Easter Road, a difficult venue away from home, if you aren’t going to win it then don’t lose it.
“I’m disappointed for the players because I see the effort.”
Hibs paid tribute to their late former owner Ron Gordon – a year on from his death – with a short video on the large screens inside the stadium before kick-off.
When the action got under way it was the hosts who had to soak up early pressure.
The Leith side were relieved a VAR check went their way after an Owen Beck shot inside the box struck Rocky Bushiri.
Carson made a comfortable save when he kept out Will Fish’s half volley from 12 yards out after Martin Boyle’s corner was kept alive in the box.
Fish was involved in Hibs’ next attempt at goal just after the half-hour when he connected with Emiliano Marcondes’ corner but Carson gathered the header at the second attempt.
Hibs then took the lead 10 minutes before the break after a rush of blood to the head for Dundee keeper Carson led to a penalty.
The experienced stopper tried to make amends after flapping at Joe Newell’s corner but he ended up clattering into Marcondes.
Vente stepped up to take the
penalty and sent Carson the wrong way from 12 yards.
Hibs came close to a third before the break but Vente’s shot was blocked by team-mate Martin Boyle before Maolida had a shot pushed wide by Carson.
Dundee brought on Rickie Lamie and Michael Mellon at the break but it was Hibs who were keen to put the game to bed.
Carson produced a fine save to keep out Boyle before the Dens Park side were handed a VAR let-off.
Boyle’s cross was tapped in by Vente from inside the six-yard box but the feedback given to referee John Beaton was that he was offside.
Dundee were then denied a goal by the linesman’s flag in the 73rd minute after Mellon flicked in from close range.
The visitors did level in the 78th minute when McCowan rifled a low drive from 18 yards past David Marshall. But Hibs restored their lead three minutes later with a Maolida strike. The Frenchman ran on to Luke Amos’ pass and skinned Joe Shaughnessy before sweeping a shot past Carson.
Next up for Hibs is Wednesday’s Edinburgh derby against Hearts at Tynecastle.
With the Leith side losing the last meeting of the sides 1-0 in December,
Montgomery added: “This builds a good foundation moving into Wednesday’s derby.
“We go out every week trying to win the game. Anyone can win a derby. In the last derby here, we probably deserved something out of the game. Martin Boyle missed a penalty, we had enough opportunities to win the game.
“Then, one moment of brilliance from Lawrence Shankland and a mistake at the back cost us on the night. We go into every game feeling we’ve got an opportunity to get a result, and that won’t change on Wednesday. I’m really looking forward to going to Tynecastle.”