The Scotsman

Hibs matchwinne­r Maolida improving by the week says Montgomery

- Colin Forbes

Hibernian manager Nick Montgomery insisted Myzi an em aol ida was getting better with every passing week after watching the forward score Saturday’s late match-winning strike against Dundee.

The on-loan Hertha Berlin forward netted the decisive goal in a 2-1 cinch Premiershi­p victory with a solo effort that saw him flummox Joe Shaughness­y before firing past Trevor Carson from close range in the 81st minute.

It was a strike that could prove crucial to Hibs in their bid for the top six after closing the gap on Dundee to two points.

Montgomery, who brought Maolida to the club last month, said: “I thought Myziane’s goal just summed up his performanc­e. And the team’s performanc­e more than deserved the win. He’s a top-class player and you saw that on Saturday. He’s getting better with the more minutes he gets into his legs.

“He’ s been getting better week in, week out and against every team, he’s a real threat. You saw his quality in so many moments and he’s a real team player as well.”

Following a nondescrip­t start to the game, hibs went ahead 10 minutes before the break after Dylan Vente converted a penalty. Dundee goalkeeper Trevor Carson was at fault for the spot-kick after flapping at Joe Newell’s corner before clattering into Emiliano Marcondes.

Luke Mccowan levelled for the visitors in the 78th minute before Maolida came up with the winner.

Dundee manager Tony Docherty refused to point the finger of blame at Carson.

He said: “I can’t be critical of Trevor but he is critical of himself – because he’s a brilliant profession­al. Trevor has dug us out so many times.”

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