Lennon hits out at Hibs’ sloppiness

NEIL LENNON lambasted his “sloppy” players after Hibs slipped to a shock 1-1 draw against Ayr United.

The Honest Men are without a win in the league since October 22 but turned in a stubborn, dogged display, claiming the lead after four minutes thanks to stunning solo strike by Rab Crawford.

Hibs equalised thanks to Jason Cummings’ 15th goal of the season.

Lennon said: “It was a very poor performance in the first half. Ayr’s goal just summed it up. If we had backed off any more, we would have been in the away end! Awful, just awful. We should be winning these games. I’m frustrated by the sloppiness, the decision-making and the final ball.”

Dundee United closed the gap on the leaders to six points with a comfortable win over Raith Rovers at Tannadice.

Thomas Mikkelsen headed in from a Paul Dixon cross on the stroke of half-time. Tony Andreu doubled the lead three minutes into the second half, slotting home after more good work from Dixon.

January loan signing Mikkelsen then grabbed his second goal with a clever, angled header.

Result of the day went to Queen of the South, who beat form team Morton 3-0 at Palmerston. The goals came late in the game from Derek Lyle’s header (71 minutes), Kyle Jacobs’ 25-yarder (83) and Joe Thomson (90+3), who ran the length of the field to slip the ball past the advancing keeper.

Wins continue to elude St Mirren after they surrendered the lead twice at Dumbarton.

David Clarkson tapped them ahead on 35 minutes but Christian Nade replied for the Sons 11 minutes after the interval with a powerful drive. Harry Davis, on loan from Crewe Alexandra, headed the Buddies back in from on 71 minutes, only for Robert Thomson to level with 10 minutes remaining.

A goal in each half gave Falkirk full points against visiting Dunfermline. John Baird scored from close range on 34 minutes, with Lee Miller netting with a 77th-minute effort, slotting home after Pars goalie Sean Murdoch pulled off a double save from Baird and Miles Hippolyte.