THE CHAMPIONSHIP
HIBS 1
Cummings (74) AYR UNITED 1
Crawford (4)
NEIL LENNON lambasted his “sloppy” players after Hibs slipped to a shock 1-1 draw against Ayr United.
The Honest Men arrived in the capital without a win in the league since October 22 but turned in a stubborn, dogged display against their underwhelming hosts, claiming the lead after four minutes thanks to a stunning solo strike by Rab Crawford.
While Hibs equalised thanks to Jason Cummings’ 15th goal of the season, it was Ayr who were celebrating come full-time – while Lennon was left weighing up whether to wield the axe ahead of next weekend’s Edinburgh derby in the Scottish Cup.
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 decisionmaking and the final ball.”
Hibs were seeking to avenge their only Championship defeat at home all season, having suffered a 2-1 reverse at the hands of Ayr in September.
It seemed inconceivable that lightning would strike twice.
Ayr, however, had other ideas and silenced Easter Road within four minutes.
Crawford proceeded to dance past several wispy challenges and drove into the penalty area before poking a low shot towards goal.
Ross Laidlaw got a hand to the effort but could not stop it from trundling over the line.
Hibs’ response was hardly immediate.
It took them 27 minutes to muster a shot on target, with James Keatings’ speculative free-kick from 30 yards warming the palms of Greg Fleming.
With Grant Holt thrown on for Humphrey at halftime, Hibs were peppering the Ayr goalmouth with crosses but the visitors were defending heroically.
However, Ayr’s brave rearguard was finally breached with 15 minutes to play when substitute Cummings rose highest to nod home a superb delivery by Hibs’ best performer, Keatings.
Ayr boss Ian McCall said: “Quite obviously, Hibs deserved their point, but to concede so late–andwithapreventable goal – is disappointing.
“But if you had offered us a point before kick-off we would have taken it.”