Gogic’s wonder goal leaves his boss Ross shocked and stunned
HIBS 2
Powers (og 52), Gogic (80)
Jack Ross confesses that no-one was more shocked than him to see Alex Gogic break his Hibernian duck in sensational style.
Gogic unleashed a ferocious drive into the roof of the net to give the Hibees an unassailable 2-0 lead against Kilmarnock, adding to Alan Power’s earlier own goal.
The victory was enough to leapfrog Aberdeen into third spot in the Premiership.
It was the Cypriot internationalist’s first goal since finding the net at Easter Road last term in Hamilton colours, yet he displayed the instincts and deadeyed finishing of a seasoned striker.
That is in sharp contrast to the man who is ordinarily so wayward in training that he is swiftly ejected from the shooting drills.
“I would like to say I’ve seen him do that in training regularly, but I can’t,” laughed Ross. “He quite often gets chased out of the finishing drills when he tries to get involved.
“It’s a heck of a finish, to be fair, and I thought it capped an excellent performance.
“I wouldn’t want to say the game ‘suited’ Alex, but it wasn’t a pretty game, the pitch isn’t great and his contribution was good.
“I’m pleased for him and he’s deserved it for his performances so far this season.”
Hibs, seeking to remedy a winless run dating back to December 23, enjoyed territorial domination in the opening exchanges, albeit a fizzing drive by Paul Mcginn which was parried clear by Danny Rogers was their sole attempt on target.
A hopeful drive from Kilmarnock’s Brandon Haunstrup was bravely blocked by Ryan Porteous in the only other effort of note – and that is being kind to the speculative shot – in a first period woefully short of clear-cut chances.
New signing Jackson Irvine, being deployed in the No. 10 role with license to support lone striker Kevin Nisbet, was a bright spark for the hosts, with his physicality and energy belying his lengthy hiatus. Any semblance of service, however, was absent.
Hibs emerged from the interval with renewed vigour and Gogic forced a super sprawling save from Rogers after the Cypriot rose highest to meet a fine Melker Hallberg corner-kick.
However, the hosts did not have long to wait for the breakthrough.
The increasingly impressive Josh Doig was the creator, surging down the left-flank and delivering a tantalising low cross which resulted in Killie skipper Power turning the ball into his own net.
It may not go down as Doig’s maiden senior goal, but he deserves all the credit.
“Josh’s energy in the second half was a big part of our success,” added Ross. “His contribution to the opening goal was big and, at 18 years old, to have played so many games and made the impact he has is impressive.”
Killie came agonisingly close to restoring parity with 20 minutes left on the clock when Nicke Kabamba, on as a substitute for the ineffectual Danny Whitehall, struck the base of Matt Macey’s post with a ferocious low shot.
A superb afternoon, personally, for visiting custodian Rogers then continued when he made a splendid block with his legs to deny Martin Boyle’s point-blank header.
Rogers, however, was absolutely helpless when Gogic collected a Cristian Doidge knock-down 16 yards from goal and unleashed a firecracker of a right-footed shot into the roof of the net.
“It’s easily the best goal I’ve scored,” smiled Gogic. “It’s the first goal I’ve ever scored with my foot!
“It was an important one, too – coming so late – so it was just good to get the win and the clean sheet.”