HIBS 2 Ambrose (75), Keatings (90 + 2) FALKIRK 1 Sibbald (77)
HIBS boss Neil Lennon watched his side take a huge step towards promotion back to the top flight – and insists the Championship title is theirs to throw away.
Sub James Keatings notched a stunning 92nd-minute winner against Falkirk to send the Leith side 10 points clear of the Bairns with seven games left.
The clash had looked destined to end in a draw after Cra i g Sibbald levelled for the visitors just two minutes after Efe Ambrose nodded Hibs in front.
Ahead of next weekend’s visit of Morton, who are third on goal difference, Lennon admits the victory ensures his side have the finishing line in sight.
He said: “It was important to win and with Morton losing it could be a pivotal day in the run-in.
“It’s in our hands now. Even if Morton win the game in hand there is still a significant gap but we’ve got a bit of work to do. I think, psychologically, it was huge.”
Lennon heaped praise on Keatings for his matchwinning contribution.
He added: “It was a goal worthy of winning any game.”
Chances were at a premium during a fiercely competitive first half but the second half was full of drama.
A flitting run from Martin Boyle carried the Hibs winger into the box but his left- footed shot from close range was blocked by Lewis Kidd before Bairns marksman John Baird drove a shot just wide.
Falkirk forward Bob McHugh then outmuscled Darren McGregor and darted into the box but his attempt was parried by Ross Laidlaw. Fraser Aird picked up the rebound but his drive was blocked by Ambrose.
Hi b s thought they should have had a penalty when Peter Grant went sliding in on Martin Boyle. Lennon was furious and was spoken to by referee Clancy.
Two goals were then traded within two minutes. Ambrose put the home side ahead in the 75th minute when the on loan Celtic defender nodded in Keatings’ freekick from close range.
But Falkirk levelled immediately when Sibbald forced in a near post header from Aird’s corner.
Just when it looked like it was heading for a draw, Keatings came up with a moment of magic in injury time. He created a yard of space on the edge of the box and curled a stunning right- foot shot into the top corner.
Falkirk manager Peter Houston said: “It’s put them into a very strong position.
“Hibs can only lose it now.”