The curse lives on
Lady Luck lets down Clarke on home bow BRIAN MARJORIBANKS
STEVE CLARKE had enjoyed an impressive start to life in charge of Kilmarnock, masterminding terrific away draws against Rangers and Celtic in Glasgow.
But while his first home match in charge of Killie last night showed a lot of promise, the new coach could not reverse the curse that appears to have befallen Rugby Park.
This defeat to Hibs, courtesy of goals from John McGinn, Simon Murray and Martin Boyle, extended the home side’s miserable run on their astroturf.
Killie have now recorded just two home league wins in their last 19 matches stretching back to last December.
The club’s last Premiership victory in these parts was a 2-1 win over doomed Inverness Caley Thistle back in May.
Yet while Hibs took all three points to leapfrog Rangers and go third in the table, there was still a lot to admire about Clarke’s new-look side despite the final scoreline.
On another night, Clarke’s men will have felt they could have earned a point. But in addition to the small margins of hitting the post and bar, Killie missed good chances that fell their way and also found Hibs keeper Ofir Marciano in outstanding form. To rub it in, Hibs were clinical.
Clarke, who received a standing ovation before kick-off from the Kilmarnock fans, made just one alteration from the side that drew 1-1 at champions Celtic last Saturday. Out went Lee Erwin and back came Kris Boyd.
Hibs boss Neil Lennon, meanwhile, made just one change to the team that beat on-form Motherwell 1-0 at Fir Park.
David Gray replaced Steven Whittaker at right-back and the Hibs captain was the architect of the opener after ten minutes.
New Scotland call-up Paul Hanlon found Gray on the right with a fine switch of play.
The full-back swung over a delicious delivery that was devoured by McGinn as he thumped a header into the back of the net from six yards. It was his fourth goal of the season.
After a quiet 30 seconds, though, the Kilmarnock fans quickly rallied, finding their voice again to roar encouragement to Clarke and his players.
But a mix-up between Kirk Broadfoot and Stephen O’Donnell nearly let Boyle have a clean shot at goal. Stuart Findlay reacted quickest to hook the ball clear.
Hibs almost extended their lead when McGinn sent a corner in towards Gray. The 29-year-old stooped to head, but the ball cannoned off the base of the post.
In a breathtaking passage of play, Killie raced straight up the other end and Jordan Jones showed electric pace to get in behind the Hibs defence.
But Lewis Stevenson made up ground before putting in a magnificent challenge just as the Northern Ireland international was about to pull the trigger.
Kilmarnock were now on top and Rory McKenzie tried his luck from 25 yards only to see the ball hit the outside of the post.
An action-packed spell then saw Boyd’s header clip the underside of the bar and out to safety after a fine cross from Greg Taylor.
There was no let-up after the break and, within three minutes of the restart, Killie should have been level. Jones powered down the left wing and set up Boyd, who was lurking with intent at the edge of the six-yard box.
He should have burst the net, but he shot straight at Marciano, who blocked with his legs.
Boyd tried his luck again moments later with a thumping free-kick from 25 yards. But Marciano saved well and the Israeli followed that up with another important stop from Jones.
Then came the inevitable sucker punch as Hibs put the game beyond the home side.
McGinn fed Gray down the right and his centre was perfect for Murray to net from close range.
The flame-haired forward now has two goals in his last three matches.
When Boyd’s free-kick from distance was deflected and clipped the outside of the post, Killie knew their luck was out.
That was confirmed as Boyle raced clean through, outpacing the home defence before netting low past Jamie MacDonald.
Kilmarnock remain the only top-flight side yet to win at home this season in the Premiership.
Hibs remain unbeaten away and, during the international break, Lennon will make sure his players are looking up at Aberdeen rather than down towards Rangers.