HIBS ARE BANKING ON NISBET KILMARNOCK................ HIBS.................................
Priceless hitman is proving to be worth every penny
Hibs caused a stir in the summer when they broke the bank to sign Kevin Nisbet.
But the striker is already paying it back – and bagged another priceless winner yesterday to sink Kilmarnock.
Money was tight at Easter Road when they took a punt on Nisbet, who arrived from Dunfermline for £250,000.
But right now, he looks worth every penny.
And his penalty at Rugby Park set Jack Ross’ side up n ic e l y for S a t u rday ’ s Scottish Cup semi- f inal at Hampden against Hearts.
Aside from his f irst- half strike, Nisbet was terrific all afternoon, giving Ki l l ie’s defence a torrid time alongside sidekick Christian Doidge.
The victory in Ayrshire moves Hibs up to third in the Premiership table above Aberdeen who play today.
Even with a dearth of giltedged chances early on here, it was an entertaining contest.
Little individual battles were developing all over the pitch and some of the passing on show was easy on the eye.
Stevie Mallan, in for his first league start since December, impressed on the left of Hibs’ midfield, while Gary Dicker showed composure in Killie’s engine room.
But the big difference was Hibs’ front two.
While Kilmarnock’s lone striker Nicke Kabamba was often isolated, Nisbet and partner Doidge were very much in tandem from the off.
Nisbet would drop short, with Doidge staying on the shoulder of the last man. When they’re on top form there are few better in the Premiership.
And in Nisbet, gaffer Ross has found a gem. They’ l l multiply their outlay for him if or when they sell him on.
Hibs’ goa l came from Doidge’s run in behind Killie’s backline. Defender Clevid Dikamona tracked him and looked like he’d clear.
But the big Welsh striker nipped in, got a toe on the ball and was clipped in the box by the centre-back.
Ref Col in Steven was hesitant but after a delay to look towards assistant Sean
SCOTT McDERMOTT AT RUGBY PARK
Carr and fourth official David Dickinson – he eventually awarded the spot-kick.
Nisbet stepped up to bury his eighth goal of the campaign so far.
Dikamona’s day didn’t get any better. The ex-Hearts man appeared to land awkwardly on his ankle and had to be stretchered off.
Killie weren’t playing badly but couldn’t get their danger men into the right areas – and
their final ball let them down.
Lewis Stevenson kept inform winger Chris Burke quiet while Greg Kiltie on the other side wasn’t driving in- field enough to cause damage.
Killie pushed for an equaliser in the second half. They tried to get Aaron Tshibola closer to Kabamba but Hibs’ defenders Ryan Porteous and skipper Paul Hanlon were solid.
Burke looked the home side’s best outlet. Hibs keeper Ofir
Marciano had to beat away the winger’s whipped cross that flew across his six-yard box.
But the visitors still looked more dangerous.
Mallan produced the pass of the match to pick out Paul McGinn in the box but the fullback fizzed his shot wide.
Finally, Killie boss Dyer got some support for Kabamba by throwing Eamonn Brophy on beside him. But again, it was the Hibees who threatened.
Mallan flashed a shot wide when he should have hit the target. Even so, Ross’ men held on for a deserved win to keep them flying ahead of that derby at Hampden.
NISSIE RASCAL striker Nisbet scores from the spot but it’s misery for Killie’s Dikamona after he sent Doidge flying for penalty