OH MY HAYES
Jake opens his account in stunning style to fire Maloney’s team up to 4th
Jake Doyle-Hayes struck a sensational double to open his Hibs account and launch Shaun Maloney’s side into the top four – and within sight of Hearts.
The Irishman hadn’t netted in 33 appearances since his summer move from St Mirren and his shot-shy side had scored in just one of their previous six Premiership outings.
But Doyle-Hayes brought a frustrated Easter Road to its feet with two thunderous secondhalf strikes – the clincher an incredible chest and volley from near 25 yards of which his boss would’ve been proud – to end a six-game winless league run.
Maloney, who has his eyes set on Europe, saluted his Irish gem but laughed off suggestions it was his own magic that rubbed off on the midfielder.
He said: “I would love to take any form of credit for that!
“We’ve done a lot or work on different types of finishing, at times we have created and at times we haven’t been clinical.
“You have to give every credit to Jake, just two amazing goals. His second was just brilliant. I hope he can talk you through it a lot better than I can.
“Take away his goals and his performance was very good.”
In the end it was a deserved three points for Hibs who upped the tempo after a lacklustre first half to cut the gap on thirdplaced Hearts, who lost at St Johnstone, to nine points.
The Jambos are now in Hibs’ sights but Maloney said: “I don’t think we should concentrate too much on the gap between us and Hearts.
“I know the fans would like to given the city but I think we have to respect what’s around about us. It was a big win today but we have to fight to stay in the top six and four or five teams can still achieve fourth.”
Regan Charles-Cook was the main threat early on as Ross County looked to exploit his
explosive pace. One f lick released Jordan White but he couldn’t lift the ball over Matt Macey.
Hibs were enjoying plenty of the bal l but their pretty possession was producing next to nothing in the final third.
It took to the 49th minute for them to register a shot on target when Ewan Henderson’s drive was parried wide by Ross Laidlaw.
But just moments later Lewis Stevenson whipped in the corner and, after a spot of pinbal l , Doyle - Hayes lashed home.
County boss Malky Mackay was furious at a trip on Harry Paton as the ball spun about the box but Steven McLean was having none of it.
Henderson should have doubled the lead but his effort was deflected wide by Laidlaw.
Doyle- Hayes produced his stunner to put the game beyond County with 12 minutes to go.
Chris Mueller’s free-kick was cleared by Ross Callachan but the Irishman controlled the ball on his chest and struck a stunning volley past Laidlaw.