STAGGIES PAY PRICE FOR A POOR AWAY DAY

When faced with the task of a trip to Easter Road in seasons past, Ross County would never have been the side backed.

But due to Malky Mackay’s side posting an incredible turn of form along with their free-flowing goalscoring habits, many expected County to cause stuttering Hibernian a tough challenge, and perhaps even claim a victory.

To be brutally honest, though, it was a dreadful first 45 minutes of football – from both teams.

Hibs bossed possession but passed the ball around with no killer conviction.

Both Kevin Nisbet and Sylvester Jasper had opportunities, but couldn’t find their touch to properly test Ross Laidlaw, who was easily the Staggies’ top performer.

County were lacking quality all over and didn’t get into any sort of rhythm.

There was lack of composure when passing through the press of Hibs from the defence and midfield and it was painfully clear this wasn’t the usual County we were seeing.

Hibernian’s victory was fuelled by two moments of nearidentical brilliance from Jake Doyle-Hayes.

The Irish midfielder scored two cracking goals from set-pieces where the ball fell to him on the edge of the area.

Without these moments of magic, the game had a no-scoring draw written all over it. However, a point would have been more than the Staggies deserved for their showing.

With St Johnstone picking up a win over third-placed Hearts, the pressure in the basement battle has heated up once again – with the gap closed to just four points.