Away fans on song as Hibs jump above capital rivals
Hibernian supporters are already sounding their battle cry ahead of next Saturday’s Edinburgh derby. “Mind the gap” came the refrain from the away end in West Lothian as the visitors climbed above Hearts for the first time this season.
Those delirious Hibees cared not a jot that they have played a game more that their fierce foes, nor that last night’s 2-1 victory was an unnecessarily nervy affair in the end.
They feel the momentum is with them and, given head coach Paul Heckingbottom has now picked up 16 points from a possible 18 in the Premiership since taking charge, it is difficult to argue with their assessment.
Hibs prevailed courtesy of goals by Paul Hanlon and Stevie Mallan and will seek to officially cement their topsix status when they host Kilmarnock in midweek, but attention among those who travelled from the capital was visibly already turning towards Hearts.
Livingston were dealt a severe blow before a ball was kicked when it emerged that club captain Craig Halkett had suffered a leg knock in training and would miss out. Hakeem Odoffin came into the Lions side in his stead.
Marc Mcnulty led the line for Hibs alongside Flo Kamberi and, while Scotland’s fixtures against Kazakhstan and San Marino may have prompted widespread rancour and navel gazing, the newly-minted internationalist appeared invigorated by winning his first two caps.
It was Mcnulty’s superb hold-up play on the edge of the box that allowed Mallan to take up possession and unleash a superb drive, forcing a similarly magnificent save from Livingston goalkeeper Liam Kelly.
Craig Sibbald fizzed a shot over the bar rom the edge of the box as Gary Holt’s men displayed some attacking verve of their own.
Mcnulty appeared determined to torment his former club and sent Kamberi scampering towards goal with a delightful through ball, only for the Swiss striker to skew off-target from an admittedly prohibitive angle.
The encounter descended into an attritional affair with clear chances at a premium as the ball was liberally shelled forward, with Livingston, in particular, launching one aerial bombardment after another. It remained 0-0 as referee Nick Walsh mercifully signalled for half-time.
The visitors finally broke the deadlock with 20 minutes left on the clock. A devilish Mallan corner kick was flicked on at the near post by David Gray, sparking an almighty stramash before Hanlon lashed the ball into the roof of the net from point-blank range.
Having waited so long for the opener, Hibs swiftly doubled their advantage and, once again, it was down to the magic of Mallan.
The former St Mirren midfielder collected a Lewis Stevenson pass before dancing past the challenge of Declan Gallagher and slotting a fine finish past Kelly.
True to form, Livi displayed a never-say-die attitude and pulled one back in injury time when Ryan Hardie converted from the penalty spot after Steve Lawson had been fouled by Stevenson.
However, Hibs held firm as Heckingbottom’s honeymoon period continues.