Magical Malonga the main man for Stubbs
DOMINIQUE MALONGA returned to the starting line-up at Palmerston to inspire a confident Hibernian side to a fourth win in five games.
The Congolese striker failed to find the net against Queens but still earned lavish praise from manager Alan Stubbs, who said: ‘He just looked dangerous every time the ball came to him and was at the centre of everything we did.
‘Dominique was really disappointed not to start last week, but he has shown what a professional he is and responded in the best possible way.’
The capital side were in the lead after just three minutes when a delightful back heel from Malonga released Lewis Stevenson on the left wing. He dashed to the bye-line and crossed for Jason Cummings to produce a clinical finish.
At the other end, Mark Oxley made a fine fingertip save to deny Derek Lyle’s dipping header.
Malonga then provided another moment of magic as he nut-megged Kyle Hutton in a sweeping move, which resulted in John McGinn’s shot being turned over the bar.
He was involved again as Hibs doubled their lead four minutes before the break. A fine pass from Cummings split the home defence and Malonga’s cool square pass set up Liam Henderson to rattle the ball into the net from 16 yards.
Hibs substitute Martin Boyle netted his side’s third goal a minute from time when he side-footed home after another impressive run from Stevenson on the left wing.
Queens boss James Fowler said: ‘Obviously, if we lose goals as early as that against a team like Hibernian, it is always going to be tough.’