HIBS 1 Stokes (90+4)
HAMILTON ACCIES 3 Bingham (pen 52, 88), Longridge (69)
MARTIN CANNING’s habit of haunting Hibs at Easter Road continued as he hailed Accies’ stunning 3- 1 triumph as arguably the most impressive performance of his tenure.
Canning was part of the Accies side which relegated the capital club when the teams last met in 2014 and he enjoyed another memorable afternoon in Edinburgh yesterday – this time from the dugout – as they brought Neil Lennon’s men crashing down to earth.
The result did not flatter the visitors, who carved Hibs open almost at will during a superb second half showing, with a Rakish Bingham brace either side of a cool finish from Louis Longridge doing the damage.
Anthony Stokes did bag a late consolation for the hosts, however it came as little solace in a defeat which could have been even more comprehensive, given Longridge also struck the woodwork.
“It was one of our most complete performances since I’ve taken over,” lauded Canning.
“In the second half we were excellent. The third goal in particular was a great team goal. I’m really pleased with the work rate and togetherness from everybody.”
Young Greg Docherty continues to look the part for Accies and, up against John McGinn, Dylan McGeouch and Swanson, gave as good as he got.
He was unlucky to see a ferocious shot from 35 yards tipped over by Marciano.
Marcia no showed similar excellence on the cusp of the interval to tip a dipping Ali Crawford effort wide of the post.
Hamilton would not be denied after the break, claiming the lead when McGregor tripped Doc her ty inside the area, allowing Bingham to slot his spotkick beyond Marciano.
When the second goal arrived, it was a selfinflicted wound. Paul Hanlon should have tidied a hopeful punt over the top but inexplicably played a square pass in to the path of Longridge, who calmly fired a low shot beyond Marciano.
Ha mi l t o n added a delightful third goal when a Longridge back- heel found Docherty, who calmly teed up Bingham and he picked his spot from close-range.
Stokes did have the final word, curling a shot beyond Wood.
“There was no crispness, no final ball of genuine quality and it’s something I need to look at,” rued Hibs head coach Lennon.
“I’ll take responsibility. I’ve sort of not been myself in terms of staying on the backs of the players over the week – that won’t happen again.”