Hibernian 1 – 0 Kilmarnock
Resurgent Hibernian made it 4 wins in succession for the primary time since October 2022 as Nectar Triantis’ first-half header proved sufficient to safe a 1-0 victory over 10-player Kilmarnock.
The on-loan Sunderland midfielder notched his first objective for the Hibees within the twenty fifth minute earlier than Killie’s hopes of holding their very own mini-revival alive had been dented simply after the hour when Danny Armstrong was proven a second yellow card and have become their eighth participant to be despatched off this time period.
Hibs, who had been rock-bottom of the William Hill Premiership earlier this month, at the moment are 10 factors away from last-placed St Johnstone and inside three factors of the highest six after successful 5 of their final six.
Supervisor David Grey made two adjustments from the aspect that began the Boxing Day victory away to metropolis rivals Hearts as Warren O’Hora and Elie Youan – each nursing niggles – had been changed by Lewis Miller and Junior Hoilett.
Killie – who had not received at Easter Street since Might 2014 when each groups had been battling to keep away from a relegation play-off – listed the identical XI that began Thursday’s 4-0 demolition of Aberdeen.
Hibs ought to have gone forward within the eleventh minute however Hoilett scuffed his effort huge of a gaping objective from six yards out after Martin Boyle fizzed in a harmful low supply from the proper.
On the different finish, Killie strikers Bobby Wales and Kyle Vassell each noticed pictures saved by goalkeeper Jordan Smith after getting in behind the house defence.
The hosts went shut within the twenty fourth minute when Nicky Cadden noticed a strong strike from eight yards out deflected simply previous the put up. From the ensuing nook, taken by Cadden, Triantis rose on the close to put up to energy residence a header and provides Hibs the lead.
Killie suffered an extra setback simply after the half-hour when influential defender Joe Wright went off injured to get replaced by Robbie Deas.
Hibs misplaced a key participant of their very own when captain Joe Newell, who has been enjoying by way of damage lately, was changed for the beginning of the second half.
Killie cranked up the stress early within the second interval however it was Hibs who went near doubling their lead on the hour when Miller’s highly effective strike was saved by Robby McCrorie after which Rocky Bushiri was unable to show the ball residence from shut vary when Hoilett drilled it again throughout objective.
The guests’ hopes of discovering an equaliser had been dented within the 63rd minute, nonetheless, when Armstrong was proven a second yellow card for a late problem on Jack Iredale as he tried to get on to the rebound after Smith parried Fraser Murray’s shot out to the sting of the six-yard field, and Hibs duly held agency.
