Hibs dropped two points at home to St Johnstone at the weekend, a result that may come back to haunt them.
A last minute Jason Kerr header sealed a point for the visitors, who had Hibs pegged back at times during the match. Tommy Wright’s side had more possession and more shots on target than Hibs (BBC).
Hibs struggled against St Johnstone. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Whilst it doesn’t leave Hibs in a bad position, it doesn’t put them in a great one either. With four points from their opening three fixtures, that could come back to haunt them shortly.
Hibs have a challenging run after weekend frustrations
Heckingbottom’s next task will be a trip to Motherwell. The Steelmen have been on and off this term, but as their 3-1 Lanarkshire derby win showed, there is some quality in that side.
In their last eight league matches at Fir Park, the Hibees have won just twice (Fussball). It’s not a happy hunting ground for them and they’ll find it difficult against Stephen Robinson’s side.
Motherwell have been inconsistent. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
A week later they travel to Kilmarnock, who are still searching for their first league win under Angelo Alessio. They’ll be hungry for one come September 14 and recently showed they are sturdy defensively.
Killie neutralised free-scoring Aberdeen striker Sam Cosgrove in a goalless stalemate with the Dons at Rugby Park.
Their following match is massive, a home derby against Hearts. Both Heckingbottom and Craig Levein are under pressure from the fans. Whoever loses this or comes off worse will be under serious scrutiny.
It could be squeaky bum time for Heckingbottom after that. (photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
It doesn’t get much easier for Heckingbottom after that, with a clash with Celtic at Easter Road before a trip to Pittodrie.
Hibs will drop points in a few of these games. That would be expected, but the damage of doing so increases when they’ve struggled to find their stride against the likes of St Johnstone.
The Hibees may be left to rue dropping two points against the Saints. It could come back to bite them at some stage this term.