Hibs leapfrogged Celtic into second place on their travels to Hamilton as the Edinburgh side blew Accies away with a 4-0 win.
A Leith-dominated first 45 had them two goals in front through Martin Boyle and Christian Doidge. Paul McGinn and Kevin Nisbet completed the convincing win as they move one point above Celtic prior to their game with Kilmarnock tomorrow.
Both teams were in positive spirits heading into this one. Brian Rice’s side had given themselves breathing room at the bottom with a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock last weekend while Jack Ross’ won 3-0 on the other side of Lanarkshire at Motherwell prior to this clash.
Moves up the table were on the agenda and it was Hibs who moved first in this quest. After an early Melker Hallberg effort sailed over, Charlie Trafford pushed Ryan Porteous over in the Accies box, much to Rice’s frustration.
Boyle stepped up to send Hibs into a 13th minute lead from the penalty spot and they dominated possession from there, their hosts unable to get a sniff in attack. Doidge almost made it 2-0 when Paul Hanlon slotted him in, not managing to beat Ryan Fulton.
The Welshman did eventually get the better of Hamilton’s keeper six minutes before half-time. A brilliant Drey Wright cross was met by Doidge’s head, who scored for the second Saturday on the spin.
Ross’ men cruised into the second 45 as Rice brought on striker Tunde Owolabi to try and liven things up. It was Hibs though who were presented the chance to score the game’s third goal, Doidge blasting over the Hamilton bar after the hour-mark.
Hibs would soon have two more goals. First it was right-back McGinn, who ghosted by Scott McMann and rattled the ball high into the net after 66 minutes. Four minutes later and Nisbet was in on the act, Boyle’s cross eventually finding the number 15 and then the net.
Scoring would finish there despite late Hibees efforts through Doidge and Jamie Gullan as Ross’ men enjoyed another fine trip to Lanarkshire. Here are three things we learned.
Breaking into second
While this may only be temporary depending on how Celtic fare against Kilmarnock, Hibs have piled the pressure on by going into second. It never looked in doubt after taking the lead early doors.
Ross’ men have shown consistency this season outside a mini-blip at the start of November. Given the differences in resources, it’s a credit to Ross and his players that they are keeping pace with a squad like Celtic’s. Now the challenge will be to maintain this push.
Missing key men
Rice will be disappointed with the manner of goals conceded, one for a push in the box and another where Hibs’ targetman was left free in the box. McGinn was allowed to run into the box for the Hibees’ third and a loose ball wasn’t cleared properly for the fourth.
With key stars in Lewis Smith, Hakeem Odoffin, Will Collar, Marios Ogkmpoe, Shaun Want and David Templeton all missing, Hamilton were up against it from the off.
Rice will be keen to get some of these men back, Odoffin due back next week from suspension.
Away from home comforts
As things stand currently, Hibs have gained the most away points in the Premiership this season, winning seven of their 10 games outside of Edinburgh. Another great trip was had here.
Ross puts this down to Hibs’ ability on the counter but in this affair, they dominated the game from early on and got their rewards for it. Their next two league trips on the road though are against Rangers and Celtic, which will test their mettle.
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