A late goal from Joe Shaughnessy secured a 2-2 draw for St Mirren away to Hibs as the Easter Road side move top of the Scottish Premiership.
Eamonn Brophy fired St Mirren ahead but a poor start to the second half saw ex-defender Paul McGinn level the scoring. Martin Boyle put Hibs ahead from the penalty spot moments later and scoring wasn’t done there, Shaughnessy leveling late on for St Mirren who remain winless after six games. Hibs are first ahead of Sunday’s fixtures.
Boyle’s side were denied a win. (Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
In a game of few chances and little openings, a bit of magic was needed to unlock the goalscoring doors at either end. Kevin Nisbet had a couple of openings in the Saints box while Jamie McGrath’s final ball at the other end was a yard or two off.
Up stepped Wolves loanee Connor Ronan to provide the spark. He had caused Hibs problems all afternoon with his movement and passing, with one ball sending Brophy off to the races. He beat Hibs centre-back Ryan Porteous and goalkeeper Matt Macey could only help the St Mirren striker’s shot into the net with his palm.
Porteous looked to have made amends after half-time but his routine header from a corner was ruled out for offside after interference from Boyle. It was an old face who would haunt St Mirren, former right-back McGinn finding space at the back post to ensure Hibs’ return to level terms.
McGinn netted. (Photo by Callum Landells/Getty Images)
St Mirren’s goal seemed to liven up Jack Ross’ Hibs who had clearer sights of the net through Nisbet and Kyle Magennis, alongside their disallowed goal and leveler.
New St Mirren signing Matt Millar had impressed at right-wing-back, but even after a grappling match with Porteous just second beforehand, fouled the Hibs defender inside the box.
Boyle made the Australian pay as St Mirren’s good afternoon turned sour. They cracked the crossbar in search of points and the man who did so – Shaughnessy – would have the last laugh. He got his head on the end of another cross to ensure a point for Saints. Scott Allan hit the post for Hibs late on. Here are three things we learned.
Shaughnessy grabbed a late leveler. (Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Penalty calls
Saints manager Jim Goodwin was far from happy with the penalty Hibs were awarded at 1-1. He accused Porteous of going down softly and buying the penalty which put his side up against it. They say these things balance themselves out, but St Mirren have lamented refereeing decisions in almost every league game this term.
Doig learning
Shaughnessy is in good form for St Mirren and he taught Hibs’ promising defender Josh Doig a lesson with his late goal. The Irishman brushed the left-back out the way to net the leveller, which Ross has labeled a learning curve for the in-demand teenager.
Anyone happy?
There was an element of disappointment in both camps with the point. Hibs were not satisfied with a point as they dropped points at home in their push towards the top end of the league. Saints meanwhile thought they did enough to earn their first win of the season.
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