Kilmarnock 1-3 Hibernian

  • Published

Hibernian leapfrogged Kilmarnock into seventh place in the Scottish Premier League table with victory in their rearranged game at Rugby Park.

Hibs opened the scoring when Scott Robertson prodded the ball into the net from close range to claim his first goal for the club.

However, Lee Ashcroft marked his first start in a Kilmarnock jersey by equalising with a looping header.

But two late strikes from Eoin Doyle won the points for the visitors.

The original fixture was abandoned with the score at 1-1 after Kilmarnock supporter James Haswell collapsed in the stands with a suspected heart attack and later died in hospital.

Media caption,

Interview - Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels

For the rearranged game, Hibernian manager Pat Fenlon rested top scorer Leigh Griffiths, with the Easter Road side playing in the Scottish Cup final later this month.

Robertson almost carved out the first opportunity in a quiet opening spell, but the Kilmarnock defence were alive to the threat and cleared.

It was Robertson who opened the scoring as he toe-poked David Wotherspoon's free-kick past Killie goalkeeper Cammy Bell at the back post from close range.

The home side were struggling to make an impact on the match, with young left-winger Chris Johnston looking the only source of creativity.

Killie finally created a clear chance when Rory McKenzie picked up on a pass from Sammy Clingan and took the ball on to his left foot before shooting over from 20 yards.

The home side created their best chance of the half when Johnston played Paul Heffernan through in the box, but the striker dallied on the ball and Hibs cleared.

Robertson hit the back of the net again just before half-time but was adjudged to have handled as he controlled the ball and the strike was ruled out.

Media caption,

Interview - Hibernian manager Pat Fenlon

And Doyle missed with a free header as Hibs ended the half as dominantly as they had started it.

Kilmarnock had clearly been fired up at half-time and Heffernan sent an effort flying off target moments into the second period.

Defender Ashcroft was next to go close, forcing Murdoch into a save low to his right with a downward header.

Wotherspoon replied for Hibs as the game opened up, fizzing a shot past the post from 25 yards.

Kilmarnock had forced themselves back into the game, however, and drew level when Ashcroft headed across goal from the back post and into the net.

The home side were almost in front moments later when substitute Borja Perez's strike hit the post and Heffernan connected with the rebound, but the ball flew over.

Doyle then headed the ball home, but, for the second time, the referee ruled out a Hibs strike, this time for offside.

The tempo of the game slowed as the game entered its latter stages, although the Irish striker beat James Fowler to the ball but contrived to put his header wide.

However, with Killie looking the more likely scorers in the latter stages, the visitors hit them with a sucker punch.

Alex Harris powered the ball across the face of goal and Doyle stretched to poke the ball home, claiming his 10th goal of the season.

With moments left on the clock, and Kilmarnock pressing, Doyle struck again, shooting low into the net from the penalty spot to seal the win for Hibs.

Sorry, we can't display this part of the article any more.

Around the BBC

Related internet links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.