Kilmarnock 1-2 Hibernian: Jack Ross' men cling on for win
- Published
Highlights: Kilmarnock 1-2 Hibernian
Hibernian moved to within five points of third place in the Scottish Premiership after battling to a win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
And Jack Ross' men also edged four points clear of their seventh-placed hosts with two victories from two.
Hibs midfielder Greg Docherty's stunning strike lit up the first half, and Adam Jackson restored the lead after Chris Burke had levelled.
Kilmarnock pressed but could not make a series of corner kicks count.
And the defeat brought to an end a run of four games unbeaten for Alex Dyer's men.
Killie onslaught comes to nothing
The incentive was there to affirm top six credentials and extinguish any lingering unlikely threat of being dragged into trouble.
It was Hibernian that prospered but boy did they have to earn it against a Kilmarnock side who were committed but somehow could not find an equaliser.
The home side did seem to have an edge going forward but it was the visitors who threatened first when both Joe Newell and Vykintas Slivka had efforts well blocked.
Then Martin Boyle curled in a delivery which Marc McNulty hit towards goal. The ball was blocked and spun on the touchline with the wind unexpectedly holding it up, which was to prove crucial.
That allowed Newell to recycle the ball to Docherty, who dispatched a superb effort from an angle which found the top corner.
Docherty has made quite the impression since joining on loan from Rangers, perhaps more than manager Jack Ross may have hoped for. It was a sensational effort to add to his impressive all round game and gave Hibernian the platform for victory.
The home side hit back immediately. Gary Dicker showed presence of mind to pick out Niko Hamalainen in the penalty area. His centre caused chaos before the ball broke to Burke to stoop and place a header low into the corner.
But Hibernian regained the lead when a free-kick from the right deflected favourably after McNulty got a touch. Jackson was on hand to strike the ball off the surface and over Jan Koprivec. It was a crucial strike at a crucial time.
Kilmarnock tried to force the issue from the off in the second period, generating substantial pressure.
Brophy had an effort blocked then shot tamely with Ofir Marciano exposed. Stephen O'Donnell then got in but his rasping drive was tipped over. Rory Mackenzie was next but could not get the final touch when in on Marciano.
Time after time, through Burke in particular, Kilmarnock sent in quality deliveries that were repelled on each occasion. And they also had a strong shout for a late penalty when Jackson appeared to hold Dario Del Fabro but referee Alan Muir failed to see it.
Hibernian survived what became an onslaught and will be thrilled to have advanced their position in the top six.
Man of the match - Greg Docherty
There were a number of candidates who excelled today. Burke belied his years to not only score but send in numerous fantastic deliveries which Kilmarnock just couldn't convert.
Hibernian's back-line all stood up manfully to the pressure they were put under to earn the victory.
However, for the quality of his strike alone Docherty stood out. He has made some impression since his arrival and was instrumental again today.