Hibernian 0-0 St Johnstone: Points shared at Easter Road
- Published
Melker Hallberg had one of the few efforts on goal against his former side
Shaun Maloney says he must "demand more" from his Hibernian team after their Scottish Premiership scoreless draw with St Johnstone extended their goalless run to three games.
Despite the barren run, the Easter Road side move up to fourth - pushing past Livingston on goal difference - despite only winning once in the league this year, and are now unbeaten in five.
"If we have serious aspirations of top six, top four, and next year fighting for top three, I have to demand more," Maloney said.
"I think I have to be quite disappointed, with the second half particularly. That's been the story for quite a few weeks now.
"We lost control of the game, definitely created less. Some of the substitutes had a more positive impact but overall I think I have to demand more."
St Johnstone remain 11th, one point ahead of relegation rivals Dundee.
With both sets of attackers harmless instead of clinical, a goal appeared unlikely throughout. And while some managers and coaches would be delighted with the clean sheet, others would worry about the lack of goalscoring intent.
The first half, particularly, was devoid of noteworthy chances. Sylvester Jasper was the bright spark for the hosts but the on-loan Fulham youngster was not on the same wavelength as his fellow attackers.
The introduction of Elias Melkersen, making his home debut, allowed for some flickers of inspiration but he too was unable to break the deadlock.
Josh Doig had a chance to steal all three points when the ball dropped to him at the back post and he rasped a half-volley at goal, but it was deflected inches over the bar.
St Johnstone were unable to create much themselves, with Callum Hendry working tirelessly to poke and provoke the Hibs defence but ultimately nothing came from it.
The visitors were lucky to keep all 10 men on the pitch as Cammy MacPherson flew into Jake Doyle-Hayes, studs showing and foot off the ground, but Craig Napier deemed the tackle only worthy of a yellow.
Fortune also swayed the hosts' way, with Hendry bundled over in the box but Napier waving play on.
Man of the match - Sylvester Jasper
Not many stood out in this languid affair, but Jasper was exciting whenever he got the ball
What we learned
The biggest talking point came off the pitch, rather than on it. Hibs' 'Football for a Fiver' campaign attracted a 20,000-plus crowd, with more than 2,000 travelling fans from Perth as well.
Four full stands at Easter Road, something not often seen, was pleasing to witness - even if the football was not.
Both sides lacked any confidence when they got into the final third. Hendry has been in good form for St Johnstone lately but he needs more support.
Martin Boyle is still Hibs' top scorer with seven goals, despite having left in January. Melkersen might be the man to replace him, but he needs time to bed in - time Hibs do not necessarily have in the race for Europe.
What they said
Hibernian head coach Shaun Maloney: "There was no lack of effort, but at times a lack of quality. I did notice a drop in confidence towards the end.
"I need to give them a team to be proud of, and also to excite. At the moment we have a really good defensive foundation. In the last two games, we haven't had the balance of very good defensively, and very good attack."
St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson: "Both teams tried to have a go. It was a bit like a boxing match. We were sparring away and no one landed that punch.
"Other times, we might have gone away with a defeat so we'll take the point and move on. The pleasing thing was how we defended. We didn't concede many chances. They defended well today, put their bodies on the line."
What's next?
Hibs take on Motherwell in Scottish Cup quarter-final action next Sunday (18:30 GMT), while St Johnstone have a gap before hosting Motherwell on Saturday, 19 March (15:00).