Kilmarnock 2-2 Hibernian: Visitors fight back from two down
- Published
Myziane Maolida scores his first goal in his second Hibs game to rescue a point
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes criticised the VAR-influenced decision to red card Corrie Ndaba after Hibernian fought back from two goals down to rescue a Scottish Premiership draw.
The hosts looked comfortable thanks to a Dylan Vente own goal and Matty Kennedy tap-in, both set up by Danny Armstrong.
But Joe Newell reduced the arrears with a screamer before Ndaba was sent off after catching Jair Tavares on the ankle in a poor challenge, with referee Grant Irvine upgrading his decision from yellow after checking the monitor.
Hibs made the most of their numerical advantage as Myziane Maolida equalised to complete a dramatic comeback.
"The game changes on the red card," McInnes told BBC Scotland.
"I'm disappointed with the decision. I can only assume the referee and VAR have seen a worse angle than what I've seen.
"Corrie's won the ball, his foot is low. I was frustrated when the referee gave a yellow card. I don't think there's anything else he can do with his foot after he's won the ball.
"It's so disappointing that from a winning position, VAR has played its part in us only getting a point."
Kilmarnock move three points ahead of fifth-placed St Mirren, while Hibs are a point clear of Dundee in sixth.
Despite Kilmarnock's poor record against Hibs - one win in the previous 10 meetings - the home fans could point to their excellent Rugby Park record to give them confidence.
Those same fans were restless with Killie's poor start, until Vente looped a header past his own keeper. There was a question over whether the challenge from Ndaba fouled the Hibs striker, but the goal stood.
Momentum was with the hosts and they should have made it two when Armstrong chipped a quick free-kick over the Hibs backline to put Kennedy one-on-one, but he poked his shot wide.
Hibs almost went into the break level when Vente pulled the ball back to the onrushing Emiliano but O'Hara produced a fine save.
The second half was as scrappy as the first, but Kilmarnock again produced a goal out of nothing. Armstrong was the creator once more, sending in a sumptuous ball to the back post where Kennedy slid in to prod home.
Hibs have struggled when going behind this season, but Newell gave them hope when his cultured volley found the top corner.
That goal rejuvenated and re-energised Hibs, and they were helped by Ndaba's red card. The pressure eventually told. A desperate long punt up the pitch found Maolida, who controlled to slot between two Kilmarnock defenders and past the keeper.
It could, and should, have been even better for Hibs. Paul Hanlon sent in a lovely delivery to an unmarked Christian Doidge, but the former Killie man placed his header back across goal and well wide from six yards.
Player of the Match - Danny Armstrong (Kilmarnock)
One swing of his left foot can create a goal. Today, it created two. Brilliant vision, brilliant deliveries.
Kilmarnock capitulation not a first - analysis
Hibs dominated possession and territory, but for a long time it looked like it wouldn't pay off. They lacked a cutting edge for most of the game, until Newell's wonder strike gave them new-found confidence.
Kilmarnock, meanwhile, once again seemed to show more willing, more fight, more grit - but then it all went wrong.
The hosts' goals came from nothing, simple crosses that Hibs didn't defend well. Many have accused the capital side of having a soft spine. It was on show again.
However, Kilmarnock have now dropped 11 points from winning positions in the league - only Dundee have lost more. They should be far more comfortable in fourth.
What they said
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: "I'll commend my players. It got a bit chaotic. We changed the substitutions. We just had to make it out of there with a point and the players' effort made sure we got that."
Hibernian boss Nick Montgomery: "It's not an easy place to come and I thought for 20 minutes we were in total control. There was only one team playing football. We lost composure, confidence has been fragile lately and that's understandable.
"I'm so proud of the boys' effort today. Against the run of play we concede a second. There's two options after that - you can keep fighting, which I know these boys will do, and keep believing. After that, it was total domination."
What's next?
Kilmarnock visit Motherwell next Saturday, while Hibernian host St Mirren at the same time (15:00 GMT).