Ross County super-sub Jordan White fires in the match-winner
Ross County rise out of the Premiership relegation play-off spot after securing a late win against Hibernian in Dingwall.
Hibs forward Myziane Maolida opened the scoring with a simple tap-in in the 15th minute.
Simon Murray would equalise against his former team minutes later with his 12th league goal of the season after pouncing on a defensive error from Rocky Bushiri.
Jordan White netted the winner late on to lift County above St Johnstone to tenth-place.
Hibs dominated early on and converted after Martin Boyle’s outswinging cross from a short corner caused chaos in the County box.
Maolida reacted quickest to Bushiri’s initial outstretched effort - which smacked the post - and emphatically blasted in from one yard out.
Five minutes later, the opener was nullified. Bushiri failed to clear an uncontested cross whipped in from Yan Dhanda, allowing Murray to expertly drill in the equaliser.
Emiliano Marcondes soon forced a strong stop from County goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw with a fierce laced half-volley, before the hosts quickly rushed up the other end to threaten the Hibernian goal.
Another poor defensive decision from Bushiri allowed Murray to race in behind and test Jojo Wollacott with a low strike. The save propped through ball up nicely for Eamonn Brophy, who should have found the net with his close-range aerial rebound.
Lightning quick attacks were catching on as a low Maolida strike was thwarted by Laidlaw just moments after Yan Dhanda ballooned a dangerous free-kick opportunity over the crossbar.
The end-to-end action carried on into the second half. Murray clipped the crossbar with a towering header before Boyle immediately burst behind the County defence and extracted a smothering save from Laidlaw.
White replaced Brophy with 15 to go and twice threatened. The lofty forward was denied by a solid block, before later finding the side-netting with a header.
The striker got his reward in the 88th minute when he fired the game-winner beyond Wollacott after George Harmon pounced on a slack pass out from the ‘keeper.
Ross County extended their unbeaten home run in the league to six games to leapfrog St Johnstone, whilst Hibernian stay seventh.
Hibs have failed to win back-to-back away matches this season and after another disappointing performance on the road, head coach Nick Montgomery and his players were involved in an exchange with some of the travelling support.
Player of the Match - Jordan White (Ross County)
A fantastic 15-minute cameo is enough for County forward Jordan White, who wreaked havoc following his introduction and fired in the game-winner
Chaotic contest for neutral to enjoy - analysis
An enthralling ding-dong battle in Dingwall was settled by a sublime substitute's showing.
White twice threatened Wollacott after his introduction, before punishing the Hibs 'keeper for his late lax pass - with the help of fellow sub George Harmon, who intercepted the loose ball.
It was an impressive - though sometimes fortunate - performance from the home side, who were willing to give up space in return for lightning quick attacking scenarios that Murray and Co. could embrace.
Hibernian appeared to have the same idea. But Nick Montgomery's men shot themselves in the foot too many times by displaying complete ineptitude in defensive situations.
Wollacott, Bushiri and Paul Hanlon all had moments to forget, with only the skipper's blushes spared. The 'keeper and his defensive partner were not so lucky as two mistakes led to both conceded goals.
Maolida and Boyle were both threats on the wings, but Adam Le Fondre failed to inspire after coming on at half-time.
A tricky game to judge tactically as both teams seemed to embrace the chaos. But, undoubtedly, terrific viewing for the neutral fan.
What they said
Ross County interim manager Don Cowie: "A lot has been made of us not being able to turn the game around in our favour, but that’s the last two home games against Rangers and now Hibs.
"It’s a different way to win football matches, it doesn’t always go plain sailing but it’s about reacting. The boys showed great character."
Hibernian head coach Nick Montgomery: "I thought we dominated the game. In areas of the game, we played some really nice football. But we come away with nothing because we make mistakes, concede two really poor goals and don’t take our chances. We should’ve taken three points.
"I always go over — win, lose or draw — and clap all the fans. I’ve been a fan, I understand you work hard all week and you want to come support the team on. I went closer today to tell them I appreciate it and that I know we should have won the game. We understand their frustrations, it’s been a frustrating season from the start to the end."
What's next?
Ross County host Motherwell next Saturday (15:00 BST), while Hibernian welcome Aberdeen to Easter Road on Sunday (15:00).
