Martin Boyle goalImage source, SNS
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Martin Boyle doubled Hibernian's lead in the second half

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05/04/25

Hibernian extended their unbeaten Scottish Premiership streak to 16 games and condemned Rangers to a record fifth consecutive home defeat as Barry Ferguson's haphazard Ibrox side continued their chaotic campaign.

Dylan Levitt and Martin Boyle scored in each half for the division's form team the first after a wretched Jack Butland error and the second following a VAR review - to give them a first win in Govan since February 2018.

It means interim manager Ferguson is still without a home win in three games since succeeding Philippe Clement after Rangers conceded twice for the sixth domestic game in a row – something they had not done in 131 years.

The triumph ensures Hibs remain third with six games of the season left and they were well worth their victory, with some terrific defending denying Rangers any kind of foothold in the game.

"Every time there was a slight mistake, a team-mate was there to bail them out," said head coach David Gray. "It was a massive collective performance.

"It's an incredible run and the players deserve all the credit for it. It's been a huge collective effort."

Levitt's firmly struck early opener squirmed away from Butland, while Boyle's fine breakaway goal - from Jordan Obita's pass - was allowed to stand after the VAR officials confirmed he was onside after bursting from his own half.

Before Hibs' second, substitute Nedim Bajrami thought he had equalised for Rangers but watched a magnificent attempt come crashing back off the bar.

Cyriel Dessers, again, passed up a hat-trick of first-half chances, forcing a good save from Jordan Smith before twice blasting over when well placed.

The striker also seemed certain to score 10 minutes from time but failed to make contact from close range.

It was not the preparation Rangers would have wanted with Athletic Bilbao heading to Ibrox on Europa League duty on Thursday.

Familiar errors for 'Jekyll and Hyde' Rangers

Not for the first time, Rangers were left to rue missed chances, with Dessers again the main culprit.

He could easily have had four goals. He emerged instead with none.

It's also far from the first time Rangers have been exposed at the back. Butland made another mistake and there were too many open spaces for Hibs' front men to expose, Boyle in particular relishing the freedom for the second, decisive goal.

The Jekyll and Hyde season continues for Rangers.

Excellent away from Ibrox lately, unconvincing in front of their own fans, and now with the unwanted distinction of being the first team in the history of the club to lose five in a row at Ibrox.

Hibs deliver excellent all-round display

Hibs' season goes from strength to strength. They have won 11 of the 16 matches in their unbeaten run and show no sign of slowing, having been bottom in December.

This is their first win at Ibrox since February 2018, when John McGinn and Jamie Maclaren were on the scoresheet.

They were solid at the back, with Rocky Bushiri particularly impressive in the way he subdued Dessers, and they also excelled in midfield, with Nectarios Triantis a model of composure and quality, ably assisted by Levitt, who got the ball rolling.

Hibs were a constant threat on the break, sitting in a solid defensive shape before utilising their strength and pace up top to hurt Rangers time and time again.

It is a result and performance which will give David Gray every confidence his side can maintain third spot and give European football a good crack next season.

What they said

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Ferguson 'raging' with Rangers performance

Rangers interim manager Barry Ferguson: "Angry, really angry in fact - that's the most simple way I can put it. There's no way I'm accepting that.

"I'm not going to kid anybody on. Hibs deserved it. They tackled harder, ran harder and wanted it more.

"This [season] is in real danger of just petering out. It's about pride. I know we're in the Europa League, but those are easy games to get up for."

Hibernian head coach David Gray: "The way we started was huge, the composure we showed and getting the goal.

"The big thing was trusting what we were doing. I never stopped believing.

"If we keep winning games, nobody can catch us and that's the mindset."

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