Kilmarnock v HibsSNS

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16/03/25

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Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Rugby Park

Kilmarnock rescued an injury-time point thanks to Fraser Murray's close-range finish as Hibernian were denied another Scottish Premiership win in a dramatic ending.

Despite that late concession, the visitors extended their unbeaten league run to 14 matches, having led for a long spell thanks to Martin Boyle's first-half opener. And Hibs stay third after Aberdeen also dropped points on the road.

The point might not be quite so rewarding for Kilmarnock, though, as their hopes of a top-six finish now seem a long shot at best.

However, Derek McInnes' side can at least console themselves with the knowledge this point stems a run of three straight defeats and could prove crucial in the relegation battle.

"We looked a wee bit spooked by their movement at the top end of the pitch and when we did try to get after them, they banged it in behind and shook us up a wee bit and made us a bit more nervous than we wanted to be," McInnes said.

"It's a good point but we needed to be better. I don't think I get the team right today.

"I don't think we're going to be a top-six team this year, but we have to just make sure we try and be as good as we can be between now and end of the season."

The late drama did not seem likely as Hibs controlled much of the contest after a bright Kilmarnock start.

Young striker Bobby Wales came close to tapping home before Matty Kennedy failed to capitalise from an angle with Jordan Smith scrambling back to his line.

However, Hibs took over after that. The effective Junior Hoilett came close with a shot that sailed just over before the opener came in unexpected circumstances.

From a Kilmarnock corner, Hibs seized on the ball with Dylan Levitt leading a three-on-one charge towards goal.

He timed his pass perfectly for Boyle, who squeezed a shot beyond Robbie McCrorie with Derek McInnes' side woefully exposed.

From there, David Gray's side were rarely troubled and ought to have extended their lead, with Levitt coming closest with a thunderous shot that whistled just wide.

Substitute Bruce Anderson thought he had levelled but had just gone too early and was caught offside.

But just as it seemed that Hibs would secure another win, Murray mustered an equaliser.

Kilmarnock find way to ease pressure

It felt the outcome here might significantly shape Kilmarnock's season run-in.

A win would have provided a shot at the top six. That looks gone.

Defeat would have kept them in an increasingly dangerous position and certainly not where they want to be at this stage of the campaign.

The point changes that slightly but may be more important psychologically than anything else. Home fans looked very worried until Murray's late equaliser.

With St Mirren away, Motherwell at home and then a trip to Celtic before the split, it seems clear that pulling away from danger is now a priority.

Defensively, they don't look secure. The concession from their own corner was criminal. Hibs found space in dangerous areas too often.

Changes to shape and personnel didn't make too much difference until late on but McInnes will know form needs to improve quickly to avert immediate danger.

Hibs still in great place despite draw

That sucker punch will be hard to take as it seemed Hibs had the win which would have confirmed a top-six place in the bag.

They will feel a great opportunity has been missed but Gray's side remain on a superb league run.

The transformation in their fortunes has been quite staggering and going 14 games unbeaten is hugely impressive.

Hibs were not brilliant here, but did exercise control and rarely looked in trouble. The failure to find a second goal will no doubt frustrate as they had chances.

Conceding late on was a blow, but in the grand scheme of things the Leith side seem in a great place.

What they said

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: "They didn't work our goalkeeper too much but the nature of the first goal that we lose, it's a wee bit self-inflicted.

"We've tried something, it's not worked, somebody's not done their job right and Hibs were good enough to punish us.

"I think this is the best Hibs team that I've come up against in a few years. They've got a wee bit of everything and with that added ingredient of confidence. They've got ball-players, they've got size, athleticism on the sides and a proper front pairing. Obviously Hoilett was added to that as well."

Hibs head coach David Gray: "I don't think we saw it coming [the equaliser]. But you have to go right to the very end of the game.

"I thought we stood up to that really well, created the best chances, and it probably feels like two points dropped because of the level of performance we put in.

"But it could still be a massive point because it's a real difficult place to come."

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