Hibernian 1-0 Raith Rovers

 A Jason Cummings goal just after half time secured a valuable three points against Raith Rovers this afternoon in a hard fought encounter at Easter Road.

Head Coach Alan Stubbs made three changes to the starting XI that lost to Rangers on Monday. Liam Fontaine returned in place of Darren Mcgregor, Marvin Bartley replaced the suspended Fraser Fyvie and Dominique Malonga replaced James Keatings. Skipper David Gray who had to leave the field following a bad head knock retained his place.

Raith Rovers dominated the early period without creating any clear cut chances and Paul Hanlon did well to clear a dangerous James Craigen cross under pressure from Hearts’ bound Jon Daly.

Hibs almost took the lead in the 6th minute when a Lewis Stevenson cross deceived keeper Kevin Cuthbert and rebounded off the crossbar.

Gray was booked for a late challenge on Rory McKeown at the corner flag just in front of the travelling support who booed him from then on.

The former Manchester United full back almost grabbed the opener just before half time but his header from a John McGinn cross went inches over the bar.

Whatever Stubbs said to his players during the break paid early dividends. Bartley produced a great tackle in midfield and the ball fell to McGinn who fired in a powerful drive from just outside the area, forcing a fine save from Cuthbert.

Moments later Cummings ran clear of the Raith defenders before being brought down inside the box by Kyle Benedictus who was rightly booked. The prolific youngster took the resultant penalty but Cuthbert produced a great save. The ball rebounded to Cummings who struck it goalwards and although Cuthbert managed to get his hand to the ball, he was unable to prevent it going into the net.

Cummings almost added a second after latching onto a long ball from Fontaine before lobbing Cuthbert but his effort went narrowly wide.

McGinn then found Liam Henderson unmarked in the box and the on-loan midfielder unselfishly passed to Dylan McGeouch but the former Celtic midfielder’s strike was turned round the corner by Cuthbert.

Hibs had a series of corners which Rovers’ defenders did well to clear as they looked to wrap the game up.

James Keating replaced Bartley and Henri Anier took over from Cummings who left the field to a standing ovation.

In the last minute Grant Anderson received a second yellow card after a late challenge on Paul Hanlon and Hibs held on to secure a valuable three points.

Hibs: Oxley, Gray, Henderson, Hanlon, Fontaine, Bartley, Malonga, McGeouch, Stevenson, McGinn, Cummings. Subs Reguero, Boyle, Keatings, Feruz, Anier, Forster, McGregor

Referee George Salmond

Attendance 10,994

 

 

 

 

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