Hibs move for Anthony Stokes paid double dividends this afternoon with an extra 1249 supporters through the turnstiles compared to when the teams last met, as well as the decisive goal which secured a valuable three points that sees Alan Stubbs’ men leapfrog Falkirk into second place in the Championship thanks to a 3-1 win over St Mirren at Easter Road.
Head Coach Alan Stubbs made four changes to the starting XI that drew 1-1 with Falkirk last weekend although not the one that everyone was expecting.
Skipper David Gray returned in place of Darren McGregor at right back, Liam Henderson took over from Dylan McGeouch who was injured, James Keatings made way for Marvin Bartley and Chris Dagnall started up front in place of Dominique Malonga,
New signing Stokes had to settle for a place on the bench following his loan move from Celtic.
St Mirren fielded former Hibs defender Keith Watson and ‘old foe’ Andy Webster. Ex midfielder Davie Farrell was in the away dugout as assistant manager to Alex Rae.
Hibs started brightly and took the lead in the 9th minute. Henderson was brought down 25 yards from goal and he spectacularly curled the resultant free kick into the top corner of the net.
Hibs then dominated possession although St Mirren looked dangerous on the break.
With half time approaching John McGinn doubled Hibs’ lead after a superb flick by Henderson fell into his path. The former St Mirren favourite then beat two defenders before firing the ball past Jamie Langfield.
In time added on, Bartley was harshly judged to have committed a foul just outside the area and Stevie Mallen fired the ball over the wall into the corner of the net to make the score 2-1.
The second half belonged to Hibs and Langfield produced several first class saves to deny Hanlon, Cummings and Dagnall.
In the 70th minute, Stokes replaced Dagnall and entered the field to a rousing reception. Within seconds he showed his undoubted skills to the fans by setting up Fraser Fyvie but the youngster was unable to capitalise.
As the 90 minutes approached the nerves of the supporters began to show however Stokes wrapped things up with a tap in after some good work by fellow substitute James Keatings and Lewis Stevenson.
Hibs: Oxley, Gray, Henderson, Hanlon, Fontaine, Bartley, Fyvie, Stevenson, McGinn, Dagnall, Cummings. Subs Reguero, Malonga, Boyle, Keatings, McGregor, Gunnarsson, Stokes.
St Mirren: Langfield, Kelly, Webster, Howieson, Mallan, Baird, Agnew, Watson, Gallagher, Shankland, Quinn. Subs: Wilks, McMullan, Gow, Thompson, Cuddihy, Stewart, McAllister
Referee Don Robertson
Attendance 10,160
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
