Injury hit Hibs remain top of the table despite dropping two points to Morton at Cappielow yesterday evening.
Head Coach Neil Lennon made one change to the starting XI that beat Dumbarton last weekend with Jason Cummings (pictured) dropping to the bench to accommodate new arrival Kris Commons.
The Easter Road side were without five first team regulars and they went into the game knowing that rivals Dundee United had drawn with Raith Rovers.
Both teams had chances in a hard fought first half with both keepers performing well.
Hibs dominated the latter period and looked the more likely to score however it was the hosts who took the lead against the run of play with 12 minutes remaining.
A long range strike from Ross Forbes struck the crossbar and rebounded into the path of James McDonagh. His effort also struck the bar but Gary Oliver was first to react and bundled the ball into the net from close range.
Hibs responded immediately and top scorer Cummings produced a sensational free kick which flew over the Morton wall and into the bottom corner of the net to the delight of the large travelling support.
The visitors fought hard to gran a late winner and Grant Holt, Commons and Cummings all had chances but the game finished all square.
After the game Lennon told Hibs TV: “I was very disappointed with the first half. I felt that we didn’t pass the ball anywhere near to where we can, I thought there was a lack of intensity to the game and I thought we were second best.
“The second half was a lot better and with the chances we had in the last 15 to 20 minutes, we should have won the game.”
Commons said:: “It was a strange feeling – it’s been a while since I put shin pads on! It’s great to get back out there.
“I’m thoroughly looking forward to getting back into training now with the rest of the squad, because I only had an hour with them the other day, so it’s just a new experience for me.
“I’ve always thought that Hibs are a great club and a well supported club, so I’m thoroughly looking forward to my home debut.”
Morton: Gaston, Lamie, O’Ware, Gunning, Oliver, Forsbes, Oyenuga (Kilday 16’), Tidser, Russell, McDonagh, Murdoch (Doyle 90’). Substitutes not used: McNeil, Nesbitt, Scullion, Strapp.
Hibs: Laidlaw, McGregor, Hanlon, Fontaine (Cummings 75’), Gray, Bartley, Shinnie, Stevenson, Commons, Boyle, Graham (Holt 65’). Substitutes not used: Virtanen, Keatings, Forster, Eardley, Crane.
Referee: Steven McLean.
Attendance: 2,156.
Photo by John Preece
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.
