Hibs’ Head Coach Neil Lennon has admitted that Hibs’ title hopes are now in their own hands after yesterday’s victory over second placed Falkirk, coupled with Morton’s defeat to Dunfermline.
Over 16,000 fans watch a hard fought and often ill-tempered game with no quarter asked or given. Falkirk had a few chances to win the game whilst Hibs had three penalty appeals waved away.
In the end, Hibs were deserved winners and James Keatings’ late strike was worthy of winning any game.
Hibs are now ten points ahead of both Falkirk and Morton although the Greenock side have a game in hand whilst the Bairns have played a game more.
Hibs face Morton at Easter Road on Wednesday and three points would virtually wrap up the title ahead of the Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.
The only negative was a shoulder injury to Andrew Shinnie but John McGinn and Ofir Marciano will be available for the midweek fixture.
Paul Hanlon also returned from the substitutes bench.
Speaking after the game, a delighted Lennon said: “It was nice to win the game in the manner we did because haven’t done that as often as I would like this season. It’s in our hands now, there is no question of that.
“It was important to win today and with Morton losing it could be a pivotal day in the run-in so I’m absolutely delighted. Even if Morton win their game in hand now there is still a significant gap.
“We’ve still got a bit of work to do – but I think psychologically it was huge for us after dropping points last week.
“It was a great game of football and very exciting.
“Keaty’s goal was worthy of winning any game and he was due one. He’s got the ability.
“He’s had to patient here but I’ve seen him do that a lot, he’s a technician and a good finisher.
“He put a good ball in for the first goal too and I was delighted to see us score from a set piece.
“But that may be a huge goal in the context of the season – huge.”
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.
