Hibs take three points with comfortable win over Ross County
The Hibs’ fans who braved the freezing cold conditions were
rewarded with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Ross County at Easter Road last
night.
Head Coach Jack Ross made four changes to the starting XI
that beat BSC Glasgow on Sunday with Lewis Stevenson, Steven Whittaker, Daryl
Horgan and Stephane Omeonga making way for Joe Newell, Vykintas Slivka Adam
Jackson and Scott Allan.
Hibs started brightly and Martin Boyle went close in the
opening minute after latching onto a cross from Greg Docherty but his effort
flew over the bar.
The hosts took the lead in the 6th minute when
Allan sent an inch perfect through ball to Sunday’s hat trick hero Marc McNulty
who slid it past the advancing Nathan Baxter.
Hibs continued to mount attack after attack but the visitors
looked dangerous on the break and Ofir Marciano did well to block an Iain
Vigurs effort and Paul Hanlon robbed Billy Mckay as he was about to shoot from
close range.
With half-time approaching Hibs added a second when
Christian Doidge stooped to head home Newell’s corner.
Hibs started the second half as they finished the first with
Boyle in particular on top form and both Liam Fontaine and Vigurs were booked
by referee Steven McLean for fouls on him.
Former Hibs’ youngster Oli Shaw replaced Lee Erwin and was
given a warm welcome from the home supporters.
With eight minutes remaining McNulty’s cross was handled by Marcus
Fraser and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot but the
normally reliant striker’s penalty was well saved by Baxter.
Newell took the resultant corner and Adam Jackson rose above
the defenders to head the ball into the net to secure the three points.
After the final whistle Ross told BBC Scotland: “Greg Docherty has been terrific since he
came in. I got to see him first-hand in England last year at Shrewsbury. He has
brought exactly what we wanted to the team. His energy is terrific. He’s
enjoying his football and he will be terrific for us until the end of the
season.
“Not so long ago we were in a very difficult position
at the bottom of the table and now we’re in a much healthier position and now
competing where we think we should be.”
Hibs: Marciano, Hanlon, McGinn, Slivka, Doidge, Boyle,
Newell, McNulty, Docherty, Jackson, Allan. Subs: Bogdan, Horgan, James,
McGregor, Murray, Omeonga, Gullan.
Ross County: Baxter, Fraser, Kelly, Fontaine, Draper, Erwin,
McKay, Vigurs, Watson, Paton, Donaldson. Subs: Laidlaw, Mullin, Foster, Shaw,
Spittal, Tillson, Cowie
Referee Steven McLean
Attendance 14,486