Hibs suffered their sixth successive home league defeat tonight, going down 1-0 to bottom of the table Kilmarnock.
David Gray made just one change from the side that comfortably beat Ross County at the weekend with captain Joe Newell dropping to the bench after being replaced by Manchester United youngster Jacob Devaney in midfield.
Neil McCann gave Hearts loanee MJ Kamson-Kamara a Kilmarnock debut in defence, replacing Jamie Brandon at right-back.
Rangers kid Bailey Rice also got a first start, having come off the bench in four of the five league games so far.
There was also a return for Tyreece John-Jules up top, replacing Djenairo Daniels who dropped to the bench.
There was no Aaron Tshibola, who was suspended after his red card against Aberdeen in the last league game.
Hibs Ultras, known as Block 7 were missing from their normal spot behind the goals in the Famous Five Stand having been issued with a one-match ban for unacceptable conduct.
But in the 12th minute there was a noisy fireworks display from behind the stand, presumably set off by the group. But if they thought that might gain some sympathy from their fellow fans thy were mistaken because the end of the display was greeted by loud booing.
Before that Kanayo Megwa picked up a knock and was replaced by Grant Hanley.
After a mistake laden first 40-minutes, the visitors took the lead.
Hibs keeper Raphael Sallinger could only parry a shot cum cross from the left and the ball fell to George Stanger who stabbed the ball home from eight yards.
The half time whistle was greeted by more loud booing from the Hibs fans.
Kilmarnock started the second-half on the front foot and looked the more likely to score.
Rice hit a free-kick from distance that almost caught out Raphael Sallinger, but he managed to palm the ball away.
Greg Kiltie was next to try his luck but again Sallinger made a smart save.
In the 53rd minute Hibs made a triple change with Martin Boyle, Nathan Lowe and Owen Elding taking over from Callum Wright, Ante Suto and Thibault Klidje.
But within minutes Kilmarnock were denied a penalty when Joe Hugill went down in the box after Hanley had hold of his shirt but a VAR check cleared the Scotland defender.
Then a Kiltie’s cross trundled towards the back post and Hugill knocked it into the net. The goal was given but as the players lined up to kick off VAR decided there was an offside in the build up.
That lifted the crowd, but Kilmarnock continued to dominate.
Hugill passed up a great chance to double Killie’s lead but his the side net then Sallinger produced a sensational point blank save to deny Hugill.
Hibs finished the game with a string of corners but Kilmarnock held on to take the points and the fans let the players know their feelings at full time.
After the final whistle Gray told BBC Sportsound: “It’s clear to see, not good enough in terms of the result. We didn’t create clear enough chances.
“Kilmarnock defended their box a lot better than we did. We gave up too many chances and some of our defending wasn’t good enough, that’s why we lost the game.
“The only way it turns is by putting yourself out there, sticking together and believing in yourself and trusting your ability.”
When asked how he can change Hibs’ fortunes, Gray responds: “One thing I will continue to is work as hard as I can to turn this around. I’ve been through adversity before at this football club and I will continue until someone tells me otherwise. I believe in my group and believe in what we’re doing.”
And whether he still has the backing of the board, he adds: “Until someone was to say something different, I will continue to do everything to turn this around.”
Hibs: Sallinger, Megwa, Kerr, Iredale, Passlack, Mulligan, Devaney, Mayor, Wright, Klidje, Suto.
Substitutes: Owens, Hanley, Elding, Lowe, Boyle, Newell, Chaiwa, Cadden, Abdulai.
Kilmarnock: Stryjek, Kamson-Kamara, Stanger, McCarthy, Schjonning-Larsen, Lowery, Rice, Rung, Kiltie, John-Jules, Hugill.
Substitutes: Ferrie, Brandon, O’Hara, McKenzie, Meier, Clescenco, Owen, Daniels, Burke.
