Resurgent Hibernian have now won four in a row for the first time since October 2022, as Nectar Triantis’ first-half header proved enough to earn them a 1-0 win over 10-man Kilmarnock.
The on-loan Sunderland midfielder scored his first goal for the Hibees in the 25th minute, but moments later Danny Armstrong was shown a second yellow card, becoming Killie’s eighth player. Any hopes of keeping the mini-resurrection alive are dashed. Missed this season.
Hibs were bottom of the William Hill Premiership earlier this month, but after winning five of their last six games, they are now 10 points clear of bottom St Johnstone and sit in the top six. They are now within 3 points.
Manager David Gray made two changes from the team that started the Boxing Day win away to City rivals Hearts, replacing Warren O’Hora and Ellie Yuan (both nurses) with Lewis Miller and Junior Hoilett was appointed.
Killie, who had not won at Easter Road since May 2014 when both teams were fighting to avoid a relegation play-off spot, picked up the same eleven as they thrashed Aberdeen 4-0 on Thursday.
Hibs should have taken the lead in the 11th minute, but Hoilett fired wide of goal from six yards out after Martin Boyle took a dangerous low shot from the right.
At the other end, Killie strikers Bobby Wales and Kyle Vassell had shots that slipped behind the home defence, but were saved by goalkeeper Jordan Smith.
The hosts came close in the 24th minute when Nicky Cadden saw his powerful strike from eight yards go just wide of the post. The resulting corner was taken by Cadden and Triantis rose to the near post to head home and Hibs took the lead.
Killie suffered a further setback after the half-hour mark when influential defender Joe Wright was sent off injured and replaced by Robbie Dias.
Hibs lost a key player when captain Joe Newell, who had recently been playing through injury, was substituted at the start of the second half.
Killie increased the pressure early in the second period, but it was Hibs who came close to doubling their lead in that period. Miller’s powerful strike was saved by Robbie McCrory and Hoilett’s drilling prevented Rocky Bushiri from returning the ball home from close range. Cross the finish line and come back.
The visitors’ hopes of an equalizer were dashed in the 63rd minute, but a late challenge on Jack Iredale saw Armstrong try to mount the rebound after Smith parried Fraser Murray’s shot. He was shown a second yellow card and was shown a second yellow card. On the edge of the six-yard box, Hibs held firm.
