Kilmarnock hit back from two goals down to draw with Hibernian

Rhyl Journal

a day ago

The Hibees looked to be easing towards victory after goals from Rocky Bushiri and Elie Youan in the opening half-hour, but they were brought back down to earth following their memorable Conference League exploits in Serbia on Thursday.
Killie, who squandered a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with Livingston in their league opener, hit back late in the first half through Liam Polworth before 18-year-old Brannan volleyed home early in the second period to secure a point.
Hibs boss David Gray made three changes to the side that started Thursday's 2-0 away win over Partizan Belgrade as Jack Iredale, Chris Cadden and Martin Boyle dropped to the bench.
Scotland defender Grant Hanley was given his debut and Youan, having recovered from long-term injury, made his first start since the Boxing Day win at Hearts, while Junior Hoilett was restored.
There were also three changes to the Killie team that kicked off the campaign with a 2-2 draw against Livingston as Robbie Deas, Rory McKenzie and debutant defender Ethan Brown replaced Brad Lyons, George Stanger and Tom Lowery.
Hibs started strongly, with Hoilett shooting just wide after a brilliant piece of skill on the edge of box.
At the other end, Marcus Dackers glanced a header wide from Brannan's cross.
The hosts made the breakthrough in the 20th minute when Jamie McGrath's fizzed a powerful free-kick from the left towards Bushiri at the back post and the defender powered home his header from close range.
The Hibees doubled their lead seven minutes later when Hoilett sent Youan clean through and the forward fired past Max Stryjek from 10 yards for his first goal since netting away to Aberdeen the weekend before Christmas.
The Edinburgh side looked to be coasting and Josh Mulligan almost added a third when he drove into box and sent an angled shot just beyond the far post.
But Killie, having been on the back foot for most of the first half, got themselves back in the game in the 45th minute when Polworth forced home a shot from seven yards after excellent work on the left by Dackers to set him up.
The visitors signalled their renewed intent when Dackers went close with a header less than a minute into the second period.
And they drew level in the 48th minute when Brannan unleashed a sensational dipping volley from 25 yards that looped over Jordan Smith after Polworth's corner from the right had been headed out by Hoilett.