Report and ratings as Hibs surrender two-goal lead to Killie at Easter Road

Scotsman

3 days ago

Two points dropped. A two-goal lead surrendered. And an unusually error-strewn performance from a Hibs side who had looked so brilliant in Belgrade and dominant in Dundee.
The boos that rang out at full-time after this 2-2 draw at Easter Road were aimed not at David Gray's men, but a refereeing team who had angered some of the locals … because that's what officials do. Ultimately, this was just an unsatisfying experience for fans who had experienced – either in person or via the small screen – such European highs on Thursday night.
On a day when Scotland defender Grant Hanley made his debut, Rocky Bushiri rose to power home a thumping header with 20 minutes on the clock. Elie Youan then netted his first goal since December 21 – in his first start since Boxing Day – just six minutes later, before embarking on some truly joyous celebrations. Complete with audience involvement.
Liam Polworth gave Kilmarnock a lifeline that they barely deserved with a goal just before half-time before Ben Brannan's early Goal of the Season contender made it 2-2 early in the second half. And, in truth, either side might have won a game notable for some erratic defending, to say the least.
In a home side showing three changes from their midweek heroics in the Balkans, with Hanley, Junior Hoilett and Youn dropping into the starting XI in place of Jack Iredale, Chris Cadden and Boyle, there was no early hint of disruption to Hibernian's rhythm. A couple of shaky moments defensively, perhaps, but a general air of control about the opening exchanges.
It certainly came as no surprise when they took the lead. Nor was it a shock to find both Jamie McGrath and big-moment specialist Bushiri combining.
From a free-kick won by Jordan Obita's adventure down the left, McGrath simply drilled the ball hard – and we do mean hard – across the six-yard box at a height of about seven-and-a-half feet. Bushiri met it with his forehead at the back post, sending his effort screaming past a despairing Max Stryjek.
Youan made it 2-0 a little over five minutes later, the Frenchman taking a sublime through ball from Hoilett in his stride and beating Stryjek despite the goalie getting a touch on the ball. Hibs were now in firm control of the contest. And looking for more goals.
But Bushiri was too easily beaten by Marcus Dackers out on the wing, the centre-half having ceded possession initially with a surging run and inaccurate pass, allowing the Killie No. 9 to cut the ball back for Polworth. His sliding effort went in despite Jordan Obita's best efforts on the goal line.
Dackers missed a glorious chance just 30 seconds into the second half, heading over from all of five yards under little pressure. But the equaliser wasn't long in coming.
Hibs actually cleared their lines pretty well from a corner kick. They just couldn't account for Brannan scoring an absolute worldie, smashing a right-footed volley from well outside the box and justifiably celebrating with gusto after the ball arced over and beyond Jordan Smith to hit the far top corner.
Both teams had chances as the game entered its decisive phase, with a couple of miskicks from goalie Smith almost gifting Killie a goal, while Josh Mulligan made the wrong choice on a three-man counter with Dylan Levitt and substitute Martin Boyle.
Mulligan's hard running and Boyle's nose for goal added something. But Hibs never really managed to click. And had to satisfy themselves with a single point when three had been within their grasp.
1 . GK Jordan Smith 5/10
Call it an off day. Or a complete footballing breakdown. Not that he could do anything about either Killie goal. But back passes caused the undisputed Hibs No. 1 no end of stress and strife. | SNS Group Photo Sales
2 . RCB Warren O'Hora 6/10
Had to be alert to cope with the threat of Dackers. Useful in keeping the ball moving along the back line as Hibs switched play. Probably just the best of a back three who looked extremely rattled in second half, especially. | SNS Group Photo Sales
3 . CB Rocky Bushiri 6/10
Never dull. Second goal of the season, just four games into the new campaign, offset slightly by his role in Killie's counter strike moments before the half-time break. Involved in a couple of genuinely hairy moments. | Getty Images Photo Sales
4 . LCB Grant Hanley 6/10
Vastly experienced Scotland centre half made his SPFL debut with a start on the left of the back three. Replaced by Iredale just before the hour mark, having looked OK. | SNS Group Photo Sales