Hibernian 1 - 0 Kilmarnock: Attacking Hibs finally hit spot

Published on Saturday 17 October 2009 22:46

AUTUMN sunshine on the streets of Leith, and hope in the hearts of Hibernian fans, who note with optimism their side's continued ability to keep pace with the Old Firm.

Like Rangers, they left it late yesterday, but Abdessalam Benjelloun's winner from the penalty spot keeps John Hughes' side in contention at the top of the table.

Given their options in attack, Hibs should not be reduced to grinding out results, but this proved a far from straightforward assignment against Jim Jefferies' awkward squad from Ayrshire. Just minutes remained in the game when Benjelloun finally ended the frustration felt by the Hibs fans as their side again failed to find the killer touch.

Indeed, the winning goal only came following an injudicious barge on Benjelloun by Gavin Skelton in the penalty box.

Even then, there were no guarantees the home side would make the most of it.

Hibs, after all, had missed their previous two penalties.

Merouane Zemmama did not make it easy for his compatriot and team-mate either. He attempted to grab the ball off him, but Benjelloun won the Moroccan stand-off. He shook off the distraction andplanted the ball pastMark Brown. It was his first goal since the opening day of the season, and handed the home fans some relief after another catalogue of spurned chances.

Having dropped two points on their last outing at home, Hibs were keen to gather the maximum haul on offer.

Hughes again went with a bold selection; four strikers were strung out along the frontline, though were clearly detailed to drop back to help out when necessary. Indeed, it was the same team as that which started against Dundee United in the 1-1 draw a fortnight ago.

Anthony Stokes, Zemmama and Benjelloun flitted in and out of proceedings, with Derek Riordan an often agitated presence on the left touch-line.

Zemmamawas the chief target for his ire as he clung on to the ball too long for Riordan's liking. Infuriating him further was the fact that he had often taken up good position himself. Such is the wealth of talent at Hibs' disposal up front, such squabbles are inevitable. Too many cooks spoil the broth, and it was a similar tale of over-elaboration here. Not that Kilmarnock were worried.

The visitors had started brightly, and should have opened the scoring in the third minute following a corner from Skelton.

The Hibs fans feared something of note occurring from the set-piece, perhaps referee Craig Thomson too. His decision to give the corner had surprised even the Kilmarnock players, with Thomson signalling the ball had clipped a Hibs player's ankle. Jeers rang out, and they might have got louder had Ryan O'Leary's header not struck a post. The danger had still not dissipated but Conor Sammon's follow-up effort was pushed past by Graham Stack.

But Hibs soon settled, and Riordan found the side-netting with a shot. A clever through-ball from the same player then gave Stokes a glimpse of goal, but his attempt to lift the ball over Mark Brown was weak. When Riordan was on the ball, possibilities flared.But it did not happen often enough, and he let his team-mates know. Not that it was all their fault. Riordan needs to make things happen himself, and too often sunk into sulks when play did not include him.

Kilmarnock could never be discounted, and Jamie Hamill almost broke the deadlock with a curling effort from just inside the box. Stack was relieved to see the shot bash back off an advertising hoarding.Before half-time three ofHibs' four forwards almost combined to produce the goal which many hoped would ignite the game. Zemmama struck the free-kick, Stokes headed the ball across goal but Benjelloun could not quite connect at the far post.

Liam Miller had looked a more authoritative influence in midfield, while Chris Hogg too looked steadier than of late at the back next to Sol Bamba. But the referee had probably been the most eye-catching performer on the park courtesy of the day-glo stripes on his boots. He was further made conspicuous by the need to stop play at regular intervals due to niggly fouls. It did nothing to aid anyone's enjoyment, although that was not necessarily the referee's fault.

Kilmarnock were forced back on their heels following the interval, as Hibs built up momentum. They surged towards Brown's goal, with David Wetherspoon the first to threaten with a header which he sent past the post. Riordan saw more of the ball, and responded with a shot which cleared the bar, and another which brought out a good save from Brown.

Hughes decided to shake things up in attack, and while he probably flirted withthe idea ofsendingonafifthstriker, he checked himself. Colin Nish did indeed make an entrance, but Stokes was withdrawn. Hibs persisted with a front four of sorts, though Riordan was proving the most troublesome as far as Kilmarnock were concerned. Yet another effort from the player kissed the top of the bar, having looked set to dip in.

The pressure finally told with eight minutes left. Another goalmouth scramble saw Benjelloun attempt to shield the ball. Skelton clattered into his back, and sent the striker sprawling. It was a cheap way to concede a penalty, with Kilmarnock having begun to believe that a point was theirs. Although Brown dived the right way, he could not prevent a well-struck penalty reaching the back of the net. Easter Road roared its approval.