Small margins for Hibs at Rangers as they run league leaders close again

Hibs might look at this narrow 1-0 defeat by Rangers with a few “what ifs”.

Hibs goalkeeper Dillon Barnes saves an effort from Rangers' Leon Balogun during the close encounter at Ibrox. Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group

Christian Doidge missed the match after he was sent off in the midweek victory over St Mirren – but he was just one of four changes to the Hibs line-up.

Kyle Magennis and Ofir Marciano each failed to recover from tight hamstrings, and Lewis Stevenson dropped to the bench to make way for young Josh Doig as the away team reverted back to the formation and tactics which had proved so effective when the teams drew at Easter Road earlier in the campaign.

That day they became the first team to score against Steven Gerrard’s, who they were vying with at the very top of the table. Since then the Ibrox men have established themselves as the season’s frontrunners and moved 20 points clear of Hibs. But, on a head-to-basis, over the course of 90 minutes, there remains little to separate the sides.

Switching to three at the back, Doig operated as a left wing-back, while Drey Wright was tasked with that role on the opposite flank. Alex Gogic returned to the starting line up, anchoring the midfield three, which also included Joe Newell and Melker Hallberg.

Martin Boyle was utilised in an advanced role, up alongside Kevin Nisbet, where it was hoped his pace may prove useful.

But it was the change in goal that intrigued most, given how important first choice keeper Marciano has proved himself this season.

There was no need to worry about the on-loan QPR keeper proving a weak link, though. Making his first league start for Jack Ross’ side, he pulled off instinctive, close range saves in each half to deny the hosts and, outwith that, was not severely tested.

It vindicated his manager’s decision to organise some recent bounce games to maintain his match sharpness, following a period of inactivity since his Betfred Cup outings.

In the 25th minute, Connor Goldson’s header looked goalbound, but the Englishman reacted to bat it away and Paul McGinn, on the goalline, then cleared.

In the 65th minute, the keeper was again positioned well and got down swiftly to deny Leon Balogun when James Tavernier’s corner dropped for the Nigerian international in the six yard box and he tried to smash it home.

But, although Rangers had the majority of the first half possession, and Hibs struggled to get out of their own half at times, the capital side were never really under undue stress.

In fact, Hibs countered, with Doig particularly efficient in getting up the wing and curling in deep, dangerous balls. Twice Boyle almost capitalised.

It was the Govan title hopefuls who took the lead, though, when Roofe squeezed a ball across the area where Ianis Hagi got in to deftly directed the ball low into the net.

But as the game wore on, there was no adding to that tally as Hibs contained them and applied pressure of their own. There was even a penalty shout for a high foot from Hagi as he tried to halt a Newell run into the box, and they kept Rangers penned in for spells, while Kevin Nisbet, Newell, Boyle and Hallberg all had digs. It was a case of small margins and, had Doidge been available, it may have ended differently.

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