Hibernian 2 - 0 Hamilton: Kamberi and McNulty gift new boss debut win

Following eight months in the managerial wilderness, Paul Heckingbottom could barely contain his delight at stepping back into the dugout. That his Hibernian side went on to claim a routine three points ensured it was a hugely satisfying return to his natural domain.

Hibernian's Marc McNulty scores his team's second from the penalty spot. Pic: SNS/Paul Devlin

More stringent tests of his charges will await and there were plenty of areas in which Hibs can improve, particularly reflecting on a second half which saw Hamilton come perilously close to making a game of it. Heckingbottom acknowledged as much.

However, they showed enough positive signs in the first 45 minutes of his Easter Road reign to give the Hibs support ample cause for optimism. Goals from Flo Kamberi and Marc McNulty secured the points, his tactical tweaks were astute and they are now just three points adrift of the top-six.

Not bad for his maiden match in charge and a fine way to end an afternoon that began with him receiving a warm welcome from the Easter Road faithful.

“I’ve missed being in the dugout,” he smiled. “One hundred per cent. It’s the best thing as far as I’m concerned and, from a selfish point of view, that’s why it’s been a good day.

“The ovation I received before the game was fantastic. Everyone I’ve met - the people, the fans, the staff and the players - have been brilliant. I’m really pleased we got the win for everybody.

“I was really pleased with the result and lots of aspects of the performance. I couldn’t ask any more of the players in terms of their attitude, application and what we asked them to do.

“But we can get more than we’ve seen on Saturday out of this team. That’s got to be the aim. There are things we want to improve on - our roles out of possession is a big one for me. Without going in to detail, there’s a hell of a lot of things that I know will change.”

Indeed, it was a case of evolution rather than revolution as Heckingbottom named the same eleven that defeated Raith Rovers seven days earlier. However, he completely altered the shape, fielding a narrow 4-2-2-2. Mark Milligan moved into midfield - he would go on to have his best game in a Hibs jersey to date - with Kamberi and McNulty leading the line.

That front two linked up well in the opening exchanges, with the on-loan Reading attacker finding his Swiss partner in the box, only for Gary Woods to make a fine point-blank save. When the ball pinballed to the edge of the box, Milligan fizzed a ferocious drive inches wide.

Hamilton were backed by a modest following but they were determined to enjoy their day, launching into a chorus of ‘one Terry Butcher’, the Hibs manager when Accies relegated the Hibees in 2014.

Tony Andreu, who scored Accies’ opening goal to set that chastening capitulation in motion, is back in Accies colours and stung the palms of Ofir Marciano in a foray forward for the visitors.

However, the Heckingbottom honeymoon period soon began. Daryl Horgan, a constant threat on the left flank, delivered a tantalising in-swinging cross which drifted beyond Woods and into the corner of the net. Kamberi wheeled away in celebration, claiming to have got a touch. Given it would be a first league goal since December 16, it would take a cruel soul to argue otherwise.

“They both claimed it, so I’ll just leave that to them,” smiled Heckingbottom.

Kamberi, so out-of-sorts latterly under Neil Lennon, was shining and certainly got a touch on another terrific Horgan cross midway through the half, however, the ball struck the top of the bar before being pounced upon by a grateful Woods.

Hibs were presented with a wonderful chance to double their advantage when ex-Hearts defender Lennard Sowah conceded a penalty by clumsily leaping into David Gray as they challenged for a high ball in the box. Referee Alan Muir pointed to the spot and McNulty clinically sent Woods the wrong way for his second goal in Hibs colours. A Heck of a first 45 minutes for the new boss.

“I told them at half-time, we’re getting beat 2-0 and anybody that doesn’t fancy it: just get your clothes on and away you go,” revealed Hamilton manager Brian Rice.

It was a message that sunk in. Mickel Miller and Alex Gogic both forced Ofir Marciano into action as Hamilton responded admirably to their deficit after the break and, seeking to ignite an improbable comeback, Miller saw a low cross ricochet off the post.

Stephane Omeonga entered the fray in place of Horgan in a bid to weather the storm, adding steel and drive, but the Belgian also came within inches of his first goal for the club in the dying embers when his low drive from the edge of the box struck the post.

HIBERNIAN: Marciano; Gray, Hanlon, McGregor, Stevenson; Milligan, Slivka; Mallan, Horgan (Omeonga 72); McNulty (Shaw 78), Kamberi (Allan 85). Subs not used: Bogdan, Nelom, Bigirimana, Mackie.

HAMILTON: Woods; McGowan, Gordon, Kilgallon, Sowah; Gogic (Mimnaugh 64), MacKinnon; McMillan (Davies 56), Andreu (Smith 75), Miller; Oakley. Subs not used: Marsden, Penny, Martin, Boyd.