Hibs 2-1 St Mirren: Yogi's men claim another late clincher

TWO injury-time winners in the space of three days, the second an own goal.

Some may call that lucky. But for Hibs boss John Hughes it merely reflects the never-say-die attitude of his players, their determination to go the full 90 minutes and beyond in their search for victory. And don't forget the triumphs over Celtic and St Mirren came after the Easter Road outfit had conceded the first goal, making it seven times this season Hibs have come from behind to salvage at least a point.

It was a trait which began on the opening day of the campaign, Saints' last visit to Easter Road, and while it isn't a bad habit to have, it's one Hughes would probably rather his side rid themselves of although their ability to hit back even into the dying seconds of matches is not only testament to their grit and resolve but fitness levels.

As Republic of Ireland star Liam Miller observed: "Football isn't just 90 minutes, it's about injury time as well. I think it is the sign of a good side, one which keeps going. I think we've seen we are a good team with the spirit to keep going right to the end."

Nicking late, late goals is a feature possibly more associated with the Old Firm, that desire to go seeking a winner when most sides would happily settle for a point which looked all Hibs were going to get from this game until left-back Ian Murray set off on one final, lung-bursting run outside substitute Abdessalam Benjelloun.

The Moroccan striker's pass was perfect both in timing and weight, allowing Murray to swing in a cross which Buddies defender Jack Ross, in his desperation to clear, could only head high into his own net. Cue wild celebrations all around, probably more in relief than anything although it wasn't lost on either players or fans alike that results elsewhere had, again, conspired in their favour.

Just as Danny Galbraith's glory strike at Celtic Park had probably dealt Hibs' Euro rivals a psychological blow so, too, argued Murray would news that he and his team-mates had again claimed maximum points in dramatic fashion.

While admitting the Edinburgh side had enjoyed a slice of luck given the nature of the goal, Murray said: "Both teams could have settled for a draw but we threw caution to the wind a bit.

"We lost our shape a little as we went two at the back and pushed forward with both full-backs bombing on as did John Rankin and Liam in midfield.

"Benji released the ball at the right time and, to be honest, I put it in there hoping someone would get on the end of it. Okay, we got a bit of luck but we were delighted.

"We'd discussed before the game, it would be a bit flat because of the result at Celtic and this being our third game in a week. We were disappointed to lose that goal but these things happen. We just got on with it and showed good character again."

Having picked up nine points in just eight days Hibs have not only hammered out the message that their demise following a poor start to 2010 had been hugely exaggerated, but reclaimed third spot from Dundee United while Celtic remain only two points ahead.

Murray said: "It's not so long ago we came back from Tannadice disappointed with our performance and at having seen Dundee United leapfrog us. This will be a huge psychological boost for us, there's now a little light between us and United having picked up nine points against decent sides.

"When you go to Celtic Park anything you get is a bonus, you'd happily settle for a point so to get all three was fantastic."

Hibs, however, did appear to suffer a reaction from their heroics in the east end of Glasgow as Hughes had feared, the upshot being another sluggish start which saw goalkeeper Graeme Smith pull off a terrific save from Billy Mehmet's header only to be beaten as Sol Bamba, back in action despite having only returned from international duty with the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations only hours earlier, turned Steven Robb's cross into his own net.

Smith admitted afterwards he hadn't given the big defender a shout believing it was so obvious the ball was dropping into his arms while Bamba having heard nothing from his goalkeeper, whom he was playing with for the first time, attempted to take command of the situation.

It could have got worse for Hibs as Mehmet fired wide from only 12 yards but slowly they managed to gain a foothold in the game, the presence of Colin Nish unsettling Lee Mair sufficiently as the pair jostled for a high, hanging ball to allow Miller to latch onto it and steer it beyond Paul Gallacher in the Saints goal.

If Nish's contribution possibly isn't widely appreciated by those watching, Miller, having played at the likes of Celtic, Manchester United and Sunderland certainly does so. He said: "Colin is a handful, he perhaps does not get the credit he deserves.

"He is not an out-and-out goalscorer and the work he does for the team goes un-noticed. But he holds the ball up well, brings others into play."

As Miller pointed out, though, on another day Nish could well have found himself on the scoresheet more than once, one shot crashing off the post while other attempts weren't too far off target. Miller, too, might have added a second, forcing Gallacher into a terrific save down to his left as Saints looked like holding out.

While admitting some sympathy for Saints for that cruel, cruel finish, Hughes was full of praise for the fighting spirit of his players. He said: "The way it came about was a bit fortunate and you wouldn't wish it on any side but good on the boys for going for it and showing that spirit and character.

"I felt that on our second half display we possibly merited the victory. There was plenty flashing about their box but you are saying to yourself that maybe this isn't going to be your day so we were delighted.

"We lost a sloppy goal but all credit to the players. It's been a hard week for them, the demands put on you in Glasgow are huge both mentally and physically. But I'd told the players Wednesday's result would mean nothing if they didn't win this one.

"We are trying to instil a winning culture, I'm still working towards that day when I can stand on the touchline cool, calm and collected.

"At this moment we are still trying to batter that into them, driving them on, telling them they have to take responsibility – and it is coming.

"I'm not getting blase, it helps when you are getting results but all credit to the boys, they have given me everything they have this past week."