Hibs fans can finally see a glimmer of hope after a long arduous season following the 2-0 victory over Premiership play-off rivals Hamilton last night.
The win was secured thanks to a wonderful brace from young Jason Cummings who showed composure beyond his years when netting his second after his 25 yard howitzer had given Hibs a first half lead.
Heading into the game saw predictions of another catastrophic failure from the Easter Road side but the players defied the critics by producing a good performance to lift the gloom that had been enveloping the club.
Following the defeat to Kilmarnock on the last day of the season it would have been easy for the players to accept relegation but credit where it’s due, the squad and management lifted themselves at a crucial time.
Accies were the bookies favourites for this first leg but with a few tactical alterations, the Hibs rearguard handled the free-scoring Lanarkshire outfit comfortably with the Championship runners up finding clear cut chances difficult to create.
Whilst young Cummings will take all the plaudits today, and rightly so, the Hibees also had top performers in Ben Williams, Michael Nelson, Scott Robertson and Paul Heffernan.
Williams marshalled his back four superbly and made a crucial stop from Curier in the first half whilst Nelson, so often picked out as a scapegoat by fans and media alike stuck to his task of containing former Easter Road man Curier and nullified his potential threat throughout.
Robertson worked his socks off and was unlucky to see his early attempt deflect wide off the post. He picked up a yellow card in a combative performance which saw him cover every blade of grass.
Heffernan up front was another who impressed with intelligent runs into channels and his link up play brought the midfield further forward than of late. Produced a perfect ball for Cumming’s second although the youngster still had some work to do.
The victory has been a long time coming. Hibs last win was back in the middle of February when they defeated Ross County 2-1 but victory against an Accies side undefeated at New Douglas Park since January should provide the confidence for Terry Butcher’s men to complete their survival this Sunday.
Despite the two goal advantage Hibs can’t afford for any complacency to set in prior to the second leg. The side began to look like a weight had been lifted from their shoulders after going 2 up and this new found belief should see any potential catastrophe avoided this weekend.
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