Hibs returning lost bhoy, Derek Riordan, scored his first goal since his move back to Easter Road and it was enough to secure all points for the Hibees.
Riordan struck barely a minute after replacing Steven Fletcher in the Hibs attack as the latter succumbed to the virus which had restricted his training during the week.
The goal itself was exquisite in it’s execution.
Ian Murray fed Riordan on Hibs left and despite being shadowed by Simon Mensing bought himself a half yard before curling a fantastic right footed effort past the despairing keeper into the top corner.
The striker was clearly delighted at scoring and pumped his fist and kissed the badge in celebration to the enjoyment of the decent travelling support.
Hibs had controlled the first half without turning their superiority into goals although Colin Nish was unlucky with a fine header which clipped the bar and Dean Shiels should have done better than fire wide from a good position.
The second half belonged almost exclusively to the Accies and midfield duo McCarthy and McArthur impressed.
For all their neat play though Hamilton were rather toothless and Makalamby had only two saves of note during the second period.
One was a fine tip over and the other he spilled only for the onrushing Hamilton player to blast over.
A good three points on the road for Hibs while the Accies will feel a bit aggrieved at getting nothing from the match.
Player Ratings
Yves Makalamby 6
Suspect handling at times and poor communication.
David Van Zanten 5
Caught out time and time again with diagonal balls and is too easy to beat on the ground. The weak link.
Lewis Stevenson 6
Good performance from Stevenson. Used the ball well.
Chris Hogg 7
Solid as ever and won his fair share of the ball.
Rob Jones 7
Marshalled back line well and coped with Offiong threat. Never lost a ball all day.
Dean Shiels 5
Performed okay in first half but was anonymous second.
Ian Murray 7
Another fine performance from the former captain. Won the ball and chased everything.
Joe Keenan 6
Quietly effective in the middle of the park. Uses the ball intelligently.
John Rankin 6
Full of effort and snapped at the heels of the Accies midfield.
Steven Fletcher 6
Started brightly but faded due to the effects of cold.
Colin Nish 7
Good performance from the big man. Noticeable how he was missed when Pinau replaced him second half.
Derek Riordan 7
Wonderful goal but still clearly not match fit.
Steve Pinau 4
Ran a lot but done nothing of note.
Late replacement for Shiels.
Ref Watch – Dougie McDonald – 6/10
A bit eager to flash cards in what was not a dirty game. Van Zanten and Murray bookings could easily have been dealt with by giving the players a telling off otherwise tried to let the game flow.
