Hibs cruise to a 2-0 victory over Raith Rovers
An impressive display by James Keatings headlined Hibs 2-0 victory over Raith Rovers in a match which showed we’re slowly getting there.
The display, far from being the best of Alan Stubbs’ tenure, was one which saw the victors ease to the win without going fully through the gears and, Rangers apart, epitomised the gulf in class between Hibs and the rest of the Championship.
Raith aren’t a bad side and did have their moments in the encounter, forcing Mark Oxley to make four decent saves but there was a general feeling that Hibs could have found another level had it been required.
I’ve been pretty critical of our ‘keeper this season so credit where it’s due, Oxley played very well and hopefully his performance boosts his confidence enough to continue in this manner.
Defensively we were ok, nothing more, nothing less, although the Kirkcaldy side were finding pockets of space they were generally outwith danger areas.
Hibs midfield was very good and without doubt the strongest in the division. Even without the injured Fraser Fyvie who’d failed to recover from his injury sustained against Stranraer, it showed quality as a unit with John McGinn rightly collecting the man of the match award.
The former St Mirren midfielder certainly looks to be a terrific prospect. Strong running from deep, capable of a dig on goal, always finding an extra yard and playing with his head up, he could prove to be Stubbs’ best acquisition of the summer but will eventually find himself playing at a much higher level south of the border.
It was good to see James Keatings make his first start for the club and the former Jambo gave a committed display scoring one and creating the other for Jason Cummings.
Keats could have had a couple, Cummings should have had a hat-trick but a lack of composure saw last season’s top scorer miss out and done little to convince most observers that he can up his conversion rate.
Overall it would rate as a 6 or 7 out of ten performance, a victory with plenty still left in the tank so coupled with Hearts capitulation against Hamilton it was a good day for Hibees.
