hibs

Hibs were unable to leapfrog Queen of the South to return to the top of the table this afternoon and had to settle for a share of the points in Dumfries after Lewis Stevenson was sent off for a second bookable offence.

The game was played in terrible weather conditions and Hibs’ Head Coach Neil Lennon made three changes to the starting XI that lost to Ayr United last Saturday with Martin Boyle, Dylan McGeouch and Brian Graham replacing Fraser Fyvie, Grant Holt and Andrew Shinnie.

Marvin Bartley, who was sent off last week was selected to play after his appeal was allowed.

The home side started brightly and former Hibs’ striker Stephen Dobbie went close from the edge of the area before Ofir Marciano did well to save from Dale Hilson.

Hibs fought back and Martin Boyle forced a save from Lee Robinson in the Queens’ goal.

Jason Cummings almost opened the scoring but his header from David Gray’s cross was saved by Robinson.

Paul Hanlon then Gray headed over from Boyle corners before Brian Graham shot just wife of the target as Hibs dominated possession for the remainder of the first half.

Robinson produced a fine save to prevent Gray scoring from a free kick before Hibs were reduced to ten men for the second game in succession in the 55th minute when Stevenson was shown his second yellow card of the afternoon for a foul on Hilson.

Lennon immediately replaced Cummings with Jordon Forster who moved to the centre of the defence with Hanlon moving to left back.

The Doonhamers looked to take advantage of the extra man and only a good save from Marciano prevented Hilson grabbing the lead.

John McGinn almost opened the scoring with a long range effort but once again Robinson produced an acrobatic save.

Both teams had late chances but the game ended all square.

Queen of the South: Robinson, Hamill, Dowie, Brownlie, Higgins, Millar, Lyle (Anderson 76’), Hilson, Dobbie, Jacobs (Pickard 63’), Dykes.  Subs not used: Atkinson, Rigg, Hooper, Maxon, Brotherston.

Hibernian: Marciano, Gray, Hanlon, Bartley, McGinn, McGeouch (Fyvie 71’), Stevenson, Boyle (Keatings 83’), McGregor, Graham, Cummings (Forster 56’).  Subs not used: Laidlaw, Holt, Shinnie, Harris.

Referee: Steven McLean.

Attendance: 3,703.

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.