Hibs moved off the bottom of the Scottish Premiership with a 3-1 win over Ross County as rivals Hearts replaced them in last spot.
It wasn’t pretty at Easter Road, with Hibs deservedly booed off at half-time after a dismal first-half showing despite Dwight Gayle equalising in stoppage time after Elijah Campbell’s opener for Ross County.
But they improved after the break with Elie Youan and Josh Campbell scoring to secure just a third league win of the season and alleviate pressure on manager David Gray as they climbed up to eighth.
How Hibs came from behind to win
Josh Campbell celebrates after scoring to make it 3-1
County made a lightning start and Noah Chilvers spurned a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring in under a minute when he raced clear on goal but goalkeeper Jordan Smith made an excellent save.
But from the resulting corner, County did take the lead courtesy of Campbell’s first goal for the club.
Scott Allardice’s initial header rebounded off the post and Campbell looped a header into the net across goal from a tight angle.
Hibs missed a glorious opportunity to equalise on 15 minutes when Junior Hoilett failed to connect properly with Nicky Cadden’s cross from just six yards.
The home faithful were understandably letting their anger known during an insipid first half where Hibs barely tested Jack Hamilton in the County goal until they equalised on the stroke of half-time.
Nectar Triantis launched a counter-attack and released Hoilett with a clever pass down the right and the veteran winger’s clipped cross was glanced past Hamilton by Gayle.
Despite the goal, Hibs were still booed off at the break and the home supporters’ frustrations continued at the start of the second half as Youan and Joe Newell wasted good scoring opportunities.
The hosts were struggling to break down County’s resolute defence but they were awarded a penalty after 68 minutes after a moment of madness from George Harman.
The Staggies defender clearly wrestled Gayle to the ground from a hopeful long ball but Hamilton rescued his team-mate by saving Cadden’s poor penalty with his feet.
Hibs were handed a reprieve just five minutes later when referee Lloyd Wilson awarded them another penalty after Ryan Leak was adjudged to have dragged back Campbell.
Youan replaced Cadden on penalty duties and made no mistake by smashing the ball home via the post to give Hibs the lead.
County rallied late on in search of an equaliser but Hibs defended well and hit them on the counter to add a third as the visitors pushed men forward.
Youan exploited the space and rolled the ball across goal for Campbell to fire home to seal the win.
What the managers said…
Hibs boss David Gray: “We knew with three points today we could go above Ross County, who were sitting eighth – that was the focus.
“Credit to Ross County, they started the game far better than us. But then I thought once we did settle down a little bit, the goal for us comes at a really key time. So to go in 1-1 at half-time was a massive moment in the game.
“In the second half, I thought we were miles better. A lot more on the front foot, created a lot more chances, missed a few key chances again.
“But the reaction from the players to go behind to get themselves back in front was excellent. The one thing they’ve always been questioned about this year, and rightly so because of the points we’ve dropped at times, was the character.
“Ross County threw absolutely everything at us towards the end and I thought we stood up to it really well, defended the box really well.
“We’ve played miles better and lost points but the character was definitely tested and the big thing today was the result, so I’m delighted for the players on that front.”
Ross County boss Don Cowie: “I believe that’s easily the best we’ve played away from home.
“In terms of game plan, in terms of executing it, the first half was excellent. I thought we came again and had a lot of pressure late in the game as we chased an equaliser.
“It didn’t quite drop for us but what I do believe is if we keep playing like that, especially away from home, the victory will come.”
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