Easter Road Witnesses a Tale of Two Halves
In a match that perfectly encapsulated the rollercoaster nature of the Scottish Premiership, Hibernian FC clawed their way off the bottom of the table with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Ross County. The result, a lifeline for under-pressure manager David Gray, saw Hearts inherit the dreaded last place, while Hibs leaped to eighth—a testament to the league’s razor-thin margins.
The game began in disastrous fashion for the hosts, with Ross County’s Elijah Campbell nodding home from a corner in the early minutes. Hibs’ first-half performance was so lackluster that Easter Road echoed with boos at halftime, despite Dwight Gayle’s stoppage-time equalizer. But the second half told a different story: Elie Youan’s penalty and Josh Campbell’s late strike sealed a comeback that could prove pivotal in Hibs’ season.
Tactical Breakdown: How Hibs Turned the Tide
Ross County’s Early Dominance
County exploited Hibs’ defensive frailties from the outset. Noah Chilvers should have scored inside the first minute, but Jordan Smith’s reflex save kept Hibs alive—briefly. From the resulting corner, Campbell’s looping header gave County a deserved lead, capitalizing on hesitant marking.
Hibs’ response was tepid. Junior Hoilett’s missed sitter from six yards summed up their first-half struggles. Yet, just as frustration peaked, Gayle’s glancing header—courtesy of Nectar Triantis’ incisive pass—leveled the score. The goal masked deeper issues, but it provided a psychological boost.
Second-Half Resurgence
The introduction of more direct play after halftime shifted momentum. Youan and Joe Newell wasted chances, but persistence paid off when George Harman’s reckless foul gifted Hibs a penalty. Jack Hamilton saved Nicky Cadden’s weak effort, but referee Lloyd Wilson awarded another spot-kick minutes later for Ryan Leak’s foul on Campbell. This time, Youan stepped up and smashed his shot in off the post.
With County pushing for an equalizer, Hibs exploited the spaces left behind. Youan’s unselfish assist allowed Campbell to fire home, sealing a win that felt improbable an hour earlier.
Manager Reactions: Relief for Gray, Frustration for Cowie
David Gray (Hibs):
“The character today was undeniable. We’ve played better and lost, but the players stood up when it mattered. Ross County tested us, but the second-half response was exactly what we needed.”
Don Cowie (Ross County):
“This was our best away performance this season. The result hurts, but if we maintain this level, the wins will come.”
Key Takeaways for Baji live Readers
- Hibs’ Mental Resilience: After weeks of criticism, the comeback showcased a newfound grit.
- Ross County’s Away Form: Despite the loss, their structure and pressing were impressive.
- Relegation Battle Heating Up: With Hearts now bottom, every point is crucial in the Premiership’s dogfight.
What’s Next in the Scottish Premiership?
The drama continues next weekend, with Hibs facing a tricky test against Aberdeen, while Ross County host St. Mirren in another six-pointer. Follow Baji live for in-depth previews and expert analysis!
“Football is a game of moments—today, Hibs seized theirs.” — Baji live Sports Analyst*
