Saints Do The Business as Hibs Falter

Match Preview

St. Johnstone vs Hibernian at McDiarmid Park on Saturday at 3pm was the 4th encounter of the season between these two sides. This tie was a must-win match for 'Saints' in their hunt for top 6 with 2 games to go before the split, St. Mirren in 6th played Rangers away at Ibrox, a tricky match for any. Hibernian were looking to consolidate 3rd place, hoping to widen the gap to Aberdeen who were facing off against Hamilton.

The previous 2 league matches between the teams were a 1-0 Hibernian victory back in August at McDiarmid Park (with 2 controversial decisions surrounding the game) and a 2-2 draw at Easter Road. The other meeting of these sides was the most recent, being a 3-0 St. Johnstone victory at Hampden in the League Cup Semi-final with the Perth side running riot in Glasgow.

[Kerr and Doidge duel in the air - Image: @SNS]

St. Johnstone come into this game off the back of a successful week for the club after Davidson's side officially broke Celtic's stronghold on Scottish football, becoming the first side to win a domestic trophy in Scotland that wasn't Celtic since 2016, by winning the League Cup at Hampden 1-0 against Livingston. They then travelled to New Douglas Park to face Hamilton, with a late Guy Melamed wonder strike rescuing a late draw with the game finishing 1-1.

Hibernian lost their last match 2-0 at home to Motherwell last Saturday, with goals from Heart of Midlothian loanee Jordan Roberts and Devante Cole (son of legendary Manchester United striker Andy) sinking Ross's men.

[Gordon and Boyle challenge for the ball - Image: Getty Images]

First Half

3 O'clock and the referee blew his whistle. We had kick off. Early game was a battle. Chris Kane was fouled on numerous occasions early doors with his early hold up proving useful for his side as usual. St. Johnstone were roaming forward and the home side appeared to be edging the early contest at McDiarmid Park. 'Hibs' were threatening themselves however and a ball into the St. Johnstone box nearly found Boyle who went to ground under very little pressure, heart-in-mouth stuff for fans watching on their video streams as on first viewing some may have thought a penalty was to be awarded. Luckily for 'Saints' there were no appeals from the Australian international himself as the referee waved play on.

The first 15 minutes portrayed an open game with the odd long ball and attacking run but very little of any real substance from either side, who would come up with that moment of quality? A Booth cross was defended poorly and the ball fell to ex-Hibernian man Liam Craig on the edge of the box. The veteran midfielder took a touch to open his body and curled an audacious effort into the far left bottom corner of the goal from 25 or so yards out from goal. Craig's strike nestled in Marciano's net, a cracking finish from range. This was the St. Johnstone legend's 60th goal for the club which he originally joined on a 1-month loan in 2007, another screamer on his famous "left wooka".

On top of the match just about St. Johnstone were certainly playing well but Hibernian were not going to go down without a fight. Some good defending from McCart who cleared well allowed his side to stay safe. Joe Newell then nearly scored a well placed effort just on the edge of half time as the Englishman picked the ball up in space and had a crack at goal, his effort went just past the reaches of a rasping Clark, but agonisingly wide of the goal post.

the clock ticked over 45 it was now half time with no added time played, in what was a pretty nothing half ,bar the moment of magic from Craig. St. Johnstone would be delighted with the outcome as they continued their recent form into this match and began to further distance their early season woes, taking the lead at McDiarmid Park while top 6 rivals St. Mirren were 2-0 down at Ibrox to Rangers, making this lead so much more precious. Luckily for Hibernian Aberdeen were locked 0-0 with Hamilton at half time.

[St. Johnstone celebrate Liam Craig's goal - Image: Sky Sports]

Second Half

Just after the teams came back from half time Hibernian were on the attack, a Boyle ball in reached Irvine who nearly found the leveller, his header missing to the left. St. Johnstone were still a danger on the counter and Melamed won the ball well to find himself in the Hibernian danger zone, the Israeli looked in two minds whether to pass to Kane or go alone but ultimately came to nothing.

What followed was plenty and plenty of 'Hibs' pressure. Ross's side were desperate for that elusive equaliser and had their opponents penned in for most of the second half. A strong Gordon block denied Boyle inside the box. Stalwart Hanlon glanced a free header well over the bar. Then came Hibernians biggest chance of the 90. The ball broke and top scorer Nisbet found himself in dreamland, almost 1-on-1 with Clark, and before he even shot it looked a certain goal. It almost definitely would have been if not for an extremely well timed sliding challenge from goal scorer Liam Craig, if he had got that wrong the ref would have had no choice but to dismiss the 'Saints' midfielder or Nisbet would have likely scored, but instead his crunching tackle was perfect. Crucial at both ends.

Substitute Doidge was next to have a pop, his long range effort well saved by Clark. In amongst the sea of green which St. Johnstone found themselves in the attacking half. Winning a free-kick which was taken by Craig, his neat pass found May inside the box with the striker just unable to get a shot away. A poor clearance allowed St. Johnstone to go again but after a poor pass the move broke down.

Hibernian went again and star man on the day Doig found himself in space before having an effort shoot wide. Boyle mounted the pressure on St. Johnstone and found himself free, a powerful shot denied by Clark once again. Doig found himself open on the left and some quick feet allowed him to have another shot at goal, his strike agonisingly bouncing narrowly wide of the left hand post in the 81st minute.

'Saints'on the counter attack here with May, Tanser and Conway on the break although the English Left-back saw his effort blocked late on. The ref threw 'Hibs' a lifeline with 4 minutes of added time given, a big chance to finally equalise. More and more pressure was heaped on the back 5 of St. Johnstone which they were more than equal to. Hibernian were now just resorting to long balls into the box. Desperate now. One long ball found Nisbet in the 6 yard box but his outstretched boot got little connection with Clark easily catching his shot. Jack Ross was then yellow carded by the referee, his caution coming after plenty of ranting and raving throughout the match towards the officials. In the dying seconds Hibernian were in on goal but the men in blue kept throwing block after block in, McCart hurled his body in front of an effort in 90+4 and that was that, time was up. FULL TIME - St. Johnstone 1-0 Hibernian.

While today certainly was not pretty St. Johnstone got the result they so desperately needed, whereas Hibernian who only mustered 2 shots on target despite all of their dominance in the second half, now find themselves 2 defeats in a row. A draw might have been a fairer reflection of the 90 minutes, although that Liam Craig howitzer deserves 3 points on its own.

[Doidge and Craig during the game - Image: Sky Sports]

Key Performers

St. Johnstone

While it was not the best performance of the season, St. Johnstone were well disciplined and no player really put a foot wrong for the Perth side. Michael O'Halloran was one player who impressed me, the winger hasn't had the best of months as he has struggled to get in the side but with Rooney injured and Brown benched it was the perfect chance for him to step into an unusual wing back role and he rose to the occasion, his defensive performance was well organised and he did so well to stay focused when the team spent a large portion of the game in the defensive half.

Liam Craig was my man of the match on Saturday. Starting his 3rd consecutive game in a 6 day period and the 34 year old was heavily involved in both halves, he was crucial for Davidson's team today. His goal will be watched over and over again with awe.

Hibernian

While there were a few players who didn't have the best of games, Josh Doig in particular was excellent. The young full back was powerful and exciting down the left hand side and Hibernian will be glad they have tied him up to a longer contract. The young full back has enjoyed a very good season and if 'Hibs' do hold onto third place he will likely be at the heart of it.

Managerial Reaction

St. Johnstone boss Callum Davidson said (in his interview with the BBC): "It's probably the worst game we've played all season but the best in terms of fighting character"

He then added: "It's been a big week for the players emotionally and physically, so delighted to get the three points today."

Hibernian manager Jack Ross said (also to the BBC): "I don't think we deserved to lose the game."

Ross said "Second-half, I thought we were good and we dominated a really good team in their own stadium. And I feel hard done-by we've not taken anything from the match."

What Next?

St. Johnstone are now only 2 points away from St. Mirren, who lost 3-0 to champions-elect Rangers 3-0 on Saturday, with 1 game left before the split. The 'Buddies' have Hamilton Academical away from home in their last game whereas St. Johnstone have Ross County at home. The League Cup winners will have to wait until the 20th of March to find out their top-6 fait.

Hibernian suffered yet another setback in their attempt to consolidate 3rd place and a Europa League spot, with their second loss in as many weeks. Luckily for 'Hibs' 4th place Aberdeen drew 0-0 at home to strugglers Hamilton, meaning they still sit 3 points above the team from the "granite city". Hibernian also have a game in hand on the 'Dons' where they travel up north to Dingwall, to play Ross County.

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