Kilmarnock 1-0 Hibernian: Killie get themselves off bottom as Hibs falter
A Daniel Armstrong VAR awarded spot-kick was all that separated Kilmarnock and Hibernian in a tight contest in Ayrshire. This result lifts the hosts from the foot of the table and leaves Lee Johnson’s Hibs side in eighth place going into the World Cup shutdown.
Prior to this game, Killie had lost their previous three matches, most recently a 4-0 humbling courtesy of Dundee United in midweek. Derek McInnes made seven changes with the most notable alteration coming in between the sticks with on-loan Middlesbrough shot-stopper Zach Hemming dropped in favour of Sam Walker.
Hibernian, like their hosts have been struggling for form themselves having only managed to accumulate three points from the last 18 on offer. You would think that Lee Johnson’s job was under threat, however, he might still be safe as the Edinburgh side remain five points below third place which shows just how tight the Premiership is this season.
It was evident that both teams knew just how detrimental a defeat would have been, the much-changed Kilmarnock side showed fighting spirt in abundance as Hibs had most of the chances. Killie dealt with everything their visitors threw at them with striker Mykola Kuharevich coming closest for the Leith club, their only effort on target.
In fairness, the home side only had one shot on target themselves, Danny Armstrong’s penalty. Referee David Dickinson initially awarded Killie a free-kick, however following a lengthy VAR review, it was adjudged that Liam Polworth was fouled on the line (and therefore in the box) by Hibs full-back Marijan Cabraja. Armstrong, who has recently signed a two-year contract extension at Rugby Park stepped up and slotted it past David Marshall.
Kilmarnock manager, Derek McInnes said: "I was just grateful that we had the game today, to be honest, because going into the break after the Dundee United game would have been the worst hangover ever and the worst possible moment.
"We had the antidote today. This was the best curer, the win and thankfully we can go into the break now feeling a bit better about ourselves, but knowing there's work to be done when we come out of it.
"It's been a tough couple of days since the Dundee United game. We spoke on Thursday and dealt with what we needed to deal with, but we also tried to remind the players how hard we've worked to get here and the opportunity we have to play in the Premiership.
"We had to have that life about us, that passion that was sadly missing in that first 45 minutes at Dundee United - but we also spoke about the need for concentration as well as belief and confidence in our work.”
Hibernian manager, Lee Johnson said: "I'm hurting. I'm not delusional. I hate not having that winning feeling and we all do, but when I look at the six losses, I think we should have more points from that.
"I've got to be careful what I say because people don't want to hear that, they don't want to hear any sort of excuse after a game, but we were much better than we were on Tuesday night against Ross County.
"Maintaining the belief within the squad is key. I think the break will act as a natural reset.”
This was the last match for these two clubs until the Premiership returns from the early winter break for the World Cup. When domestic football returns, Kilmarnock face a trip to Tynecastle on 17 December and Hibernian will face off against Rangers at Ibrox on 15 December.