Hibernian extended their remarkable run of form at home in the Premiership. They extended their unbeaten run to 15 matches with a comprehensive 3-0 home win over St Johnstone. The opening game of the tournament was played at Easter Road in Edinburgh. The home side thus stayed on course in their battle to secure third place and with it a place in next season’s European group-stage football. St Johnstone’s undefeated streak was just as impressive, with six wins and two draws in their last ten games. They found it difficult to establish a foothold in the match due to Hibernian’s energetic display.
The match began with an enthusiastic Hiberian front-footed play. Victor Griffith and Jonathan Svedberg entered to sub for Adama Sidibeh and Stephen Duke-McKenna. However, the tactical tweaks proved to be precociously effective when Hibernian took the lead in the 18th minute. After a brilliant run and setup, Martin Boyle was only a foot or so away from scoring when Andy Fisher made an important stop. Seizing the initiative, Junior Hoilett fired in a stunning opener for the hosts.
Hibernian’s dominance was evident throughout the match as they controlled possession and limited St Johnstone’s offensive efforts. Of course, Martin Boyle is still killing it on the field. He struck his 15th domestic goal of the season to double Hibernian’s lead. Even after a trio of Saint Johnstone substitutions meant to energize their attack, the rhythm of the match and resultant score was more or less sealed.
As the match drew to a close, Kieron Bowie sealed the victory for Hibernian with a well-executed penalty during stoppage time. This smashing victory meant that Hibernian’s league unbeaten home record at Easter Road now stretched to 15 games. It moved them a point clear of fourth-placed Aberdeen, increasing their chances of playing in Europe next season.
On the other side, it was a game of ultimate frustration for St Johnstone, with their inability to muster a significant scoring threat all match prompting the inevitable. The team is now working with just seven games remaining on the year. Thus, they have even fewer opportunities than most to rescue their premier league fate.
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