One of the most remarkable second half turnarounds came from Scottish Premiership’s Kilmarnock. They battled back desperately and secured a dramatic late 2-2 stalemate at Hibernian’s Easter Road on Saturday. The home side scored twice early on and looked set to run away with the match. It was Kilmarnock who showed better resilience in bouncing back to secure a deserved share of the spoils.
Hibernian started the match aggressively, and you could honestly feel the storm brewing when their attack threatened. Junior Hoilett came close to giving his side the lead, but his attempt from close range sailed just wide. It was just 20 minutes in that the deadlock finally came – and what a moment it was, as Jamie McGrath struck a thunderous free-kick. Rocky Bushiri arrived at the back post and thumped a header into the roof of the net to put Hibernian ahead with 15 minutes still to play.
Remarkably, just seven minutes later Hibernian made it two. Elie Youan received a perfectly timed pass from Hoilett and fired a precise shot past Kilmarnock’s goalkeeper Max Stryjek from ten yards out. The score now 2-0, Hibernian seemed set to finish the game off easily.
Kilmarnock Finds Their Footing
Kilmarnock refused to back down. They regained their composure right before half-time with Liam Polworth making the most of a set-piece scenario. He rhythmically charged down the left flank and whipped in a terrific chance to his teammates. From seven yards out, he blasted the ball into the goal. This goal changed the trajectory going into the end of the first half, giving Kilmarnock an invigorated hope.
After the break, Kilmarnock weren’t content to sit in and took the game to the Ibrox men, finding a remarkable equaliser within three minutes of play restarting. Ben Brannan, an 18-year-old rising star, scored a sensational dipping volley from 25 yards out that caught Hibernian’s goalkeeper Jordan Smith off guard. Becker’s strike looped over Smith and into the net, sending the travelling fans into raptures.
“I think in modern football a lot of the time what we see is players in that scenario trying to take a touch and trying to shift it wide, but I just love that personality and that imagination to take it on and he executes it,” – Stuart Kettlewell
Brannan’s limited, but audacious, goal because a true testament to his skill, but his poise with the game on the line. His display was key in turning the tide of momentum for Kilmarnock. Particularly in the second half, they went toe-to-toe with a strong, experienced, and dangerous Hibernian team.
Hibernian Reflects on Missed Opportunities
Hibernian’s head coach David Gray expressed disappointment at his team’s inability to maintain their lead. Gray lamented the shift in performance after conceding a late first-half goal:
“It was hugely frustrating, but certainly a game of two halves in terms of our level of performance as well,” – David Gray
Second, he acknowledged the fact that his team was dominant for the first 44 minutes of the first half. He noted that giving up a goal right before break hurt their momentum. The disappointment was visible, as Gray emphasized the need to focus and be disciplined from the opening whistle to the final one.
“We started the game really well and for 44 of the 45 minutes in the first half I thought we were very good and dominated the game,” – David Gray
Gray’s frustration was compounded by his team’s inability to recover after Kilmarnock’s equalizer. He knew that his players had to keep standing firm no matter what when things didn’t go right.
Tactical Changes and Player Performances
A contrast of tactical approaches Both teams changed their approach tactically before this important matchup. David Gray made three changes to his Hibernian side after their history making victory against Partizan Belgrade. One of these was Grant Hanley, who was making his debut for the club. Elie Youan made his way back into the starting eleven for his first appearance since Boxing Day.
Stuart Kettlewell’s tactical changes played a major part in ensuring Kilmarnock picked up the maximum points. Only three players survived from their initial draw with Livingston. This strategic sport pumped new life into each team. Most importantly, though, it ignited an exhilarating battle full of attacking verve.
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