Hibernian moved into second place in the Ladbrokes Premiership table after David Gray’s fifth goal of the season gave them a 1-0 win at St Mirren.
Hibs suffered a disappointing penalty shoot-out defeat to Aberdeen in Betfred Cup on Tuesday night but they looked in the mood from kick-off despite being deprived of the services of their most impressive performer this season, Martin Boyle.
Thomas Agyepong, who missed the crucial spot-kick in midweek, showed great feet to skip by two defenders before his dangerous cross narrowly evaded Flo Kamberi and was cleared by Anton Ferdinand after four minutes.
But the visitors did not need to wait long to make the breakthrough when Gray headed home after 14 minutes. Stevie Mallan, on his return to his former club, delivered a fantastic whipped cross that was gleefully headed down into a net by the increasingly prolific Gray.
The hosts were presented with a golden chance to level in the 33rd minute when following some intricate passing, Paul McGinn found himself clear in the area but the right-back looked uncomfortable and blazed his effort wildly over the bar.
Despite the hosts offering some resistance to Hibs’ constant pressure as the half progressed, Craig Samson had to be alert to palm away a rasping drive from the rampaging Gray on 36 minutes.
On the stroke of half time, Daryl Horgan should have doubled the visitors advantage. The impressive Gray cut a cross back for Kamberi whose shot deflected and spun up to the Irishman unmarked six yards out but he inexplicably headed straight into the arms of a thankful Samson.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first with Hibs pushing to make their lead more comfortable. The lively Agyepong skipped by his marker before his shot deflected wide to the frustration of Kamberi who had made a great run but was ignored by his team-mate.
The Ghanaian’s selfishness almost cost Hibs minutes later as new signing Simeon Jackson escaped past Efe Ambrose to bear down on goal but Adam Bogdan spread himself well to thwart the striker before Mark Milligan headed off the line from the resulting corner.
The hosts were in the ascendency as the game entered the closing stages and Cammy MacPherson should have equalised when he prodded his finish wide after collecting Stephen McGinn’s subtle through pass on 77 minutes.
