Hibs Extend Unbeaten Streak to 12 with Dull Draw Against St Mirren
Hibernian stretched their unbeaten run to 12 games with a lackluster goalless draw against St Mirren in Paisley. On a difficult pitch, neither side created much, and the match quickly turned into a forgettable affair. Despite the uninspiring performance, David Gray will likely see a point away from home as a decent result, especially against a team that has already beaten Hibs twice this season. His side also had to navigate the final six minutes with 10 men after debutant Alasana Manneh was sent off.
A Tough Watch
Entertainment was in short supply, with the poor pitch conditions dictating much of the play. Both teams opted for a direct approach, leading to long spells of aerial duels and hopeful balls launched forward. Hibs struggled to break down a resolute St Mirren defense, particularly in the first half, as Martin Boyle and Dwight Gayle found little joy up front.
At the other end, Hibs coped well with the physicality of St Mirren’s attack, though Rocky Bushiri had to intervene on multiple occasions to prevent the hosts from testing goalkeeper Smith. A VAR review briefly injected some drama when Hibs were awarded a penalty for handball, only for the decision to be overturned after replays showed the ball had struck Cillian Phillips’ head instead. However, the overall spectacle left much to be desired.
A Valuable Point in Context
Given St Mirren’s recent dominance over Hibs, grinding out a point was far from disastrous. Elsewhere in the league, results were mixed—Dundee United suffered defeat, while Aberdeen picked up a crucial win. A victory in Paisley would have helped Hibs close the gap on both, making this feel like a missed opportunity.
Nevertheless, Gray has emphasized the importance of picking up points away from home, and maintaining the unbeaten run could provide a psychological boost ahead of a crucial stretch of fixtures.
Manneh’s Debut to Forget
Manneh’s first appearance for Hibs was one he’ll want to move on from quickly. Introduced with just under 20 minutes remaining, he received a booking before even touching the ball after a clumsy challenge. His second yellow came shortly after for what was deemed a stray arm in an aerial duel. Although the decision appeared harsh, the fact that it was a second booking means Hibs cannot appeal, meaning Manneh will have to wait for another chance to properly kickstart his Easter Road career.
Smith Saves the Day
Hibs owe their point to goalkeeper Smith, who produced a crucial double save early in the second half. The standout moment came when he somehow managed to block a Mark O’Hara shot that seemed destined for the net, reacting instinctively with a strong left arm to deny the St Mirren captain.
Since Smith’s introduction to the team, Hibs have remained unbeaten, and this performance was his most decisive contribution yet in keeping that run alive.
