Point Seals European Football for Hibs Despite Saints Fightback

A thrilling encounter at the SMiSA Stadium saw St Mirren and Hibernian share the spoils in a 2-2 draw. While the point secured a coveted third-place finish and European football next season for Hibs, it leaves St Mirren needing a result away at Celtic on Saturday to keep their own European dreams alive. Hibs started the match with blistering pace. Just minutes in, a clever through ball from Junior Hoilett found Martin Boyle, who expertly slotted his shot past Zach Hemming at the near post. The Australian international, in red-hot form with his 7th goal in his last 9 league appearances, thought he had doubled his tally shortly after, but his second effort was ruled out following a VAR review. David Gray’s side continued their dominant start, doubling their lead in the 10th minute. Once again, the influential Junior Hoilett was the architect, finding Kuharevich in the box who finished emphatically, sending the travelling Hibs support into raptures. The visitors were playing with a swagger, with the dynamic duo of Boyle and Hoilett posing a constant threat. It was a stark contrast to the Hibs side that had succumbed to a 3-0 defeat in Paisley on the opening weekend of the season. St Mirren, buoyed by an impressive 2-0 victory at Tannadice in their previous outing, gradually found their footing in the game. Alex Gogic was a strong presence in midfield, and Richard Taylor provided a threat from set pieces. However, clear-cut chances were initially at a premium for the home side. A moment of madness almost brought St Mirren back into the contest. A cross from the right was met by Lewis Miller, whose mis-hit swipe at the ball agonisingly drifted just wide of the post, with home fans briefly believing it was in. The Buddies’ persistence finally paid off just before the break. Following a corner, the ball dropped kindly to Richard Taylor in the box, and he slammed it home, igniting the St Mirren faithful and giving his side a crucial lifeline heading into half-time. Stephen Robinson clearly demanded a response from his team during the interval, and he made a bold triple substitution on the hour mark in an attempt to inject fresh energy into the St Mirren attack. One of those substitutions proved to be a stroke of genius. Just moments after coming on, Colin McMenamin met a pinpoint cross from Ronald Idowu, powering his effort past Jordan Smith to level the score. The goal was subjected to a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside, but the decision ultimately stood, setting up a frantic final half-hour. The drama continued as St Mirren thought they had taken the lead minutes later. Mandron was denied of his 3rd consecutive league goal as the play was brought back for a foul in the build-up, much to the frustration of the home support. St Mirren substitute Greg Kiltie then threatened at the near post, forcing a smart low save from Smith as the game swung from end to end. St Mirren continued to press, desperately seeking the goal that would keep their European aspirations firmly within reach. With eight minutes of added time, the home fans remained optimistic. In a frantic finale, St Mirren threw bodies forward, and they were almost punished when Hibs midfielder Nectar Triantis embarked on a mazy run into the box, but his impressive surge lacked a finishing touch. Ultimately, the match ended in a 2-2 draw. For St Mirren, it was a fitting way to conclude their home campaign, showcasing the character and fight that has secured them a remarkable three consecutive top-six finishes. For Hibs, the point was enough to seal third place and a European tour next season, ensuring they will head into their final game against Rangers at Easter Road in high spirits. The result leaves St Mirren with a daunting task at Parkhead on Saturday, where they will need to secure a positive result to keep their own European dream alive. St Mirren: Hemming Alebiosu Taylor Gogic Fraser John (Tanser 61’) Boyd-Munce (O’Hara 61’) Phillips Idowu (Kiltie 82’) Ayunga (McMenamin 61’) Mandron Bookings: John 36’ Ayunga 56’ Robinson 70’ Hibernian: Smith Cadden (O’Hara 84’) Miller Bushiri Iredale Obita (Cadden 75’) Triantis Levitt Boyle (Gayle 84’) Hoilett (Campbell 75’) Kuharevich (Bowie 61’) Bookings: Obita 23’ Triantis 38’ Bowie 79’