Hibernian 4 – 0 Livingston

Klidje (9′) McGrath (52′ pen) Hoilett (79′, 89′)

A Thibault Klidje-inspired Hibs recorded their first home league win of the season against Livingston.

Livingston won the first corner of the game, but it was Hibs who produced the first chance of the match. Kieron Bowie found Nicky Cadden in space on the left of the box, but the wingback blazed over.

A stray pass allowed Josh Mulligan to unleash a deflected shot moments later, as Hibs continued their search for an opener.

Klidje gave Hibs a deserved lead in the 10th minute. A smart touch allowed the attacker to race into the box from Daniel Barlaser’s pass. The record signing fired a right-footed strike into the roof of Jerome Prior’s net for a prolific finish.

Klidje showcased electric pace in the 13th minute, rampaging onto a loose ball, but his shot lacked power as Prior easily gathered.

Hibs boss David Gray had urged his side to deliver a “reaction” after the devastating Edinburgh derby defeat two weeks ago, and would have been pleased with his side’s intent on their return to Easter Road.

The home side almost doubled their lead in the 20th minute. Warren O’Hora kept a corner alive at the back post, but Grant Hanley could not bundle home in the six-yard box.

The visitors were forced into an early change moments later, as Blaney walked off to be replaced by Andy Winter.

Stevie May led the line with some clever touches, helping his side gain territory on several occasions. Still, it was proving to be a difficult opening period for Davie Martindale’s team.

Bowie threatened to add his fourth league goal of the season in the 23rd minute, connecting in the box with a right-footed volley which whistled past the post.

Klidje continued to cause terror for the Livingston backline. Captain for the day, Danny Wilson misjudged a looping ball in the 34th minute, but the Togolese striker dragged wide from the acute angle.

He dispossessed the Livingston defence again in the 38th minute, playing an incisive ball for Cadden in the box. Once more, the wing-back lacked the necessary composure and blazed over Prior’s goal.

Connor McLennan had a chance to bring Livingston level after a corner kick routine, but his strike went high into the Famous Five Stand from May’s cutback.

Despite holding a halftime lead, Gray would be keen for his side to add to their lead, with Hibs already losing four points from winning positions this season.

Jamie McGrath has enjoyed a positive start to his Hibs career since a summer move from Aberdeen. His chest and volley from the edge of the box had to be tipped over by Prior.

McGrath was involved again moments later, playing a reversed ball to Barlaser, whose left-footed strike was palmed away.

Klidje was dragged down in the Livingston box in the 50th minute, as Hibs were awarded a penalty. McGrath made no mistake, rolling past Prior for a deserved second goal.

May cleared Grant Hanley’s towering header off the line in the 53rd minute, as the home side continued to threaten.

The Hibees have drawn five of their opening seven league matches, but looked set to record a league victory for the first time since August 2nd. There was a bite about the home side, regularly dispossessing a ragged Livingston side for much of the 90 minutes.

Despite the dominance, an uncomfortable moment occurred in the 63rd minute, as a rare Livingston corner dropped in the six-yard box. Thankfully, for the home support, the ball was swiftly cleared.

Robbie Muirhead produced a terrific 35-yard strike as the visitors looked to respond. Raphael Sallinger had to be alert to push the ball away.

Junior Hoilett headed home in the 79th minute and sidefooted a fourth Hibs goal ten minutes later to banish any thought of a Livingston comeback. It had been a comfortable afternoon for the Leith side, who moved into 3rd place in the Scottish Premiership.

They travel to Pittodrie next Sunday to face Aberdeen, whilst Livingston will look to bounce back against Motherwell the day before.

Hibernian: Sallinger 7 O’Hora 7 Hanley 7 Iredale 7 C Cadden 7 Mulligan 7 Barlaser 7 McGrath 8 N Cadden 7 Bowie 7 Klidje 8

Substitutes: Boyle 7 Hoilett 7 Chaiwa 6 Campbell 5

Livingston: Prior 6 Finlayson 6 Sylla 6 Wilson 5 Blaney 5 Montgomery 6 Pittman 6 Susoho 6 McLennan 6 May 6 Bokila 5

Substitutes: Winter 6 Muirhead 5 Tait 5 Montano 5 Shinnie 5