A typical game of two halves as St Mirren run out 2-1 winners at Easter Road through a Conor McMenamin double.

St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson handed a first start of the season to the Northern Irish winger as he ramps up his return from injury and he definitely repaid his manager’s faith.

David Gray replaced Lewis Miller with the returning Chris Cadden after the latter missed out on last weeks game against Dundee United.

The visitors were dominant from the first whistle with the hosts looking rattled. Killian Phillips was a work horse in the middle of the pitch, picking up loose balls and battling to gain possession for his side.

It took 17 minutes for the Paisley side to take the lead with Conor McMenamin getting on the end of a cross from Scott Tanser and from here it looked like it could be a long afternoon for the Leith side.

St Mirren continued to build through the thirds with their defensive line nullifying the threat of Hibs talisman Martin Boyle. Phillips had his effort deflected wide after a cross from McMenamin found Kiltie who knocked it down for the midfielder as the Buddies continued to pile the pressure on the Hibs back line.

The home side came closest through Youan as he rattled the outside of the post after some neat footwork from ex St Mirren man Hyeokkyu Kwon but this was the only real chance the men in green had in the first half.

An animated Robinson urged his team on from the sidelines and it wasn’t long before St Mirren doubled their advantage. It was McMenamin again, who was at the heart of everything the away side did well. He robbed O’Hora of the ball midway in the Hibs half and drove forward into the box before expertly firing beyond Bursik.

If the home side were going to respond before half time it was most likely going to come down the left hand side. Jordan Obita linked up well with Youan and Hoilett as they flung several crosses into the St Mirren box but to no avail.

Half Time: Hibernian 0-2 St Mirren

A triple change for Hibs at the break saw the introduction of Nicky Cadden, Rocky Bashiri and Dylan Levitt. These changes seemed to spark life into the home side as straight from kick off Élie Youan flashed a shot goal wards, forcing a good save from Ellery Balcombe. This wouldn’t be the only time the Saints stopper would be called into action.

This bright start to the half by the home side woke St Mirren up and a corner from Tanser was met by Richard Taylor who crashed his header off of the crossbar.  The rebound was fired over from Alex Gogic and the former Hibs man hung his head in disbelief. He really should have done better.

The game was now end to end and moments later Martin Boyle made a bursting run forward and was clipped by Scott Tanser on his way to goal. A penalty was awarded after a VAR check but the Australian couldn’t convert. Balcombe guessed right and smothered the penalty low to his right.

A real spectacle for the neutral, the sides created chances but couldn’t find the back of the net. Both managers turned to their bench but to opposite effect. The Hibs changes lifted their side and the away side’s changes came at a hindrance to their attacking threat.

Ayunga and Mandron weren’t as quick as McMenamin and Olusanya which gave the Hibs back line some rest bite. Weak shots from substitutes Oisin Smyth and Jonah Ayunga didn’t trouble the Hibs keeper and in added time the home side found their breakthrough.

Another penalty was awarded, this time for handball and Nicky Cadden placed his penalty into the bottom left corner, sending Balcombe the wrong way.

St Mirren would have a scare as they lost the ball from kick off and Hibs broke forward and a strike from Nicky Cadden would find the back of the net in the 95th minute. Bedlam from the dugout and the home supporters remaining in the ground but heartache for the visiting support. However, these emotions would reverse after a lengthy VAR check. The goal was chalked off after Dwight Gayle was deemed to be offside and St Mirren’s lead was restored.

Full Time: Hibernian 1-2 St Mirren

What the Managers Had to Say

David Gray branded the first half as “totally unacceptable” and was apologetic to the fans after another poor result. The Hibs boss does, however, believe his side have the capability of turning their fortunes around:

“I do believe we will turn this around. I think the second half was better, but there’s a lot of hard work still to be done, that’s for sure.”

The international break comes at a crucial time for his side and gives them time to regroup before facing a tough trip to Dens Park on the 23rd of November.

His opposite number Stephen Robinson had only praise for his players as his team are now unbeaten in 3 games after a tricky run of results. Stating in his post match interview:

“Some of our football in the first half was excellent. We hit the crossbar to make it 3-0 and the game’s over. We didn’t finish it off and then we had to show real character and defend for our lives”

The Paisley side look forward to a home tie against Jimmy Thelin’s high-flying Aberdeen after the international break.

Standout Performer

Killian Phillips- the St Mirren midfielder covered every blade of grass. He dominated the middle of the pitch and Hibs struggled to contain the powerful runs from the Irishman. He continues his fine start to life at St Mirren and is quickly becoming a fan favourite.

Teams:

Hibernian- Bursik, Ekpiteta, O’Hora (Bushiri, 46’), Youan, Boyle (McKirdy, 66’), Newell (C), C. Cadden, Hyeokkyu (N. Cadden, 46’), Obita, Hoilett (Gayle, 66’), Triantis (Levitt, 46’)

St Mirren- Balcombe, Fraser, Gogic, Taylor, Bwomono, Tanser, O’Hara (C), Kiltie (Smyth, 67’), Phillips, McMenamin (Ayunga, 67’), Olusanya (Mandron, 67’)

Referee: Iain Sneddon

Attendance: 15,594