Hibs v Livingston: Three things we learned from the Premiership match at Easter Road

Three Hibs-orientated observations arising from their Premiership match with Livingston
Efe Ambrose remains a popular figure at Easter Road, greeted by Hibs goalkeeper Ofir Marciano as he made his debut for Livingston. Pic: SNSEfe Ambrose remains a popular figure at Easter Road, greeted by Hibs goalkeeper Ofir Marciano as he made his debut for Livingston. Pic: SNS
Efe Ambrose remains a popular figure at Easter Road, greeted by Hibs goalkeeper Ofir Marciano as he made his debut for Livingston. Pic: SNS

1 Hibs missed the set-piece delivery of Joe Newell, the midfielder having pulled up during the warm-up as Lewis Stevenson took his place with Melker Hallberg taking a seat on the bench. As a result Scott Allan was charged with taking the Easter Road side’s corners but throughout the first half he struggled to get the ball beyond the first Livingston defender. And he passed up a gilt-edged chance to put Hibs ahead midway through the first period, his penalty lacking the conviction needed to beat goalkeeper Robby McCrorie as he got down to his right to push the ball away. Head coach Jack Ross seemed to realise it wasn’t the playmaker’s day, replacing him with Fraser Murray just after the hour mark.

2 Christian Doidge answered his critics long ago, putting his early season struggles behind him to become a regular goal-scorer for Hibs. Many of his strikes won’t have pleased the purists but the Welshman is proving highly effective inside the penalty area, both in the air and on the ground. Wales boss Ryan Giggs must surely be aware of Doidge’s scoring record as he plans for this summer’s Euro finals and the former Forest Green Rovers hitman posted another reminder with his 17th goal of the season, in the right place to divert Greg Docherty’s shot home from the edge of the six yard box.

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3 Efe Ambrose remains a hugely popular figure around Easter Road, enjoying a warm welcome from the Hibs fans as he returned in the colours of Livingston following his surprise move to the West Lothian club earlier in the week. Gary Holt had no hesitation in putting the Nigerian defender straight into his side despite the fact Ambrose hadn’t played a minute of first team football since leaving the capital club more than a year ago. However, any Hibs fans hoping to see one of his more eccentric moments were disappointed, the 31-year-old strolling through the game as if he’d never been away.