St Johnstone 1-0 Hibs: Craig goal consigns Hibs to defeat despite second-half performance
Liam Craig’s first-half goal was enough to secure the three points for St Johnstone despite a spirited performance from Hibs in the second period.
Former Easter Road midfielder Craig rifled the opener past Ofir Marciano from distance following a poor clearance on 16 minutes, and from then on St Johnstone did well to stifle Hibs who had half-chances through Paul McGinn and Joe Newell.
The visitors started the second half strongly with Jackson Irvine sending a header just wide shortly after the break as Hibs turned up the pressure on the Saints.
Josh Doig, Paul Hanlon, and Kevin Nisbet all went close for Hibs but the hosts held on to secure the three points.
A draw would have been a fair outcome given Hibs’ second-half showing but St Johnstone felt that about Hibs’ smash-and-grab win earlier this season.
Hibs remain in third place with Aberdeen and Hamilton drawing 0-0 at Pittodrie but will need to step things up next week at Ross County.