Controversial Finish Costs Hibernian Vital Points
Hibernian missed out on vital points in the race to secure a top six finish in the Scottish Premiership after a controversial finish to the mid-week fixture with Ross County.
The Macklin Motors-backed side headed for Dingwall looking to try and replicate the 2-0 victory against the same opponents eleven days earlier, but it was Ross County who hit the front in the first half when David Marshall failed to collect a cross and Josh Sims was free to tap the ball into an empty net.
Hibs introduced Adam Le Fondre at half-time in place of Dylan Levitt and he played a part in the equalising goal shortly after the break, which saw Elie Youan finish off a sweeping move with a low shot past home ‘keeper George Wickens.
Veteran forward Le Fondre then produced a brilliant finish with twelve minutes to go to put Hibs in front, losing his marker in the box when Joe Newell fired a long pass in from the wing and steering a first time volley into the net.
When Marshall then pulled off a smart save going into stoppage time, it looked like Hibernian would secure all three points only for the home side to then be awarded a throw-in that Hibs felt should have gone their way.
Ross County launched a quick attack and deep into stoppage time, Simon Murray crossed for Yan Dhanda to steer in the equaliser.
Not only did that goal cost Hibs two vital points as the whistle blew for a draw, it also meant they slip outside the top six after rivals Dundee secured a 1-0 win at home to Aberdeen.
It means the pressure is now firmly on with just four games remaining before the mid-season split, starting off with a home game with Livingston on Saturday.
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