Hibs final word: League leaders deserve an audience - you have to feel for the fans that missed Livingston rout

As the clock ticked on to the 90th-minute at a sun-drenched Tony Macaroni Arena, Hibs’ hat-trick hero Kevin Nisbet was substituted for Jamie Gullan, his work more than done after plundering three goals in a textbook forward’s display.

The 23-year-old had been unplayable for the Livingston defence, his movement too much for their back-three and his clinical nature punishing them in a 4-1 win which made it two wins out of two for the Hibees in the Scottish Premiership and leaves the Easter Road outfit top of the pile on goals scored from Rangers.

Yet, as he walked off the turf in West Lothian, there was a slightly melancholy feel. Only a handful of people were applauding his performance in the Main Stand – presumably Hibs back-room staff – and at that moment, the cruelty of this coronavirus pandemic in a football sense was laid bare. Hibs had put in one of their best away performances for years, their marquee summer signing had scored his first goals for the club – yet there were no supporters in the stadium to witness the feat.

Just imagine if there had been. Thousands of Hibbies would have made the short journey along the M8 to watch their team in the sun, basking in the glory of really impressive performance that already has many thinking that Jack Ross’ team are favourites for third place this term. They would have revelled not just in Nisbet’s display, but the whole team’s in general. They were streets ahead of Livingston and perhaps should have scored more.

A small cluster of fans – probably totalling 15 – congregated on a slope that overlooks the pitch at Livingston, but it feels wrong to pay them any attention. Clubs have asked supporters not to go near stadia on matchdays and give the perilous nature of the Scottish game after the Aberdeen debacle, it was silly of them to turn up, even if the sheer desire to is understandable.

One hopes that the public will be permitted to attend football matches in this country sooner rather than later, but safety comes first and right now, there is too much danger. Credit to Livingston’s set-up to make sure all at the Tony Macaroni Arena felt comfortable, much like Easter Road last weekend. So many people are pulling out the stops to make Scottish football work. And Hibs, for their part, are in rude health right now.

Nisbet was the star of the show for his treble, but he was supported by a strong cast of men in green-and-white.

Christian Doidge came back into the team and the strike-duo clicked instantaneously. They linked up with each other and their midfielders, constantly getting into positions to score. Doidge missed a good early chance, but got his goal just before half-time and looked good considering he had a knee injury for much of pre-season.

Daryl Horgan also came into the starting XI and put in the sort of performance on the left wing that got him international recognition for the Republic of Ireland. He assisted both of Nisbet’s first-half goals, the first a drilled left-footed cross and the second a wicked curling delivery with his right-foot. He spoke during lockdown about finding his consistency at Hibs and if he can keep up the level displayed on Saturday, he will be a key player.

Joe Newell pulled the strings in midfield with another classy showing and while Martin Boyle was quieter than usual, even the threat of his pace scared Livingston.

Defensively, Hibs stood up to the challenge. They went in three goals to the good at half-time and a Livingston onslaught was to be expected. The only blot on the copybook came when Ryan Porteous tangled with Matej Poplatnik and conceded a penalty on the hour mark, which was converted by Lyndon Dykes past Ofir Marciano to offer the hosts a glimmer of hope.

They pushed in search of more goals, but Porteous and Paul Hanlon stood firm amid an aerial bombardment. Dykes, one of the best strikers in the league last season, was kept quiet. Full-backs Paul McGinn and young Josh Doig assisted the cause with stout displays on their flanks and defensive midfielder Alex Gogic did another fine job as acting as the bouncer at the Hibs door, turning away any unwanted visitors.

Livingston had run out of puff by the time Marvin Bartley needlessly barged Hibs substitute Melker Hallberg in the box late on to concede a penalty which Nisbet confidently dispatched to make it 4-1. The hosts conceded only eight goals at home in the whole of the 2019/20 campaign. It took Hibs just 88 minutes to rack up four.

Head coach Jack Ross deserves credit for switching from a 3-5-2 to a 4-4-2 and leaving out creative tyro Scott Allan. The Hibs boss’ tactics paid off handsomely and his team are playing very well.

Considering those at home struggled at times with the live feed provided by Livingston to the tune of £20, Hibs fans can take some solace that their next four matches are live on Sky Sports, starting with tomorrow night’s trip to Dundee United. Right now, the current Premiership leaders merit an audience – and loyal supporters more than deserve to see it too, even if it can’t be done in person.

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