Three takeaways from Hibs' 2-1 win over Hamilton

Subs helped turn tide

It summed up how poor Hibs had been in the first half that Jack Ross felt compelled to use up all three of his substitutions by the 53rd minute. Melker Hallberg, Vykintas Slivka and Scott Allan were the three players withdrawn but no player in green and white could have had any complaints if they had been subbed at that stage as Hamilton had looked far hungrier. The introduction of Stephane Omeonga - along with Joe Newell - at the start of the second half helped rouse the crowd but the most inspired change was the introduction of Daryl Horgan who brought fresh energy to Hibs' play and allowed the hitherto Florian Kamberi to move off the left flank and join Christian Doidge in a two-man attack.

Crucial win

After winning only two of their previous eight matches, Hibs fans would have been in a state of mild panic if their team had failed to defeat second-bottom Hamilton Accies at home. At half-time there was a lot of anger and concern around Easter Road. At that point they were playing poorly and staring at a defeat which would have left them within six points clear of the relegation play-off spot. Although aspects of the performance left plenty room for improvement, the second-half fightback served to move Hibs five points clear of seventh-place Kilmarnock and within eight points of fourth-place Aberdeen.

Big week ahead in transfer window

Although they got the result in the end, it is clear Hibs need to strengthen this month. Injuries to Stevie Mallan, Jason Naismith and Ryan Porteous, allied to the departure of Oli Shaw, have left Jack Ross short in key areas, and it showed at times against Hamilton, particularly in the first half. A defender and a striker will be a priority, but perhaps of more importance in the days ahead will be ensuring the on-form Martin Boyle - who was watched by Celtic as he set up both goals - isn't allowed to leave Easter Road.