Hibs boss Lee Johnson insists his side are lacking the ability to "kill teams off" this campaign.
It has been a decent tart to the 2022/23 season for the Easter Road side - who sit fifth in the cinch Premiership table as things stand with a home clash against St Mirren pencilled in for this weekend. But the boss is sure his men could find themselves in a better league position if they manage to put games to bed a little earlier than they have been doing.
The Hibees took the lead as St Johnstone visited the capital last weekend. Mykola Kukharevych netted in the 35th minute and it looked like all three points were poised to stay put for the majority of the game. The tables turned though when Kyle Magennis was sent for an early bath after two bookable offences. And it was Nicky Clark who levelled things out 17 minutes from time before Stevie May nicked the points for the visitors in the 82 minute, ensuring a disappointing end to an initially promising night for Johnson's side.
The manager is looking for his players to hang on to a lead when they have it as the season progresses, netting more of their chances when they get them. And his side will be provided with an opportunity to do just that when Steve Robinson's men come to town on Saturday, with three points potentially pushing the Hibees into third spot.
"We are struggling a little bit at the moment to really kill teams off." Johnson said.
"The longer the game goes, the more encouragement, if you like, the opposition get when it's only 1-0. And we've come out with a defeat, sending the punters and fans home not very happy with us.
"But I think there's still be an intent there, to show what we're trying to do. We're still in the very early stages of the big picture." He added.
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