Hibs got back to winning ways with a crucial 3-2 victory over Motherwell, a result that will ease pressure on boss Lee Johnson.
Lee Johnson's men made a strong start to the game before Kevin Nisbet continued his electric form by taking the ball from a well-time Aiden McGeady cross and firing in to the bottom corner on the spin after 15 minutes. That was before the home side piled the pressure on with David Marshall called in to action and the Hibs' crossbar struck before the break.
In the second half, the Hibees were up against it before a neat, quick attack saw Elie Youan slot the ball across the box to Nisbet who could not miss with the goal glaring for a crucial second goal. The home side fired a response through Stuart McKinstry on the hour to put pressure on. But Nisbet was on hand again inside the area to whip a deadly effort past Liam Kelly for a stunning hat-trick before a consolation goal from Ross Tierney made things nervy.
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Porteous last dance?
Ryan Porteous may have played his final game in a Hibs shirt as the young defender looks set to leave the club this month.
It was a cool showing from the Scotland cap, who was bolstered by a strong first half from colleagues Marshall and Bushiri. In the second half Porteous was integral to the second goal as his quick-thinking from a free-kick in his own half released Youan who was able to find Nisbet for a cool finish.
He was then crucial in starting the attack that led to Nisbet's hat-trick after switching to his newly-found midfield role. Perhaps his last action in a Hibs shirt was to slide and block as Kevin Van Veen looked certain to fire a shot in for potentially 3-3 in a moment of late drama.
The 23-year-old's vision was solid throughout and if potential suitors were watching his display, their interest may have ramped up.
McGeady back in action
Aiden McGeady made his first league start for Hibs after the veteran's time at Easter Road so far has been fraught with injuries.
But the 36-year-old was cool and calm in the key moments, and found the crucial ball in to the area for Nisbet to open the scoring after a strong start to the game at Fir Park. The winger was first to a lot of loose balls and critical to Hibs' attacking threat throughout.
The former Celtic man did drift out of the game in the second half but on his first start in months, it's clear to see why Johnson wants the winger as a regular starter going forward.
Bold Bushiri but Cadden concern
While Hibs' form has been under the microscope in recent weeks, one constant seems to have been the efforts of Rocky Bushiri and Chris Cadden have taken plaudits.
Both defenders were on form against Motherwell, with Rocky making some big time challenges early on to guard Hibs lead but it was former Well star Cadden who was forced off with an injury after just 30 minutes.
The youngster seemed to be in a bit of discomfort, and while the extent of his injury is unknown, he could be a big loss to Johnson after starting ever league game so far this season and with Hibs struggling to keep goals out so far in the campaign.
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