Hibernian 2-2 St Mirren: Hibs spurn chance to go top of table

Hibernian blew the chance of going clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership as St Mirren staged a dramatic comeback to draw at Easter Road.

But Paul McGinn's exceptional volley levelled the score before Martin Boyle converted from the penalty spot.

However, a late lapse from the hosts allowed Joe Shaughnessy to nod in a costly equaliser.

Hibs move top of the table on goal difference while being level on points with Rangers and Hearts, with the former playing Motherwell tomorrow at Ibrox.

St Mirren move up to ninth, but are still in search for their first league win of the campaign.

• Reaction as it happened

The first-half period saw a lethargic Hibs side struggle to create despite dominating possession.

Two wayward efforts from Boyle and Kevin Nisbet were the best Jack Ross' men could muster as they laboured to threaten a resolute St Mirren defence.

Those defensive efforts were rewarded at the other end when Brophy gave the away side the lead late in the first half.

The striker latched on to a clearance from Connor Ronan before cutting past Ryan Porteous and firing towards goal. Questions may be asked of Hibernian keeper Matt Macey who got a clean hand to the ball, but was unable to prevent it from nestling in the net at his near post.

Porteous was involved again early in the second half as he had a goal chalked off when he met Scott Allan's corner but Boyle, standing in an offside position on the goal line, was flagged.

Substitute Allan became the focal point for most good things Hibs did in the second half and he demonstrated superb vision to pick out McGinn for the equaliser.

After St Mirren had successfully blocked two efforts, the ball fell to Allan who had the wherewithal to spot the onrushing defender who crashed home a sensational volley.

The Hibs onslaught continued and soon they had the lead. Porteous caused problems from a corner with Matt Miller sending him tumbling to the ground for a clear penalty, which Boyle converted comfortably.

This was not the end of Jim Goodwin's side, though, as they showed incredible spirit to drag themselves back into the game and play out an enthralling final 20 minutes.

Shaughnessy went close as he poked Marcus Fraser's cross towards goal only to be denied by the crossbar.

But the defender quickly found himself at the top end of the pitch again as he capitalised on Josh Doig's lapse in concentration to snatch a late draw.

Man of the match - Eamonn Brophy

What did we learn?

Hibernian seemed surprisingly tired as they rolled up to Easter Road.

Goodwin's men will be happy to put a few goals up and prove they still have the quality they showed at times last season, but still look light of a nailed-on goal scorer.

The first half offered very little other than a solid St Mirren shape, but both sides played their part in the fantastic second half.

What did they say?

Hibernian manager Jack Ross: "I would have been delighted if we had seen out the win but over the course of the game I don't think we played well enough to deserve the win.

"Scott Allan's had a difficult year, he wants to play like all players do, that's why it looked like he might go out on loan. But he knows I've got faith in him, his vision, creativity and quality was never in question."

St Mirren manager Jim Goodwin: "I hate moaning all the time about decisions but I think that was an extremely soft penalty. There was a little bit of grappling before the ball came in but before Porteous went to ground, Matt Millar moved his arms out to his side to prove to the referee he wasn't touching him.

"Porteous has a habit of winning cheap free-kicks over the years. Some people might say he was clever but for me the referee needs to see what was going on there.

"There's a real frustration because I think we could have won the game if that second goal hadn't gone against us."

What's next?

Hibernian travel to Dundee United in the League Cup on Thursday night (19:45 GMT), while St Mirren welcome Aberdeen at home in the league on Sunday afternoon (12:00).