Hibernian 3-2 Rangers: Hibs move within three of Falkirk with tight victory

By Rory O'Callaghan

Thursday 21 April 2016 09:29, UK

Hibernian moved to within three points of Falkirk in the race for second place in the Championship with a 3-2 victory over champions Rangers at Easter Road on Wednesday.

Alan Stubbs' side dominated large parts of the match in what was a dress-rehearsal for next month's Scottish Cup final.

Rangers appeared jaded after their memorable cup victory over Celtic on Sunday and fell behind early to a Jason Cummings goal after five minutes.

A Wes Foderingham own goal doubled Hibs' advantage before Jason Holt bundled in for Gers with five minutes remaining in the first half.

Niklas Gunnarsson restored the home side's two lead on the hour mark with a well-time strike before Barrie McKay powered in a superb strike to set up a nervy finish for Hibs.

Victory caps a memorable week for Stubbs' side who secured their own place in next month's final with a penalty shootout victory over Dundee United on Saturday.

Hibs, who had declined the opportunity to award Rangers the customary guard of honour prior to kick-off, started the match the better of the two sides and took the lead after just five minutes.

Jason Cummings, fresh from his decisive penalty against Dundee United, capitalised on a lack of communication in the Rangers defence to put his side in front with a smart finish - his eighth goal in 10 matches against the Ibrox club.

Hibs then doubled their lead in fortuitous fashion when Wes Foderingham failed to collect a hopeful cross from Anthony Stokes, and instead diverted the ball embarrassingly into his own goal.

Rangers, who had been second best in the opening stages, suddenly found themselves behind by two goals for the first time in the Championship this season.

However, Mark Warbuton's side were handed a lifeline through another goalkeeping error shortly before half time.

Mark Oxley, replacing Hib's penalty shoot-out hero Conrad Logan in goal, failed to deal with a routine cross and instead parried the ball onto the underside of the bar.

The ball then fell to the feet of Jason Holt who bundled in from two yards out to reduce his side's deficit to one.

Hibs continued to dominate the possession and chances after the break and deservedly extended their lead when Gunnarsson rifled a close range strike past Foderingham on the hour mark.

Rangers were struggling to create clear goal scoring opportunities against a Hibs defence happy to protect their two goal lead.

Instead it was Hibs who went close to a fourth goal when Stokes saw his well struck free-kick saved by Foderingham.

The match looked to be heading for a subdued finish with five minutes to go before McKay fired in a superb 25-yard strike, his second in a week, to restore Rangers hopes of an unlikely comeback.

However, that goal proved to be final meaningful action of the match as Hibs held out for a well-deserved win. Victory moves Stubb's side to within two points of second-placed Falkirk in the Scottish Championship.

And the former Celtic and Everton defender will be hoping for a repeat performance when his side face Rangers again in the all-important match at Hampden Park on May 21.