Hibernian vs St. Johnstone. Scottish Premiership.
Easter Road.
Report as Glenn Middleton's first-half strike sees off Hibs and sends St Johnstone fifth in the Scottish Premiership; Hibs see their lead in third place cut to three points by Aberdeen
Saturday 1 May 2021 20:49, UK
St Johnstone climbed up to fifth in the Scottish Premiership after Glenn Middleton scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory at Hibernian.
The on-loan Rangers forward fired past Ofir Marciano in the first half following a mistake by defender Ryan Porteous.
The win maintained Saints' fine run of form ahead of next Sunday's Scottish Cup semi-final against St Mirren.
It was a different story for Hibs, who will take on Dundee United in the last four at Hampden next week, with Jack Ross' side off the pace for much of the game.
Hibs, whose lead in third place has been cut to three points by Aberdeen, were without 17-goal striker Kevin Nisbet.
The visitors clearly had one eye on the cup after manager Callum Davidson made seven changes.
There was no place in the squad for goalkeeper Zander Clark, while the likes of Stevie May, Shaun Rooney and David Wotherspoon dropped to the bench.
A passive start to the clash suggested both teams had Hampden on their minds.
The only attempt at goal in the opening stages came after four minutes when Saints' stand-in goalkeeper Elliot Parish gathered a tame Christian Doidge header.
However, the visitors did take the lead through Middleton in the 22nd minute.
Porteous brushed Michael O'Halloran off the ball near the corner flag but then inexplicably tried to force a pass across his own box.
Middleton picked up the stray ball in a central position and swept a drive past the hapless Marciano.
Hibs continued to lack any real penetration in the final third, although Martin Boyle did bring a routine save from Parish after getting on the end of a Jackson Irvine cross at the back post.
The second half was much of the same as Hibs struggled for ideas.
Alex Gogic did at least threaten with an overhead kick from Boyle's corner but his effort sailed over the crossbar.
At the other end, Middleton was given a chance to add to his tally after a free-kick was awarded 20 yards from goal following a cynical Paul McGinn foul, but the former Hibs player's effort flew over.
Hibs forward Boyle did have the ball in the net moments later but his strike was ruled out for offside.
Both teams rang the changes as time ticked on but it was Saints who held on to claim the win.
Hibs boss Jack Ross: "We didn't play well. We didn't do enough to win, but I don't necessarily think we deserved to lose.
"I don't think St Johnstone did much more than us, there wasn't a lot created and it wasn't a good game to watch.
"But we came out on the wrong side because of the defensive lapse, otherwise it would probably have been 0-0."
St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson: "It shows the depth we have. I was pleased with the players I could put on and the players who came in were excellent and worked extremely hard.
"I probably did have a team in my head but people have now put question marks in that.
"That is good for me and makes it more difficult for me.
"Hopefully we will get through this week in training and everyone stays fit and healthy and we can look forward to Sunday.
"Over the last few weeks I've made a few changes with the aim of getting guys some game time. I am happy with any of the 18 players who I pick."
Hibernian face Dundee United in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals, with the tie taking place at Hampden Park on Saturday, May 8 at 4pm.
Meanwhile, St Johnstone are also in Scottish Cup action next, with their last-eight clash with St Mirren at Hampden Park getting under way at 2.15pm on Sunday, May 9.
