Promoted Hibernian secured a fourth successive win for the first time since October 2022, as Nectar Triantis’ first-half header proved enough to secure a 1-0 win over 10-man Kilmarnock.
The on-loan Sunderland midfielder scored his first goal for Hibs in the 25th minute before Kelly’s hopes of maintaining his mini-awakening were dashed on the hour mark when Danny Armstrong picked up a second yellow card and became the eighth player to score. Posted this term.
Hibs, who were bottom of the Premier League earlier this month, are now 10 points clear of bottom-placed St Johnstone and three points outside the top six after winning five of their last six.
Manager David Gray made two changes from the side that started the Boxing Day win away to city rivals Hearts as Warren O’Hora and Elie Youan – both suffering from nursing problems – were replaced by Lewis Miller and Junior Hoilett.
Kelly – who has not won at Easter Road since May 2014 when the two sides were battling to avoid a relegation play-off – fielded the same formation that started Thursday’s 4-0 win over Aberdeen.
Hibs should have taken the lead in the 11th minute but Hoilett tipped his effort wide from six yards after Martin Boyle miscued a dangerous low pass from the right.
At the other end, Kelly forwards Bobby Wells and Kyle Vassell both saw shots blocked by goalkeeper Jordan Smith after getting in behind the home defence.
The hosts came close to scoring in the 24th minute when Nicky Cadden fired a powerful shot from eight yards out that hit the post directly. From the resulting corner taken by Cadden, Triantis rose at the near post to head home a header to give Hibs the lead.
Kelly suffered another setback just after the half-hour mark when influential defender Joe Wright went off injured to be replaced by Robbie Dees.
Hibs lost a key player of their own when captain Joe Newell, who has been playing through injury recently, was substituted early in the second half.
Killie piled on the pressure early in the second half but it was Hibs who came close to doubling their lead on the hour mark when Miller’s powerful shot was saved by Robbie McCrory and then Rocky Bushiri failed to turn the ball home from close range when Hoilett drilled. Put it back through the goal.
But the visitors’ hopes of an equalizer were dashed in the 63rd minute when Armstrong was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge on Jack Iredale while trying to get the rebound after Smith blocked a Fraser Murray shot at goal. Edge of the six-yard box, Hibs duly pinned.
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