Hibs verdict: Experience helps Hibs nick win as Shaun Maloney is proven right - sort of

Four league wins in 15 under Shaun Maloney consigned Hibs to the bottom six, rather than fighting for a European berth.

At a sun-drenched SMiSA Stadium on Saturday, Ewan Henderson’s first goal for the club, combined with Paul McGinn clearing off the line and Scott Tanser thumping the crossbar, secured Hibs three points. It wasn’t pretty; heck, it wasn’t even effective at times – James Scott’s header from Joe Newell’s cross midway through the second half was the visitors’ first effort on target – but in the end, it was a case of job done.

McGinn was impressive at the back on his first league appearance since early February. In the first half he cleared off the line with Curtis Main lurking; in the second period it was his long ball up to Harry Clarke that led to the winner. The versatile defender doesn’t often get the credit he deserves from some sections of the support but he played a significant role in the result.

There was a reason Maloney suggested his squad’s relative youth wasn’t conducive to consistency or positive results prior to his departure. With McGinn joined by the likes of Christian Doidge, Paul Hanlon, Matt Macey, and Joe Newell on the sidelines for significant spells, there wasn’t a lot of experience on the pitch at times when it was sorely needed.

Lewis Stevenson rightly kept his starting place against St Mirren after a strong showing in midfield against Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-final. There is an argument that he should have played more under Maloney.

It was likely no coincidence Hibs scraped an important win with Hanlon, Macey, McGinn, Newell, and Stevenson on the pitch. Experience isn’t the answer to all Hibs’ problems but it certainly helps.

Newell’s comments after the game summed up where