At what point does a recurrent theme turn into proof of a serious issue? After ruling out voodoo or witchcraft, there has to be a rational explanation for the curse that keeps Hibs from consistently blowing game-winning positions.
Twice in his ten games as manager, Nick Montgomery has watched his team blow a two-goal advantage.
Is it true that last night’s late collapse against St Mirren—giving up an equalizer in injury time after leading 1-0 and then 2-1—was somehow better? The small group of Hibs supporters who traveled back east on B and back roads due to motorway closures won’t have felt like it to think back on two more points given up.
One can fairly accurately gauge the impact of persistently losing a lead by examining the Scottish Premiership table.
After winning their first seven games, Hibs were expected to move up into the top six at the end of the ninety minutes in Paisley. After Lewis Jamieson’s equalizer, they are now locked in eighth position.
Furthermore, they would have 18 points if they had won all three of the games in which they had established a lead. Easily in fourth place. You know, ifs and buts?
In search of a pattern, evidence or even a clue as to why this keeps happening to Hibs, here’s a look at the ‘wins’ they couldn’t get over the line.
Just minutes into the match, Lewis Miller’s shot struck the post and lucky Killie keeper Will Dennis let it in, setting up an ideal start to Monty’s first game as Hibs manager.
Just before the hour, Dylan Vente’s goal made it 2-0, and Rugby Park’s sizable crowd started to hope for a promising future under the new leadership.
However, Kyle Vassell’s goal pulled the home team back into the game, ending the visitors’ two-goal lead after just three minutes.
And when Rocky Bushiri gave up a corner unnecessarily with just over ten minutes left, the equalizer was inevitable. Under Lee Johnson, Hibs’ regular weak point was almost certain to give up an equalizer, with Joe Wright’s free header doing the most damage.
After spending his first ninety minutes on the sidelines, Montgomery remarked, “I thought we could have killed the game off.” That wouldn’t be his last statement.
Hibs was well worth a 2-0 lead that lasted until just over 15 minutes from the end of regulation time, with an Elie Youan deflected strike and Jair Tavares’ first goal for the club putting the home side well on top. Hibs were defeated 4-0 by Rangers at Ibrox, but they were back on track after a valiant 0-0 draw at home against Celtic.
But Allan Delferriere scored an unfortunate own goal due to a terrible error made by stand-in keeper Jojo Wollacott, and with eight minutes left, Jordan White had too much space to turn and score an equalizer.
After taking over the role for eight weeks, Monty encountered something novel: irate fans jeering his team out of the stadium.
And that brings us up to the present day. A disputed penalty cancelled out a good early goal. An incredible comeback to take the lead, with opportunities to go up 3-1 missed, followed by… well, you get the idea.
What direction does the evidence point to now?
A coincidence cannot exist. And it’s hard to erase the stigma attached to teams that develop a reputation for being soft touches, always ready to crumble under pressure.
Following last night’s setback, Montgomery indulged in a little black humor when he remarked, “Maybe we need to start scoring three, because every time we score two, we draw the game.”
Not a bad idea, really. And there’s a sense that Hibs could establish a truly insurmountable lead over some unfortunate rival if and when they gel.
However, they might benefit psychologically just as much from winning a real squeaker. to lead even 1-0 and withstand a final burst of exertion in order to complete the task.
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