Hibs instant analysis: Le Fondre strikes but precious points dropped

Nick Montgomery's side drop to seventh despite second-half goals from Myziane Maolida and Adam Le Fondre seemingly setting their on course for victory after Josh Sims' opener. After a flat opening period, Hibs were much improved following the half-time introduction of Le Fondre, who offered a focal point, volleying home a sublime cross-field ball from Joe Newell to put Hibs ahead.

That followed Maolida latching into Elie Youan's through pass to slot away his fifth Hibs goal, and signalled a shift in momentum as the visitors dominated the second 45. But in the dying seconds, a County cross to the back post found the arriving Yan Dhanda, and he slotted into the opposite corner to sicken the travelling support - and the Hibs players, who were adamant referee David Munro had wrongly awarded the hosts a throw-in moments before the equalsier. 

Patrick McPartlin and Liam Bryce were in Dingwall to provide the instant analysis.

Miller adds to absences, but Cadden excels

Lewis Miller wasn't risked on Sunday against Rangers, and inside half an hour here it became clear why. A galloping run back down the right flank in pursuit of a Ross County counter aggravated what seems to have been an existing hamstring concern. With Nathan Moriah Welsh serving a suspension and Jordan Obita about to join him, plus the absence of Martin Boyle and Dylan Vente, it means Hibs will have five players falling out of the side over recent games. The return of Chris Cadden is extra welcome in this case, and it meant he was thrust right back into the action after making his first start since May 2023 at the weekend. Hibs have been managing his return carefully, but unless Montgomery wants to throw Rory Whittaker back into the fray, it'll be Cadden again for Livingston's visit to Easter Road on Saturday. The 27-year-old looks good, though. He was sharp in the tackle and eager to burst forward at every opportunity, and you could argue his urgency rubbed off on the rest after a very sluggish opening to proceedings.

Liam Bryce

Half-time changes needed

With Vente sidelined, Montgomery is without a starting centre-forward. Le Fondre would be a like-for-like replacement but clearly isn’t fancied from the first minute - and at any rate, he can be a useful option from the bench against a tiring defence. 

Emiliano Marcondes was shoehorned into the front line as a false nine of sorts against Rangers and Ross County but for all the Dane’s quality, it just isn’t working for him spearheading the attack. Whether it’s fitness or just that he is unsuited to the position or style of play, his influence is blunted in the 433 that Montgomery has taken to playing recently. 

Both Maolida and Élie Youan have led the attack in the past but the former France youth international teammates were preferred on the flanks in both games, with Youan coming on for Martin Boyle after his injury against the Gers.  The problem for Hibs is not only that they lack a traditional centre-forward capable of taking Vente’s place, but also a replacement who can put in the same power of work as the Dutchman. 

Montgomery’s half-time change to a 4231, with Le Fondre replacing Dylan Levitt. helped Hibs gain a bit more cohesion in attack, and the tactical shuffle bore fruit when Maolida picked up the ball on the edge of the centre circle, fed Youan, and continued his run into the box, with Youan’s through-ball taking out three County defenders and sitting up nicely for Maolida to dink it beyond George Wickens. It was a well-worked goal and exactly what Hibs had been missing in the first period. 

Patrick McPartlin

Le Fondre proves his worth

There was a point midway through the second half when Adam Le Fondre, on for Dylan Levitt at the interval, received a shout of encouragement from Nick Montgomery along the lines of keeping his head up. The striker had had a couple of half-chances earlier in the half without getting the better of George Wickens.

But with Le Fondre, there’s always a chance. His game intelligence, his poacher’s instinct, and his experience can so often count for that little bit extra in the final third.

Hibs had been hurling crosses into the Ross County box a lot in the second half, with Chris Cadden flighting them in from the right and Jordan Obita doing likewise on the left. But it was Joe Newell, who stepped up his own game in the the second 45, who got on the ball just inside the opposition half, looked up, and picked out Le Fondre who was in the right place at the right time. 

He has had to bide his time since coming back from injury and there may be questions over his future, with his contract up in the summer. But moments like tonight suggest the wily old fox can still deliver when it’s most needed.

Another late sickener

Facing one of the league's struggling sides twice within a fortnight, these are exactly the periods Hibs must start taking maximum points from if they are to realise their upward ambitions. Midweek at a far-flung venue, key players missing, early injuries and a flat overall first-half, it did look ominously teed up for Hibs to stumble in their pursuit of the top six. With Dundee beating Aberdeen, Montgomery's side drop back to seventh and now absolutely must beat Livingston at Easter Road on Saturday. This one will sting for a while, though, especially how hard Hibs were forced to graft to get themselves into a winning position. They got there with two goals of exceptional quality, but an inability to hold on to these advantages has been a weakness all season. This is now Hibs' seventh 2-2 draw under Montgomery's leadership, and just how different their league predicament could be had they not thrown away so many leads must keep the manager awake at night. There was a sense of injustice given how clearly it should not have been County's throw at the death, but the resultant defending wasn't up to scratch and Hibs were made to pay.

Liam Bryce