Monday September 1st 2025
Kick off at Easter Road as Hibs faced St Mirren
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Katie Gregory
After European heartbreak, Hibernian showed resilience to fight back and claim a hard-earned draw against St Mirren.
Ahead of the match, there were plenty of questions hanging over Easter Road. Following a draining European night in Warsaw, the focus turned to David Gray and how he could revitalise his side. The Hibernian fans did not need any instruction, as they roared with the kind of noise you’d expect from a team on a winning streak.
Hibs started brightly, showing some creativity in their opening exchanges, but couldn’t keep hold of possession. Adjusting their approach, they tried to slow the tempo and play out from the back, but this too proved ineffective, as both sides showed signs of early nerves.
The game’s first clear-cut chance came just five minutes in, as Jonah Ayunga burst forward, cutting through Hibernian’s defence with worrying ease. His low shot looked destined for the far corner before Jordan Smith reacted sharply to palm it wide – a crucial early intervention and much-needed steadiness from the Hibs keeper.
Hibs responded almost instantly. Chris Cadden whipped a dangerous ball across the face of goal, with Nicky Cadden lurking at the back post – but it narrowly missed its target. A chance wasted, but a warning shot all the same.
Hibernian’s best chance of the half arguably came from the right flank, as Chris Cadden latched onto a precise pass and drove towards goal. Just as he went to shoot, Killian Phillips made a heroic dive to deflect the ball clear – but paid for his efforts with a painful fall that saw him stay down for several minutes.
There was promise in the link-up between Dylan Levitt and Martin Boyle, who timed his run well, but couldn’t get a clean strike away. The resulting corner was wasted – reflective of Hibs’ struggle to turn build-up into clear-cut chances. The need for quicker transitions was becoming increasingly obvious.
Around the half-hour mark, Hibs’ defensive shape began to solidify. The backline looked more assured than at any point prior, frustrating St Mirren’s attempts to find openings. Shots from Declan John and Miguel Freckleton came from various angles – left, right, and through the middle – but none could breach the Hibs defence and reach goal.
One standout figure in that spell was Grant Hanley. In the beginning stages of the match, Hanley looked unsure in his positioning – questioning when to drop back or push forward. However Hanley grew in confidence and began to assert himself – especially when St Mirren tried to sneak through on the left.
The second half kicked off with immediate tension. St Mirren threatened through a smart move between Mark O’Hara and Mikael Mandron but Rocky Bushiri stood strong in the centre, and cleared the danger.
In the 58th minute, a St Mirren free-kick saw Miguel Freckleton left unmarked in the middle, and the player seized the opportunity, flicking the ball with his hip past goalkeeper Jordan Smith and scoring for his side.
David Gray reacted with changes: Kieron Bowie, Chris Cadden and Jamie McGrath entered the pitch, all ready to make an impact.
In the 69th minute, a well-delivered corner caused panic in the St Mirren box, and it was Rocky Bushiri who was in the right place at the right time, virtually on the goal line, to bundle the ball home. It wasn’t pretty, but it was vital.
As the minutes ticked away, desperation began to seep in as both sides searched for a winner. Quality dipped and long balls were overhit. Keanu Baccus lashed one high from the right wing. Decision-making became erratic – a sure sign of fatigue and tension.
St Mirren made a late change and brought on Jalmaro Calvin. Hibs countered, and called up Jordan Obita in the closing stages.
In the dying minutes, the match descended into chaos. Precision gave way to instinct. You could sense that tactical plans had gone out the window – both sides were now operating purely on adrenaline.
Four minutes of added time were signalled, and it brought the most intense moments of the match. Thibault Klidjé was fast on the attack, and looked to have set himself up perfectly – only to be brought down at the last moment.
The drama then continued, as Hibs looked certain to be awarded a penalty for handball. The stadium held its breath awaiting a decision – but after a long delay, the referee was advised there had been no foul play. The roar of frustration was instant, and the match finished with boos echoing around the ground.
After giving their all, both sides will be disappointed to go away without all three points. For Hibernian, the result marks a crucial step forward after their painful Europa Conference League exit just days earlier. St Mirren face another case of what might have been – and continue to chase their first win of the season.
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