County up to 10th after victory at listless Hibs

Ross County added to their revival by comfortably beating Hibernian to record their first back-to-back Scottish Premier League wins since March.

The left-back turned creator for others when he picked out Alex Iacovitti to stroke home.

County move up to 10th, while Hibs slip to sixth after a fifth defeat in six.

Hibs started with the fast tempo promised by manager Lee Johnson, although they did very little with it. County didn’t create much either, and were happy to sit back and let the hosts’ attacks flow.

The first real chance came for the visitors in the 41st minute when Owura Edwards chipped past Lewis Stevenson to cross for Jordan White, but Paul Hanlon made a vital block to divert the ball.

Malky Mackay’s men took the next opportunity that came their way. Dhanda crossed to an unmarked Harmon and – for the second time in two games – made no mistake, hitting a shot at the back post that nestled into the net.

Hibs responded by bringing on Elie Youan and Josh Campbell, but that did little to brighten their fortunes. In fact, it was Rocky Bushiri who came closest, hitting a powerful effort at Ross Laidlaw for the County keeper to collect easily.

The visitors doubled their lead 20 minutes from time. Josh Sims dragged a lovely ball into Harmon who jumped to the byline, pulled back to an unmarked Iacovitti and his finish was cool and determined.

It was another lackluster performance from Hibs, while County moved out of the bottom two.

Player of the Match – George Harmon

Hibs struggle without Boyle as county’s resurgence continues – analysis

A pretty brutal watch for a Hibs fan. Lots of possession to talk about, but only four shots on goal and no edge.

When Martin Boyle harries about there is a threat to it, some direction. When someone else in a Hibs shirt does that, they’re a rabbit in the headlights.

Five defeats in six games means trouble for any manager and Johnson will not be exempt from the heat.

County weren’t at their attacking best but they played their game perfectly, taking the chances that fell their way and slowing it down at every opportunity.

The Highlanders don’t miss Ben Purrington as much as they feared either. Harmon has been superb in the last two games, and once again Mackay’s signing is to be applauded.

What did they say?

Hibernian boss Lee Johnson: “I don’t think it was a lack of effort. We huffed and puffed but there was a serious lack of quality, lack of decision-making.

“It was a very good away performance that did a job on us and it’s really disappointing. There will be criticism and that’s fair. We all want to do well for Hibs, so we have to come out and fight against Kilmarnock. “

Ross County manager Malky Mackay: “I’m happy for the players because they’ve played so well in recent weeks and not really got the reward.

“To keep a clean sheet and score twice is fantastic and the courage we showed in the first half to get on the ball so much shows the confidence they have.”

What comes next?

Hibs travel to Kilmarnock on Saturday while County visit Celtic Park (both 15:00 GMT) in the final round of Premier League games before the World Cup break.