Bobby Williamson maintained his winning start to life as Hibernian boss as his
team picked up another three points from his second game in charge.
Garry O'Connor opened the scoring against Livingston after 15 minutes and
skipper John O'Neil netted seconds before the interval to extend the lead.
The third goal came courtesy of unfortunate Livi substitute Morten Petersen,
who headed into his goal late in the game.
Williamson passed his first test as Hibs manager with flying colours last week
as the Easter Road side beat St Johnstone 3-0 to end a run of 18 league games
without a win.
But, despite the achievement, after the game he admitted his new charges had
to prove they were consistent enough to drag themselves away from the foot of
the Scottish Premier League table.
That mean travelling to high-flying neighbours Livingston and taking something
from the game.
But last week's win appeared to have given Hibs a much-needed injection of
confidence and they were ahead within 15 minutes of the game against Livi
kicking off.
Marvin Andrews' attempt at a pass-back was poorly dealt with by goalkeeper
Nick Culkin and he spilled the ball into the path of Garry O'Connor.
The young striker duly fired home from close range to give the Edinburgh side
the advantage.
The Almondvale side had a great chance to equalise after 35 minutes when
skipper Stuart Lovell squared the ball into the path of the onrushing David
Bingham but he failed to connect properly and sent the ball past the post from
just a couple of yards out.
David Fernandez went even closer four minutes later when he met a long kick
from the goalkeeper before taking the ball past goalkeeper Nick Colgan but the
Spaniard somehow managed to volley over the crossbar.
With just seconds of the first half remaining, Hibs doubled their advantage.
O'Neil's close range effort was blocked by the goalkeeper but the ball fell
kindly to the skipper and he lobbed Culkin with his second attempt.
Hibs were still hungry for goals and they could have added to their tally just
four minutes after the restart.
Ulises de la Cruz flighted a long cross into the area, picking out O'Connor at
the far post, but the striker was denied his second goal of the day by the
vigilant Michael Hart who headed clear for a corner kick.
O'Connor was threatening again after 54 minutes when Frederic Arpinon fed the
ball through to the young striker but Culkin pounced from his line to block
before O'Connor could pull the trigger.
Although Livingston were looking dangerous at times, Hibs were creating the
better chances.
O'Neil touched the ball on to Brewster to set up the shot for the former
Ionikis hitman after 59 minutes but he bulleted just over the crossbar.
Brewster went close again after 65 minutes when Alen Orman was hauled down by
Lovell on the edge of the box and he stepped up for the free-kick. He sliced the
effort through the Livi wall but Culkin managed the save.
The manner in which Livingston had lost the previous two goals must have been
disappointing for the home side and that misery was compounded when an own goal
extended Hibs' lead.
De la Cruz had been looking dangerous out on the right wing and he sent
another cross into the box after 77 minutes but, in his haste to clear,
substitute Petersen misdirected his header.
A comeback from Livingston at that stage looked highly unlikely and the home
supporters started pouring out of the ground with more than 10 minutes
remaining.
Teams
Livingston: Culkin, Hart (Xausa 71), Rubio (Petersen 48),
Andrews, Santini, Tosh (Wilson 60), Lovell, Quino, Aurellio,
Fernandez, Bingham.
Subs Not Used: Broto, Caputo.
Booked: Tosh.
Hibernian: Colgan, Smith, Caldwell, Murray, De la Cruz, O'Neil,
Jack (Wiss 81), Arpinon (Brebner 86), Orman, O'Connor,
Brewster (Hurtado 88).
Subs Not Used: Caig, Townsley.
Booked: Caldwell.
Goals: O'Connor 15, O'Neil 45, Petersen 78 og.
Att: 6,463
Ref: K Toner (Scotland).
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