Apr 24, 2011

Hibernian 1-1 St Mirren

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Craig Dargo's penalty gave St Mirren a draw with Hibernian that edges his side closer to safety from relegation in the Scottish Premier League.

Hibs went ahead when Akpo Sodje fired into the corner of the net after 26 minutes from a Derek Riordan pass.


Liam Miller missed a good chance for Hibs before Dargo equalised after Victor Palsson fouled Paul McGowan.


Sodje and St Mirren's Gareth Wardlaw squandered second-half chances, but neither side could find a winner.


And the point moves the Buddies 10 points clear of bottom side Hamilton Accies, who face Aberdeen on Monday.


Lee Mair, Hugh Murray and Kenny McLean had come into St Mirren's starting line-up, with Aaron Mooy and Paddy Cregg dropping to the bench and John Potter ruled out through suspension.


Hibs made one change from the side that lost 2-1 to Accies last Sunday, with Martin Scott starting in place of Ricardo Vaz Te.


Despite the shock of being on the wrong end of Hamilton's first win since October, Hibs started the better, with Riordan and Liam Miller twice shooting on goal.


Mark Brown saved as McLean attempted to control a long cross-field pass as the visitors threatened on occasion to open up the hosts' defence, without producing the clinical ball.


Palsson was booked for a lunge on Jim Goodwin in the centre circle, a challenge that angered the Buddies midfielder.


Hibs then struck on the break when Riordan played through strike partner Sodje to tuck into the bottom right corner beyond Paul Gallacher.


It was the striker's third goal in three games and fifth since moving to Easter Road from Charlton in January.


Riordan then combined neatly with Callum Booth to tee up Miller, who should have done better than fire over from 12 yards.


Referee Alan Muir then pointed to the spot after a clumsy challenge by Palsson on McGowan.


The Hibs midfielder escaped a second yellow card, but Dargo stepped up and sent Brown the wrong way from the spot.


McLean shot wide from long range soon after for Saints, who would have been pleased, if a little fortunate, to reach the interval level.


Palsson was replaced with Ian Murray after 56 minutes and could not resist a parting word with Goodwin - justifying manager Colin Calderwood's change for fear of being reduced to 10 men.


Sodje evaded Darren McGregor on the right side of Saints' box but could not find a clinical touch.


Gareth Wardlaw found the target with a powerful header at the other end, but it was straight at goalkeeper Brown.



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