Hibernian 2-2 Ross County: Hosts miss chance to move into top six after shipping two-goal lead

Hibernian passed up the chance to move into the Scottish Premiership’s top six by surrendering a two-goal lead at home to Ross County in a thrilling draw at Easter Road.

Hibs doubled their lead shortly after the interval as Dylan Levitt’s clipped ball over the top was latched on to by Jair Tavares, who carried the ball into the visiting box and slammed in his first goal for the club.

But Yan Dhanda’s introduction orchestrated a County comeback as the substitute’s cross was entertained by Allan Delferriere into his own net before the midfielder played a key role in Jordan White’s stunning leveller, which was smashed in on the spin.

The result means Hibs – who go to Hampden on Saturday to face Aberdeen for a place in the Viaplay Cup final – stay eighth, while County move up to ninth.

Malky Mackay’s side are now without a victory in seven games, but this point – earned three days after they let a two-goal lead of their own slip at Motherwell – will galvanize the Highlanders after Saturday’s disappointment.

Meanwhile, Nick Montgomery – now on a five-game winless run – has plenty to ponder with Saturday’s semi-final fast approaching.

Player of the match – Yan Dhanda

Hibs mentality comes under scrutiny again – analysis

A soft underbelly has been a constant criticism of this Hibs side, who have now lost four points from winning positions this term.

Coming back from two down at Tynecastle in the Edinburgh derby earlier this month perhaps pointed to a shift in mentality, but results like this highlight the mountain of work Montgomery still has to get through.

Granted, it is still very early days in his reign and he can get his tenure back on track with a semi-final victory on Saturday, but the jury is still out on the Hibs boss’ 4-4-2 formation.

With attacking wingers deployed either side of a two-man midfield, the Easter Road struggles side to get a grip of games for sustained periods.

Montgomery has also given himself a big decision to make in the goalkeeping position after dropping David Marshall to hand a start to Jojo Wollacott, who showed superb ability with his feet and made two top saves late on from headers by Ryan Leak and Will Nightingale.

For County, it is another point further clear from the foot of the table – but if Mackay’s side can tighten up their defensive duties, their midfield and attack is capable of driving this team towards the top half.

In the past three days alone, White, Simon Murray and Eamonn Brophy have shown they can find the net, while Dhanda, Kyle Turner and Victor Loturi continue to impress in midfield.

What’s next?

Hibernian meet Aberdeen at Hampden on Saturday (17:15 GMT) in their Viaplay Cup last-four tie. Ross County host Celtic in the league earlier in the day (12:30).

More to follow.