Livingston fell to 10 points adrift at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership following defeat to Hibs. A dominant first half display saw goals from Jordan Obita, Myziane Maolida and Adam Le Fondre sink any chance of a Livi fight.

There were three changes from the side that bravely battled Celtic in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Quarter finals; Jason Holt recovered from his illness that kept him out of the clash at Parkhead, and he was joined by Shamal George and David Carson in replacing Michael McGovern, Dan Mackay and Michael Nottingham.

It was disaster for the visitors who found themselves 1-0 down within 5 minutes, with Hibs having far too much time around the Livi box. A nice pass from Elie Youan to Adam Le Fondre allowed him to place the ball across goal for Jordan Obita to tap home to give the Leith side the lead.

And two minutes later, it was two. Hibs had loads of space to pass the ball around the Livingston defence, eventually picking out Youan who squared to Myziane Maolida who placed the ball into the bottom right corner beyond Shamal George.

Livingston were on tender hooks and it took Sean Kelly toe poking the ball off the feet of Le Fondre to avoid it being three before the 10 minute mark. Nice, flowing play again by Hibs allowed Cadden to nod Le Fondre, with Kelly getting to the ball just as the Hibs man was gearing up to shoot.

15 minutes on the clock and Livingston sparked into life. Stephen Kelly controlled the ball on the half way line and sent a lovely ball forward towards Tete Yengi. The initial ball was defended well but fell to Cristian Montano who swung the ball into the far post but there was no one in black there to tap the ball into the net, and the hosts were able to clear their lines.

Hibs found themselves further ahead on 22 minutes. A quick counter attack from Hibs found Cadden pushing forward. An inch perfect pass inside Montano to Yoaun allowed him to cross to the back post where Le Fondre was waiting to knock into the goal.

Any chances Livingston were forging were from the left wing, a lovely ball to Montano from Stephen Kelly allowing him to cross where Will Fish almost fluffed his lines with David Marshall scooping up, however Montano was judged to be offside.

With Hibs well in the lead they were happy to retain safe possession which invited a slight pressure from Livi. A nice cross from Stephen Bradley on the right found Joel Nouble in the box, his header lacked power or direction and was easy for Marshall to collect.

Ten minutes before the half and Hibs had the chance to go further in the lead. Youan fed a nice through ball to Le Fondre and his shot from a tight angle had to dealt with well by George who palmed wide for a corner, which he claimed well direct from the cross.

Livi had a great opportunity just as the half was playing out, a corner from the left hand side from Stephen Kelly was met by Montano, his header finding the top of the net.

Hibs looked to pick up where they left off in the second half and had a good opportunity less than a minute of play resuming. A free kick taken on the left was guided to the left wing where Cadden whipped in a cross towards Emiliano Marcondes however Ayo Obileye did well to defend and clear.

Livi had a chance of their own five minutes into the second half too. Some nice passing play in the middle of the park eventually found it’s way to Yengi. The Australian did well to hold the ball up shaping up a shot before laying off Mo Sangare, who’s shot was saved well by second half substitute Jojo Wollacott in the Hibs goal.

The Lions were still pushing and looking to get at least one goal to get back in the match, and almost got it. A sublime pass with the outside of his right boot saw Stephen Kelly play in Yengi on the left hand side. Squaring up and beating his defender all he had to do was pick his spot however his shot was blasted over the bar, perhaps signalling the lack of luck the Lions were going to get.

Marcondes forced George into a smart save shortly afterwards with a free kick on the left side of the box surprising everyone with his effort that played through everyone and almost snuck in the far corner.

The visitors got themselves a corner about 12 minutes from time, good hassling play from Nouble won the ball. He passed inside to Bruce Anderson who played the ball back to Stephen Kelly. He lofted the ball back towards Nouble who’s cross was deflected out. The corner initially came to nothing however on the second phase Sangare received the ball on the right side of the park, sending a great cross towards towards Nouble, who headed well towards the goal forcing Wollacott into a save.

Nouble was having himself a decent second half and was the creator of most chances coming Livi’s way. Another great attempt saw him dribble the ball well on the left side of the box before sending a wonderful cross in, with Kurtis Guthrie stretching to direct his header goalward, unsuccessfully on this occasion.

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