Neil Lennon laments lack of cutting edge as Hibs draw at St Johnstone

A second consecutive 1-1 draw on the road left Hibs manager Neil Lennon disappointed but not disheartened after failing to put away St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

Published 9th Sep 2017

A second consecutive 1-1 draw on the road left Hibs manager Neil Lennon disappointed but not disheartened after failing to put away St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

The visitors enjoyed the best of the game despite going behind to Michael O'Halloran's fifth goal of the season, and drew level after a Paul Paton own goal.

Simon Murray and Martin Boyle enjoyed a succession of chances each but Lennon's side were unable to grab the winner, leaving him facing another draw after being frustrated at Dundee two weeks ago,

“We totally dominated all aspects of the game today,” Lennon said. “It's pretty similar to the way we played at Dundee.

“To come here and play as well as that against a team who are streetwise and battle-hardened - we matched them physically and then the football we played at times was outstanding.

“They don't give much away, St Johnstone, but we had clear-cut opportunities today which pleases me more than anything else.

“The only thing that doesn't please me is we didn't take them.”

He added: “That's two games away from home where we've completely dominated the game and the football is good, the style is good.

“We will play worse and win games. It's only one half of football - Hamilton at home - where we haven't reached the standards we set and I'm very very pleased with the standards we've set.

“To be fair to St Johnstone they defend very, very well at times and don't give much away, but today we cut them open at will at times and if we had showed a bit more composure we would have won the game.

“It's just the application and attitude of the players at the moment that is fantastic. I'm very pleased with the level of performance.”

The point extended Saints' unbeaten start to the season, but Tommy Wright was unhappy with his side after they finished the game firmly on the back foot.

“I'm happy to get a point, not happy with the performance. Twenty minutes in, we started like a house on fire and looked a real threat, but struggled the rest of the game.

“There's not many teams in the league that would get a point out of that."