Hibernian helped by fast start as they beat Kilmarnock to close in on Motherwell

Hibernian benefitted from a fast start as they defeated Kilmarnock 3-0 at Easter Road to turn up the heat on Motherwell in the battle for fourth spot in the William Hill Premiership.

Hibs struck twice in the opening 12 minutes through Owen Elding and Felix Passlack before substitute Ante Suto notched in stoppage time.

The victory moved David Gray’s side within three points of Well, who briefly held an eight-point advantage over the Hibees a little over a month ago.

While Hibernian – now unbeaten in six matches – are chasing a position that would ensure a European place for next season, Killie remain in the relegation play-off spot, three points adrift of both St Mirren and Aberdeen.

Gray made four changes to the team that drew 0-0 at Motherwell a fortnight ago as Grant Hanley, Jack Iredale, Elding and Dane Scarlett replaced Rocky Bushiri, Nicky Cadden, Martin Boyle and Suto.

There was one change to the Killie team that started their 2-0 win over Livingston as Brad Lyons replaced Marley Watkins.

The hosts got off to the best possible start as they took the lead within 15 seconds.

Jamie McGrath rolled the kick-off back to goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger, who launched a long kick upfield. Robbie Deas headed clear but only as far as McGrath, who found Passlack.

The German drove in from the right and slipped a pass into the box for Elding, who took a touch before slotting home a low finish from six yards for his third goal since joining Hibs in January.

The Irish striker was instrumental in the Edinburgh side doubling their lead in the 12th minute as his magnificent pass split the Killie defence and sent Jordan Obita clear down the left.

The Uganda international drew Kelle Roos and squared the ball across the edge of the six-yard box for Passlack, who tapped into the empty net.

Hibs threatened a third in the 22nd minute when Obita’s cross from the left was helped into the danger area by Elding but Aaron Tshibola scrambled it away and into the arms of Roos.

Kilmarnock started to grow into the game as the half wore on and thought they had levelled in the 25th minute when new Scotland cap Findlay Curtis fired home from 10 yards but it was ruled out following a VAR check as Lyons was offside in the build-up.

The visitors made a bright start to the second period but apart from a Greg Kiltie shot from the edge of the box that was beaten away by Sallinger, they rarely looked like hitting back before Suto knocked in a cross from fellow substitute Boyle in the dying seconds.