Morton vs Hibernian. Scottish Championship.
Cappielow ParkAttendance2,696.
Tuesday 2 February 2016 23:15, UK
Anthony Stokes scored the vital goal for Hibernian as they earned a 1-0 victory over Greenock Morton at Cappielow Park.
Stokes struck during a good spell of pressure for the visitors to keep them eight points behind promotion rivals Rangers having played one game less.
Hibs, who were looking to build on their League Cup semi-final win on Saturday, had an early opportunity when full-back Niklas Gunnarsson smashed his shot into the side-netting, before midfielder John McGinn had a weak shot saved by Derek Gaston.
The Morton goalkeeper was later tested by James Keatings as Hibernian increased the tempo before the break, and this time the stopper did well to keep out a close-range header.
Hibs made the breakthrough three minutes after the interval when John McGinn pounced on a loose pass and slipped the ball in front of Stokes, who drilled a shot under Gaston from the edge of box.
Three minutes later the on-loan Celtic striker almost struck again when his shot from a similar range zipped narrowly wide.
Morton never really threatened the Edinburgh side, who now go into this weekend's Scottish Cup fifth-round tie against bitter rivals Hearts full of confidence.
