A brace from Jason Cummings has helped Hibernian take a step closer to securing their Scottish Premiership status for next season after beating Hamilton Academical 2-0 in the first leg of the playoff final.
The home side had a good spell of possession early in the match, but it was Hibernian who threatened first when Scott Robertson struck the post with a shot from the edge of the area in the 12th minute.
James Keatings had a couple of chances for Hamilton, while Mickael Antoine-Curier tried to fire in from close range, but could only slice his shot high.
However, the visitors were able to break the deadlock shortly before the break when Cummings hit the ball on the volley from 20 yards out, just beating a stretching Kevin Cuthbert to score his first senior goal for the club.
The 18-year-old striker doubled Hibs' advantage within 10 minutes of the restart when he squeezed the ball in from a tight angle, needing the assistant referee to confirm that the ball had crossed the line.
Antoine-Curier had a chance to get the hosts back into the tie with a long-range effort in the 70th minute, but Ben Williams managed to make the save.
The goalkeeper was called upon again five minutes later as Andy Ryan tried to force the ball in from close range, but Williams was alert to the danger.
Hamilton continued to press late in the match, as Jason Scotland played Ali Crawford in for a shot in the final three minutes, but his effort was comfortably saved.
The result gives Hibernian their first win since February.
Sian Cowper
