Scottish Championship: Hibernian up to fourth after beating Alloa 2-0

Hibernian moved up to fourth in the Scottish Championship after beating Alloa Athletic 2-0 at Easter Road.

Danny Handling and Dominique Malonga were on the scoresheet to wrap up a comfortable victory for Alan Stubbs' side.

Hibs made a bright start with Liam Fontaine’s header saved following a corner in the fifth minute, while the defender just failed to make connect with Scott Allan’s cross a few minutes later.

Malonga was presented with a good opportunity in the 20th minute when he was put through on goal but keeper Craig McDowall made a crucial block.

But their possession was rewarded on 29 minutes when Jason Cummings' shot was parried by McDowall but Handling was quickest to react inside the six yard box to tap it home and make it 1-0.

The home side continued to play some silky football with Scott Robertson and Malonga exchanging passes before the midfielder’s shot was saved.

Against the run of play, Alloa came close to equalising on the counter attack with Eddie Ferns shooting from a tight angle.

The home side continued where they left off after the break with Cummings’ drive from 18 yards saved by McDowall at his near post, while Paul Hanlon diverted Malonga’s flick-on narrowly wide.

But they sealed victory on 72 minutes when Robertson found Malonga and his touch looped over McDowall into the net.

Hibs, who forced 16 corners in a dominant display, came close to increasing their advantage in the dying minutes when Cummings' close-range was blocked.

But two goals was enough for the win which puts Hibs three points behind third-placed Queen of the South in the table while Alloa remain in eighth, just outside the relegation zone.