AFTER straining every sinew in their bodies to become the first team to shatter Aberdeen’s flawless domestic record in midweek, Hibernian manager Alan Stubbs’ fear that his team would suffer a hangover was realised in yesterday’s 1-1 draw with St Mirren.

The hosts battled back from going behind to a Callum Gallagher strike to equalise three minutes before the break with an effort from Martin Boyle. The scoreline remained the same for the second 45 minutes despite the Leith outfit creating a handful of chances.

After being ruthless in front of goal with stunning goals from Jason Cummings and Dominqiue Malonga in Wednesday’s League Cup win over the Dons, Hibs were unable to reach those levels in the final third against the Saints.

“From our point of view there just wasn’t enough zip in our play,” conceded Stubbs, whose side will fall 11 points behind Rangers if the Championship leaders beat Morton today.

“The result through the week has taken a bit out of them but it’s still not an excuse. We just didn’t find the openings or create the clear chances.

“We still should have enough out on the pitch to get a result but the first goal was a big factor in us not getting the win.”

St Mirren arrived at Easter Road with a plan to get forward after lining up with a two-man attack in the shape of Lawrence Shankland and Paul McMullan, and that strategy paid off when the Buddies became the first team to score against Hibs in six matches.

The hosts’ defence was carved open with a perfectly-weighted Jim Goodwin pass that picked out former Rangers winger Gallagher.

Defender David Gray tracked the run but Gallagher turned inside the right-back before placing a low shot beyond Mark Oxley.

After some desperate defensive work from the Saints, their resistance was broken in the 42nd minute with a goal from Boyle.

Gray directed Liam Henderson’s cross back across the box and Boyle stooped to head the ball into the corner of the net.

Ian Murray began the second half in the directors’ box but it was not long before the St Mirren manager returned to the touchline after seeing the home side dominate.

Liam Fontaine headed over a Paul McGinn corner when he should have done better, before Lewis Stevenson’s shot from an angle inside the box came back off the bar. Boyle then hit a tame effort straight at Langfield before substitute Malonga’s close range header was also repelled by the visiting keeper.

St Mirren manager Murray insists captain Jim Goodwin’s disciplined performance was a huge factor in the result.

He said: “Jim was outstanding today and it’s always a worry with him, he has that reputation that he’s a thug, he’s a hooligan.

“Jim is a seasoned professional and he’s one player that gets us all going and gets us all together.”