Hibernian survived a late Hamilton Academical fightback to move to within three points of Scottish Premiership leaders Rangers.

Marios Ogkmpoe had a penalty saved at the other end before Ross Callachan made a better job of his spot kick.

Ryan Porteous’ own goal ensured a nervous finish for Hibs.

But they held on to end a run of three home games without a win, with Nisbet heading to the top of the Premiership scoring charts with six goals.

Accies might argue that Paul McGinn could have been sent off when pulling down Ogkmpoe for the first of those penalties, but Hibs could have had a more handsome lead by then had it not been for Gourlay.

Brian Rice’s preparations had already hampered by the loss of his first-choice goalkeeper – whose absence is being covered by the short-term signing of Ryan Scully – and he had to reshuffle his pack early on after combative defender Shaun Want was forced off.

In truth, Accies’ defence was already all at sea by then, Rice’s decision to play five at the back failing to stem the tide of swift Hibs attacks spearheaded by fleet-footed Martin Boyle.

It was the Australia winger who won the free-kick that presented Nisbet the chance to curl a low drive past Gourlay to open the scoring.

The summer signing from Dunfermline Athletic added the second before the break, his header from a Joe Newell cross going in off the underside of the bar and Gourlay’s fingertips.

Hibs survived a scare when McGinn only received a yellow card for pulling down Ogkmpoe on the edge of the penalty box and the Greek’s spot kick was saved by goalkeeper Ofir Marciano.

The home side’s dominance continued through Hanlon’s close-range header, but there was still to be drama in the final 15 minutes as Porteous brought down Callum Smith, Callachan despatched the penalty, and the Hibs centre-half then headed Smith’s cross into his own net.

Man of the match – Kevin Nisbet

What did we learn?

Hibs lie in third place as the top four begin to pull away from the rest of the league, but they remain a Jekyll and Hyde force with a soft centre.

They threatened to overwhelm Hamilton with the speed of their attacks and precision passing, but they were left hanging on for dear life as weaknesses in midfield and defence were laid bare by a side struggling one off the bottom of the Premiership.

Accies have constantly avoided relegation thanks to their battling qualities, but they looked uncharacteristically weak in the tackle and lacking in endeavour.

Head coach Rice is trying to impose a passing game on his side and could be faced with a choice of reverting to type if they continue to struggle at the wrong end of the table.

What they said

Hibs head coach Jack Ross: “To have to run down the game and run the ball into the corner flag in the last minute is a little bit frustrating as we were very good for large parts of the game.

“But we had some elements of sloppiness and I’ve got to credit Brian and his team because some would have thrown in the towel at 3-0 and they didn’t do that.”

Hamilton head coach Brian Rice: “First half, we were sitting off Hibs, making it too easy for them.

“Second half, we were lively and had spells when we had them under pressure. Then it was a good open game. I know we will always keep going and keep going.”

What’s next?

With the Premiership taking a rest for a couple of weeks, Hibs host Highland League champions Brora Rangers on Wednesday, while Hamilton visit League Two side Annan Athletic the previous day.