THIS season has not been much to look at for Hibernian supporters.

A team which was winded by relegation is still trying to catch its breath in the SPFL Championship, a sequence of seven successive league matches without defeat having been alloyed by four without a win at home.

Some fans may at least have envisaged progress at Easter Road when Pat Stanton was seen fronting a buyout campaign last week but the majority are unlikely to close their eyes to the truth that his involvement is a reminder of the distrust which is felt towards those running the club.

Such rancour is exacerbated by witnessing their team stumble over dropped points, Queen of the South now the fifth team to avoid a league defeat at Easter Road this season. Home matches have been difficult to watch for supporters and there were moments on Saturday which were enough to make one's eyes water, or more specifically those of John Baird.

The Queens striker gave in to impudence as he pulled Liam Craig back late in the first half and the Hibs midfielder responded in kind, slapping his antagonist in the face.

This was met later with a dismissive flick of the wrist and wry remark from Baird. "I was angry at the time because he poked my eyes and I couldn't see . . . but he's not a nice guy to look at, is he? But it's gone."

It was hoped that the striker would react hotly, given the chill which continues to preside over Easter Road. The Hibs squad has changed much since the club dropped out of the top flight but their fortunes are still to improve in consequence, the dissent from the stands following a pallid performance at the weekend carrying over the air like an echo of last season. So too did the acknowledgement from manager Alan Stubbs that Hibs "didn't do enough to win".

Queens were diffident at times too, although a visiting side does not need to establish the tempo in a game and they were contented by their performance. They started the weekend third in the table and protected their position capably; possession was retained with passes out of defence and Hibs were frustrated by the diligence of Mark Durnan, Ian McShane and Kevin Holt, in particular. "People never gave us a chance but we're three points ahead of Hibs and have played them twice," Baird added.

His optimism was calculated as much on Hibs' inability to settle at home as the successes of his own side. The Easter Road team move more freely when released from their stadium and have won in each of their last four matches on the road.

Hibs may yet show mobility in the table since their next two fixtures are away from home albeit that suggestion drew a protest from David Gray. "Easter Road is a great place to play your football," said the Hibs defender.

That may be, but on Saturday there was not much to look at.