New signing Fraser Mullen started his Hibs’ career in style last night, scoring the opening goal in the club’s pre-season friendly win against a Gibraltar XI on the 4G surface at the Victoria Stadium.
Pat Fenlon selected a young side with an average age of just 22, including five teenagers; Mullen, Jordon Forster, Sam Stanton, Ross Caldwell and Danny Handling in the starting line-up and a further four, Brad Donaldson, Alex Harris, Dean Horribine and David Gold on the bench.
In fact, eleven of the squad who took part in the game graduated through the youth academy, including the captain, Paul Hanlon.
Sean Murdoch made a rare appearance in goal replacing Ben Williams, against an ever improving Gibraltar team who had beaten both Notts County and Portsmouth last summer.
It was the home side who almost took an early lead in the sunshine before Hibs took control, and Tom Taiwo went close with a well struck shot.
Murdoch made a good save at the other end, before Hibs took a deserved lead after being awarded a free-kick just outside the box, and Mullen marked his debut with a stunning right foot strike which sailed into the top corner leaving the Gibraltar keeper helpless.
Hibs continued to dominate and Caldwell went close after rounding the keeper, but the teenager was unable to put the ball into the net. Gibraltar continued to look dangerous on the break, and Murdoch did well to preserve Hibs lead.
Liam Craig replaced Kevin Thomson at half time but it was the home side who equalised just after the break when a low cross from the left was swept into the net at the back post. Hibs responded well and hit back with a well-worked goal from Handling following some great play from Alex Harris and Caldwell.
David Gold then came on as a substitute for his debut appearance in the first team, before Caldwell sealed the win in the 70th minute with a well taken goal from close range.
Hibs next game is friendly against Nottingham Forest in Portugal on Saturday.
Pat Fenlon will have a better idea of the club’s opponents in the second qualifying round of the Europa League when Drogheda United face Malmo.
Hibs: Sean Murdoch, Fraser Mullen, Jordon Forster, Paul Hanlon, Lewis Stevenson, Tom Taiwo, Kevin Thomson, Paul Cairney, Sam Stanton, Danny Handling, Ross Caldwell
Subs: Ben Williams (unused), Ryan McGivern, David Gold, Dean Horribine, Owain Tudor Jones, Liam Craig, Alex Harris, Brad Donaldson
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
