HibsBadge.jpg.opt460x460o0,0s460x460

Hibs warmed up for next week’s European campaign with a hard fought 0-0 draw against Raith Rovers at Stark’s Park last night.

Two Scouts from opponents Malmo were amongst the crowd as Pat Fenlon’s men created several opportunities in front of a large travelling support.

Another interested spectator was former Celtic and Middlesbrough defender Stephen McManus who has been training with the club, and is believed to be considering offers from a number of teams since his release in the summer.

Pat Fenlon fielded an experienced team with Lewis Stevenson at right back replacing Tim Clancy who is still recovering from injury. James McPake, Paul Hanlon and Ryan McGivern made up the back four whilst summer signings Owain Tudur Jones and Liam Craig started the game in midfield with teenage strikers Danny Handling and Ross Caldwell up front.

Hibs almost grabbed an early lead when Alex Harris raced in behind former team-mate Callum Booth on the right before finding Handling with a low cross. The youngster’s first time shot was on target, but defender Jason Thomson managed to block his effort.

The same pair were in action moments later with a nice one-two, but Handling’s effort was easily saved by Raith keeper David McGurn.

In the 9th minute Handling went close with a long range effort as Hibs piled on the pressure, but the Fife side fought back and former Hearts forward Callum Elliot should have done better after finding himself clean through on goal with only Ben Williams to beat, but the Hibs keeper stood firm and easily held his week effort.

Williams looked to have been fouled at a Joe Cardle corner; bit his protests were ignored by the referee and the big keeper had Crag to thank for keeping his goal in tact with a fine clearance.

Another effort from Handling, just before the break produced a great save from the McGurn to keep the scores level.

Hibs started the second half brightly and skipper James McPake went close with a powerful header from Craig’s well struck corner kick, and Liam Fox headed inches wide from Cardle’s cross as play flowed from end to end.

On 62 minutes Ross Caldwell had a great chance but his well struck shot flew inches past the post.

Caldwell then turned supplier and created a chance for substitute Dean Horribine but the youngster’s angled a strike low towards the far post was well held by McGurn.

Both teams created late chances, but the game ended goalless.

Hibs will play Malmo in Sweden next Thursday.

Raith Rovers: McGurn, Thomson, Booth, Donaldson, Hill, Fox (Moon 72′), Anderson, Callachan, Smith (Trialist 79′), Elliot (Spence 64′), Cardle. Substitutes not used: Vaughan, Ellis, Murray, Matthews, McCroary, Laidlaw.

Hibs: Williams, Stevenson, McGivern, Hanlon, Tudor Jones, McPake (Forster 64′), Harris (Cairney 46′), Taiwo (Horribine 68.), Caldwell (Stanton 74′), Handling, Craig. Substitutes not used: Gold, Donaldson, Mullen.

+ posts

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.