The ‘mini’ Edinburgh derby between Hearts and Hibs Under 20s will take place at Newtongrange’s New Victoria Park tonight (kick off 7pm, admission: £3/£1).
Hibs’ Head of Academy Coaching James McDonaugh, who is expected to field some first team players in tonight’s fixture, says he is excited ahead of kick-off and urged Hibernian supporters to head through to Midlothian to watch the game.
McDonaugh told the club website: “I’m looking forward to it – there’s a big crowd expected. Last time we played Hearts at Newtongrange there were about 800 there, so it will be good to see a good Hibs support there to cheer the young boys on.
“This is one step away from a first-team Edinburgh Derby and it’s valuable in terms of the group’s overall development; how they handle the game and deal with the in-game situations.
“The tempo is always quicker and the tackles are always harder in derby matches. It’s an important part of every players’ development as we prepare them for life in Hibernian’s first team. We are aiming to record a win and to produce a decent all-round performance.”
Hibs under-20s head into the fixture in third spot in the table while Hearts under-20s are currently third from bottom, although they have only played three games.
Former Hearts Academy player Jason Cummings is currently Hibs’ leading marksman with 12 goals for the season so far with Max Todd, grandson of Bobby Kinloch, not far behind with 10 goals and Cody Mulhall on nine.
Darren Murray is determined that his youngsters emulate last season’s performances in this fixture in which they went unbeaten, and the scene is set for a tough encounter.
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.
