Hibernian EOS fought back to secure an East of Scotland King Cup second round victory against Central Taxis Premier Division champions Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale at the Training Centre last night
Trailing 2-0 with less than 10 minutes remaining goals from Neil Martyniuk and Conner Duthie took the game into injury time before under-17 striker Duthie scored the winner to set up a quarter final tie against Edinburgh University on Wednesday 7 May.
After the game a delighted Head of Academy Coaching James McDonaugh told Hibernian TV: “Tonight we played against a very good football team, Lothian Thistle HV.
“They’re the best EOS team we’ve played by far and credit to them for taking a 2-0 lead after it was goalless at half time.
“But our lads, in our second game in as many days, have a never say die attitude and when Martyniuk scored a fine header I knew we had a chance.
“Conner Duthie, who is only 16, came on for his first game with us and he produced a great finish to level the game with a minute left.
“On to extra time and both teams’ legs were going, but we kept at them and again Duthie volleyed low into the corner, this time in 118th minute.
“There was no coming back for Lothian Thistle, who did play well, but tonight was all about these young Hibs boys; their fitness, their football and their attitude was just first class.
“It keeps our season going that little bit longer now and our great run going.”
Ireland youth internationalist Gareth McCaffrey was taken off early in the first half with an injury, but the striker should be available for selection for next week’s matches.
Hibs’ EOS are back in action on Monday 5 May with an East of Scotland League Cup semi final against either Leith Athletic or Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale.
Hibernian under-17s, who are expected to field both Duthie and under-20s’ regular Scott Martin, face Hearts at Easter Road on Sunday afternoon to contest the East of Scotland Shield, kick off midday (admission: £4 Adults, £2 Concessions). Hibernian’s Academy have an opportunity to make it 10 East of Scotland Shield triumphs in a row.
Hibernian EOS: Kleton Perntreou, Aaron Dunsmore, Tom Gardiner, Neil Martyniuk, Callum Crane, Jordan Sinclair, Jamie Beaton, Scott Martin, Dean Horribine, Taylor Hendry, Gareth McCaffrey. Subs: Max Todd for Mccaffrey, Conner Duthie for Hendry, Ben Stirling for Martin (unused) Dougie Horne and Kevin Waugh
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.
