Hibs’ season started with a frustrating 2-1 defeat to Dumbarton at the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium this afternoon,
After two home cup ties, the campaign began in earnest today and Head Coach Alan Stubbs made two changes to the starting XI that beat Montrose last weekend with talisman midfielder Scott Allan replacing Sam Stanton and Dominique Malonga returning from injury to take over from Alex Harris up front.
Summer signings Martin Boyle, Dan Carmichael and John McGinn were named on the bench.
Hibs sold out their ticket allocation and the supporters gave their favourites a warm reception as they emerged in their new purple away kit.
Unfortunately however, the Easter Road men got off to the worst possible start when Gregor Buchanan turned in a free kick by Willie Gibson to give the hosts an early lead.
After a period of pressure, Hibs grabbed a deserved equaliser in the 14th minute when Malonga held off a challenge before latching onto a long ball from Liam Fontaine and firing a powerful shot past former Hibs keeper Mark Brown.
Moments later, Gary Fleming almost restored the ‘Sons lead but his effort rebounded off the post then Scott Martin forced brown into making a save as both sided pressed forward.
Just before the break, Brown did well to save a well placed Allan strike and the first half ended all square.
Shortly after the restart Dumbarton regained the lead when Gibson sent a free kick past Oxley from the edge of the box and Stubbs immediately replaced Martin with McGinn.
Hibs had a penalty claim denied when Kevin Cawley appeared to handle the ball but the referee ignored the fans’ appeals then he inspired more anger amongst the travelling support when he ignored a push on Lewis Stevenson inside the area.
Allan then set up Malonga but the big striker’s effort flew inches over the bar as Hibs pressed for an equaliser but Dumbarton held firm and looked dangerous on the break.
Stanton replaced Cummings before Malonga set up Stevenson but his half volley was well saved by Brown.
With time running out Boyle replaced Marvin Bartley as Stubbs threw everything into attack.
Fontaine went close with a late header but Dumbarton were able to hold on for the victory and a valuabe three points.
Dumbarton: Brown; Taggart, Buchanan, Graham, Docherty; Routledge, Gallagher; Cawley, Fleming, Gibson; Craig. Subs: Ewings, Waters, Kirkpatrick, Lindsay, Miller, McCallum, Smith.
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.
