Hibs recorded an emphatic 4-1 victory over Premiership side Motherwell in a challenge match at Easter Road Stadium yesterday with the goals coming from Jason Cummings, Grant Holt, John McGinn and James Keatings after Marvin Johnson had given ‘Well a second minute lead.
Following a draw with Berwick Rangers and a victory over Edinburgh City, this match was ideal preparation for Neil Lennon’s men ahead of their European tie against Brondby on Thursday.
Motherwell opened the scoring in the second minute when Johnson’s free kick struck the underside of the crossbar and flew into the net.
Hibs replied immediately when Cummings scored from close range after good work from striking partner Holt.
It was roles reversed in the 17th minute when Cummings cut the ball back to Holt who calmly knocked the ball into the net for his first goal for the club.
Hibs then added a third when John McGinn headed home a superb cross from Lewis Stevenson then could have made it 4-1 after Martin Boyle set up Fraser Fyvie but the midfielder missed the target from 12 yards.
Motherwell goalkeeper Craig Samson produced two excellent saves in quick succession to deny Cummings and then Boyle as Hibs looked to increase their lead.
Hibs eventually did this in the 66th minute when Dylan McGeouch won possession in midfield before finding Sam Stanton. The youngster passed the ball to Keatings who fired the ball into the net off the far post.
The Easter Road side continued to press forward and Samson produced a superb save from Stevenson then denied Keatings and Boyle from close range.
Hibs: Trialist (Virtanen 62’), Gray, Stevenson, Hanlon (Fontaine 46’), McGregor (Crane 80’), Bartley (McGeouch 46’), McGinn (Carmichael 74’), Fyvie (Stanton 51’), Holt (Handling 77’), Cummings (Keatings 62’), Boyle (Martin 80’). Substitute not used: Dunsmore.
Motherwell: Samson, Tait, Hammell, Heneghan, Cadden (Lucas 80’), McManus, McDonald (Thomas 80’), McHugh, Blythe (Ainsworth 51’), Johnson (Campbell 62’), Lasley (Moore 80’). Substitutes not used: Brill, McMillan, Chalmers, Kennedy, Maclean.
Referee: Kevin Clancy.
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.
