The Hibernian Development Squad started their season with a comfortable victory over Lowland League newcomers Hawick Royal Albert in the Scottish Borders this afternoon.
Club director Frank Dougan brought the Scottish Cup to Hawick to show the locals and a sizeable crowd witnessed an enjoyable encounter.
Eddie May’s team consisted of a number of youngsters who had already made their first team debuts including Scott Martin, Oli Shaw and Lewis Allan.
Jamie Insall who was signed by Alan Stubbs from non league Bromyard Town started the game as did former Raith Rovers pair Sean Mackie and Ross Laidlaw.
Hibs should have taken the lead in the first minute when Insall latched onto a through ball and rounded Hawick keeper Kyle Rankin however he was off balance and his shot flew over the bar.
Insall rounded the keeper again in the 15th minute but slipped at the vital moment and the danger was cleared.
Hibs broke the deadlock two minutes later when Allan picked the ball up on the half way line. He surged forward before crossing the ball into the box. Insall managed to flick the ball into the path of Shaw who had time to control it before beating Rankin.
Hibs continued to dominate although Hawick looked dangerous on the break and the home side equalised against the run of play in the 30th minute when striker Mark Smith fired in a powerful effort from the edge of the area which flew into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
Adam Watson replaced the injured Allan and Hawick almost took the lead when Smith fired a 35 yard free kick goal-wards but Laidaw in the Hibs goal managed to tip the ball past the post.
Half time Hawick Royal Albert 1-1 Hibernian Development
Hibs continued to dominate in the second period and Ryan Porteous did well to break from defence before setting up Insall but the striker elected to dribble round the keeper who recovered the ball by diving at his feet.
In the 65th minute goalscorer Shaw should have made it 2-1 after Insall crossed the ball into his path however somehow the youngster managed to knock the ball over the bar from two yards out with the goal gaping.
Moments later Hibs did take the lead after some good interplay between the forwards and Alasdair Smith was on hand to slot the ball into the top corner of the net from the edge of the area.
Smith turned provider in the 75th minute when he found Shaw with a low cross and the striker made no mistake this time to complete the scoring.
With four minutes remaining Porteous hit the bar with a cross.
Hibs: Laidlaw, Dunsmore, Mackie, Stirling, Porteous, Waugh, Smith, Martin, Allan, Shaw, Insall. Subs: Watson, Paton, Gullan, Donaldson, Murray
The match programme cover was devoted to the late High Robson who sadly passed away this year after 50 years service to his beloved ‘Albert’. The Edinburgh Reporter sends our condolences to his wife Margaret and daughters Carol, Dawn and Kirstine.
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.
