Hibs ran out comfortable 4-0 winners over Montrose in the Betfred League Cup group stages at Easter Road this afternoon.
Before the game there was a boost for the fans as Hibs announced the signing of former player Steven Whittaker on a three-year deal. The ex Scotland, Rangers and Norwich City defender watched the match from the West Stand in the company of Paul Hanlon and the suspended Danny Swanson.
Head Coach Neil Lennon fielded youngsters Ryan Porteous and Fraser Murray with Scott Martin, Callum Crane and Oli Shaw on the bench.
Simon Murray made his competitive debut for the club following his summer moved from Dundee United and looked eager to impress from the start, earning applause for his never say die attitude.
Hibs started brightly and Martin Boyle almost opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a fierce drive which rebounded off the post with keeper Allan Fleming stranded.
Two minutes later the hosts took the lead when Simon Murray headed home a Lewis Stevenson cross from the left.
Hibs were totally dominating possession and doubled their advantage in the 21st minute after Simon Murray cut in from the left and cut the ball back into the path of Fraser Murray who slotted the ball into the net from 10 yards.
A John McGinn corner then found Dylan McGeouch outside the area and his shot landed at the feet of Simon Murray but Fleming produced a superb save to keep the score at 2-0.
Gary Fraser missed a great chance to pull one back just after the break but his close range effort flew just wife of the post.
One minute later Simon Murray found space in the box but Fleming managed to block the striker’s shot at point blank range.
McGeouch went close with a long range effort before Simon Murray scored his second header of the day from a Boyle cross.
With 15 minutes remaining, Simon Murray was replaced by Shaw and received a deserved standing ovation form the Hibs’ fans.
Brian Graham added a fourth in the 87th minute from the penalty spot after a Montrose defender handled in the box.
Fraser Murray deservedly won the Man of the Match award which proved to be a popular decision amongst the supporters and Porteous also produced a solid performance.
After the game a delighted Lennon told BBC Scotland: “It was excellent, considering where we are in the start of the season. It was a very good win.
“The attitude of the players has been good since they came back. While it was a competitive game, in my mind it was still a pre-season. Fraser Murray scored a good goal.
“I’m pleased with Simon Murray. There’s a lot of room for improvement but you could say that about all the players because it’s so early.”
Hibs now travel to Dingwall to face Ross County on Friday night.
Hibs: Marciano, Gray, Fontaine, Porteous, McGinn, McGeouch, S Murray, Stevenson, Boyle, McGregor, F Murray. Subs: Laidlaw, Bartley, Martin, Graham, Crane, Handling, Shaw
Montrose: Fleming, Webster, Callaghan, Fotheringham, Dillon, Steeves, Johnston, Watson, Fraser, Templeman, Masson. Subs Millar, Hay, Thomson, Wallace, Willox, Campbell
Referee Andrew Dallas
Attendance 5226
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.
