The Hibernian Development Squad advanced to the final of the SFA Youth Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot out victory over Celtic at Easter Road last night.
Hibs fielded a young side and started brightly as Fraser Murray tested Ross Doohan before Innes Murray and Ryan Shanley both went close.
Murray almost gave Hibs the lead in the 24th minute but his deflected shot rebounded off the post.
Celtic fought back and Jack Aitchison went close before Liam Henderson’s brother Ewan struck the bar.
In the 61st minute Doohan did well to deny Oli Shaw then Murray’s follow up then Shaw almost grabbed a late winner bus his shot flew inches past the post.
Celtic had the better chances in extra time with Aitchison, Kerr McInroy and Calvin Miller testing Maciej Dabrowski in the Hibs’ goal.
With time running out Innes Murray and Shaw both had chances but the game ended goalless.
In the penalty shoot out, Ben Stirling scored the first kick then Dabrowski produced a superb save to deny Aitchison.
Fraser Murray and Mark Hill both scored, before Doohan saved from Kevin Waugh.
Dabrowski then saved from McInroy and Innes Murray made it 3-2.
Regan Hendry scored Celtic’s next penalty, leaving Shaw with the chance to secure victory and the youngster who scored for the first team at Ross County capped off an excellent week by firing the ball into the net to send Hibs into the final at Hampden Park on Thursday 26 April against Aberdeen.
Hibernian: Dabrowski, Stirling, Donaldson, Porteous, Waugh, Campbell, Watson, I.Murray, Shaw, Shanley, F.Murray. Substitutes: Martin, O’Connor, Woods, Paton.
Celtic: Doohan, Duffy, Miller, Deas, Welsh, McInroy, Johnston, Hill, Aitchison, Hendry, Henderson. Substitutes: Mazis, Willison, Bell, Watson, Church, Potter, Crossan.
Referee: Ryan Lee
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.
