Hibs’ Head Coach Neil Lennon was delighted with his players performance in last night’s comprehensive 6-1 victory over NSI Runavik at Easter Road.
Hibs controlled the game from the first minute and could easily have reached double figures against the part-timers.
Flo Kamberi scored Hibs’ first European hat-trick since Alan Gordon in 1973 whilst debutant Stevie Mallan scored twice, albeit with a little help from the goalkeeper.
Yougster Oli Shaw scored the goal of the night with a stunning 22-yard strike.
Hibs travel to the Faroe Islands next week but barring an unthinkable disaster they progress to the second qualifying round against Asteras Tripoli from Greece.
After the game Lennon who had to watch the game from the Director’s Box due to a ban said: “It’s a great advantage to take into the second leg. I couldn’t have asked for any more from the players.
“The opposition might not have been up to the quality we are used to but there was a job still to be done and we did it very well.
“We have another week to prepare, another game under our belts and hopefully we can get into the next round and I am confident we can do that.
“You could see the game on Sunday against Blackburn Rovers had stood them in good stead physically. The conditions were difficult, very hot and last night was cooler and they looked much fresher. I am very very pleased.
“For any striker (Florian Kamberi) to score a hat-trick at any level makes it a great stat to the season for him. He’s been a bit rusty as they all have been.
“It was Stevie’s (Mallan) first 90-minutes in six months. His fitness levels are good and he was quality on the ball. He should be pleased with his performance.
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.
