Hibs beat Forfar 1-0 at Station Park to reach the fifth round of the Scottish Cup where they will face Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
A Christian Doidge header was enough to see Hibs past their League 2 opposition, however, that doesn’t tell the full story of a game where the favourites rode their luck at times.
The Leith side travelled north to Angus for the first game after their winter break trip to Dubai, and it was Forfar who were the brighter side early on.
The home side hit David Marshall’s woodwork twice in the opening stages and the keeper had to make a strong save to keep the score at 0-0.
Hibs were then gifted an opportunity to save their early blushes after Lewis Stevenson was fouled by Roberto Nditi and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
Joe Newell stepped up, but his effort was superbly saved by Marc McCallum who guessed the right way.
Hibs struggled to find a way past the Forfar hero and as the game went on it looked like a potential cup upset was on the cards.
Forfar continued to threaten and when Stuart Morrison found himself one on one with Marshall the travelling supports hearts were in mouths, but his effort was dragged wide of the post.
With around twenty minutes to play Hibs finally got there break through after an unfortunate error by McCallum who until then was putting in an inspired performance.
The goalkeeper came off his line to claim a free kick that had been whipped in by Jair Tavares but missed the ball and striker Christian Doidge took advantage, heading the ball into an empty net.
For Nick Montgomery’s men they will be happy to get through to the next round, but it is clear there are improvements to be made during the remainder of the season.
The fifth-round draw pulled out another trip North for Hibs who will face Inverness at the Caledonian Stadium, a team they beat on their way to winning the Scottish cup in 2016.
Masters Student currently studying Sports Journalism at Edinburgh Napier University.
