Hibs joined city rivals Hearts in the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup thanks to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Ross County at the Global Energy Stadium in Dingwall this afternoon.
David Gray made six changes to his starting lineup following last week’s disappointing defeat to St Johnstone.
Ante Suto, Thibault Klidje, Joe Newell, Callum Wright Kanayo Megwa and Jack Iredale replaced Jamie McGrath, Grant Hanley, Jacob Devaney, Miquel Chaiwa, Nathan Lowe and Martin Boyle.
Ross County made one change following their 2-2 draw at East Fife last weekend with Richard Chin being replaced by Jack Turner in midfield.
The hosts went into the game unbeaten in the league having won 10 of their 13 matches in all competitions.
Hibs on the other hand had lost their last two games but as usual their fans turned out in numbers with a banner reading ‘Send us to Hampden’ behind the goal.
And they had a reason to celebrate in the sixth minute when Klidge outjumped Akil Wright and headed home a cross from Felix Passlack.
Eight minutes later Passlack sent a corner in from the left and Jason Kerr was hauled to the ground by Wright.
The referee immediately pointed to the spot and Adam Mayor sent a tremendous penalty kick into the top left-hand corner of the net leaving Brad Foster helpless.
Passlack almost made it three-nil with a header from Mayor’s cross but Foster saved, then Suto did likewise but his near post header went just over the bar.
Foster made a great save to deny Suto as Hibs continued to dominate possession.
In the 38th minute Hibs added a third. Josh Mulligan and Callum Wright combined well down the left before Wright’s shot was deflected into the path of Suto who made no mistake from eight yards.
Just before the break Adam Emslie tried his luck from the edge of the box but it was deflected over the top of the crossbar.
Kieran Phillips replaced Luke McCarvel for the restart.
Moments later Newell was booked for a late challenge on Connor Randall.
Suto had a chance to grab his second of the day but his effort was blocked for a corner.
In the 56th minute Newell was replaced by on loan Manchester United midfielder Devaney.
Moments later Kerr headed over a Passlack corner from the left as Hibs looked to increase their lead.
Ricco Diack was booked seconds after coming on for Ross County after catching Devaney on the foot.
Devaney was then cautioned for a shove on Diack, who picked himself up and crashed a terrible free-kick into the defensive wall.
Klidge and Wright were replaced by Lowe and Chaiwa midway through the second-half.
Lowe went close with a header from Mayor’s cross.
With 10-minutes remaining Nicky Cadden and Alex Williams replaced Mayor and Passlack.
Mulligan set up Suto but his effort was easily saved.
Lowe was shown a yellow card for a late challenge on the left wing and Hibs held on for the victory..
The draw for the semi-finals takes place after tomorrow’s game between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox.
Ross County: Foster, Smith, Wright, L Reid, Strapp, Randall, Lindsay, Turner, McCarvel, Emslie, Graham.
Substitutes: Wade, Forrester, Phillips, Hamilton, Diack, MacLeod, Docherty, Williamson, J Reid.
Hibs: Sallinger, Megwa, Kerr, Iredale, Passlack, Mulligan, Newell, Wright, Mayor, Klidje, Suto.
Substitutes: Owens, Elding, Lowe, Boyle, Williams, Chaiwa, Cadden, Devaney, Abdulai.
