Dunfermline 1-0 Hibernian: Dunfermline defeat Premiership side Hibernian to cause huge cup upset
Dunfermline pulled off a dramatic cup upset at East End Park in the Scottish Cup fourth round as they netted late to defeat Premiership side Hibernian. An own goal from Hibs Midfielder Miguel Chaiwa in the 92nd minute sparked wild celebrations amongst the Dunfermline supporters as Neil Lennon’s side booked their place in the last sixteen of the Scottish Cup. After a cagey start to proceedings from both teams it was the visitors Hibs who carved out the first opportunity of the game in the 10th minute, a good passage of play from Kanayo Megwa and Kieron Bowie, as the Hibs number nine did well to earn his side a corner, Rocky Bushiri was unable to get any real connection onto his header from Jordan Obita’s delivery with Dunfermline keeper Deniz Mehmet collecting with ease. A free-kick from Hibs midfielder Jamie McGrath had initially looked to have been over-hit, but Deniz Mehmet in the Pars goal was on hand to get a hand to it and put it out for a Hibs corner, which was quickly cleared from danger. Dunfermline created a few half chances and had several corners for the Hibs backline to deal with but none of which were any concern to Raphael Sallinger in the Hibs net. As the match entered the half hour mark, play was stopped as Josh Mulligan required treatment from the Hibs physios after picking up an ankle injury, the 23-year-old’s afternoon ended as he was replaced by Miguel Chaiwa. The best chance of the half came for Hibs moments before the 40th minute mark when Kieron Bowie latched onto a ball that played him through one-on-one with Deniz Mehmet, who done well to prevent Bowie’s effort from going in with his feet. Both sides headed into the interval with the game level at 0-0. Dunfermline could not have made a better start to the second period as they threatened early on. Joe Newell was caught in possession which allowed Matty Tod to let fly from distance, his strike was pushed away well by Raphael Sallinger. The ball was immediately laid back off to Tod, but he couldn’t force it goalwards. Junior Hoilett then tested the fingertips of Deniz Mehmet whose effort was tipped over the bar. Hibs felt as though they should have been awarded a spot kick in the 55th minute when Thibault Klidje’s cross hitting the arm of Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen, however refreee Steven Mclean was having none of it. Dunfermline’s latest January signing Callumn Morrison was given his debut and was involved shortly after as he cut inside before managing to get a shot away, his attempt was tame with Sallinger comfortably gathering. David Gray introduced Nicky Cadden and Dan Barlaser in place of Joe Newell and Junior Hoilett as the Hibs boss made a double change after an hour played. Klidje wasted a huge opportunity to put Hibs ahead when Jordan Obita whipped in a well-timed cross, but the Hibs forward could only head the ball right at Deniz Mehmet. Three additional minutes were added on at the end of the second half. Kieran Ngwenya caught the ball on the half volley in the Hibs box with Rapheal Sallinger doing exceptionally well to tip it over the bar for a corner as the Pars ramped up the pressure in search of a late winner. And Neil Lennon’s men done just that in the 92nd Minute. Kieran Ngwenya rose highest from the resulting corner causing the ball to hit off Miquel Chaiwa on its way to goal, sending Dunfermline into the next round of the cup as the 5,000 travelling Hibs supporters left empty-handed.
