Hibs Archives - Page 2 of 7

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.

January 17, 2026

“Looking at him now, it’s a perfect fit” Neil Lennon praises David Gray ahead of Scottish Cup clash.

Hibs travel to Dunfermline tomorrow, where David Gray will face off against one of his former managers for the first time in his career. Gray was Lennon’s captain at Hibs from 2016-2019 where he lead the Edinburgh side to the Championship title and European football upon their return to the Premiership the following season. Neil Lennon currently finds himself at Championship side Dunfermline Athletic, who sit 5th in the table. After back-to-back postponements, Dunfermline haven’t played a competitive game since December 27th, where they beat local rivals Raith Rovers. Hibs come into the game on good form, boasting a five match unbeaten streak, which also includes a win against their local rivals Hearts on the 27th December. When asked for his perspective on his experiences with Gray, Lennon said: “He took on the responsibility of being captain very well. The players gravitated to him. He was a very good player. He scored some really important goals for me in Europe and domestic games as well. He was so committed. Loved to tackle. He was pretty consistent. “He was a really good captain for me. He was a really good buffer between me and the players. Whether I saw him being a head coach or not, you don’t think about those things at the time. Looking at him now, it’s a perfect fit. “Sometimes he was probably a bit more mature than myself.” Throughout his time at Hibs, David Gray has been managed by Alan Stubbs, Neil Lennon, Paul Heckingbottom and Jack Ross before hanging his boots up to join Jack Ross’ coaching staff, where he remained and worked under Shaun Maloney, Lee Johnson and Nick Montgomery. Upon the dismissal of each of these coaches, Gray would take charge on an interim basis before eventually landing the full time job last season. However, the start to Gray’s managerial career was extremely chaotic as Hibs only mustered one win from their opening fourteen, before producing a seventeen game unbeaten run, securing third place and European football. When asked for his thoughts on his ex-player’s resilience, Lennon said: “I thought he was brilliant last year because he had such a difficult start “He weathered all that pressure and scrutiny. He came out the other side of it to have a brilliant second half of the season. “At the start of the year, they were really good in Europe. Now they’ve hit a really good form again despite having a couple of players missing. “I’m delighted for him because I know what Hibs means to him. He’s a young coach. He’s had a real baptism of fire. He’s handled it brilliantly.” David Gray offered his own comments on Lennon’s time at Hibs, he said: “I’ve said a few times, he’s very much what the club needed at the time when they brought him in just after Alan Stubbs left and that was someone who’s got that winning mentality every single day in training, that’s what he wanted to see, he wanted his teams to be winning and driving that standard all the time. “It was exactly what we needed to get out of the Championship, we’d spent too long in the Championship as a football club “That attitude of making sure you’re going into every game with that winning mentality and it was definitely something he instilled in the team straight away and I fully expect that mindset to be going towards the Dunfermline players at the weekend, making sure they’re right up for it.” Ahead of this year’s Scottish Cup campaign, David Gray will be hoping to lead Hibs to the trophy 10 years after he scored the stoppage time winner as Hibs lifted the trophy for the first time in 114 years. Despite already having the chance to do so, a Scottish Cup win would also make David Gray the first person to win a trophy with Hibs as both a player and manager since Famous Five member and club legend Eddie Turnbull did so with his ‘Turnbull’s Tornadoes’ side in 1972. Gray lost the 2021 Premier Sports Cup final to Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic when in interim charge following the sacking of Jack Ross. Hibs travel to Dunfermline Athletic tomorrow for a 12:30 kick-off in the Scottish Cup fourth round, live on BBC Scotland in a match that is set to have a massive crowd inside East End Park as Hibs are expecting 5,000 of their own in the away end.

January 16, 2026

Hibernian 1-1 Motherwell: Close range Bowie strike earns point for Hibees

Hibernian 1-1 Motherwell Bowie (69′) Maswanhise (52′) Motherwell remained two points clear of Hibernian in 4th place, after an entertaining 1-1 draw at Easter Road. The hosts started on the front foot, eager to add a fourth straight league victory and leapfrog Motherwell into fourth place. Kieron Bowie had the game’s first chance. He stretched to meet Jordan Obita’s cross after neat interplay with Jamie McGrath, but could not steer his header goal from the back post. Obita delivered another teasing delivery on the 15-minute mark, but alertness from Emmanuel Longelo nullified the threat of the big striker. The visitors have impressed with their free-flowing football across the opening 21 games, but chances were few and far between in the opening 20 minutes. Jens Berthel Askou would have been further displeased to see Stephen O’Donnell hobble off during their quiet spell. Obita lashed over the bar after a penalty box stramash as they continued to press towards the opening goal. David Gray’s side had established a grip on proceedings at Easter Road. Josh Mulligan then rolled Elie Youan through on Ward’s goal in the 25th minute. The striker managed two goals at Rugby Park last Saturday, but got the ball stuck under his feet, and the danger was cleared. Motherwell looked like a threat in the final 15 minutes of the first half. Tom Sparrow jinxed past several green bodies in the box, but Raphael Sallinger was alert to tip his curling left-footed strike away from goal. The Austrian gathered a 20-yard Elijah Just freekick minutes later, as the visitors began to build openings. Askou will be pleased to reclaim the services of Tawanda Maswanhise from AFCON. The striker has nine league goals this campaign, and showed electric pace to work a dangerous opening in the 38th minute. After leaving a Hibs defender on the floor, his strike from the right-hand side of the box was tipped away by Sallinger. The visitors opened the scoring seven minutes into the second half. Elijah Just broke towards the Hibs defence, picking out the onrushing Maswanshise on the right-hand side. The Zimbabwean striker was afforded too much time by the hosts, and lashed a low right-footed strike across Sallinger’s goal and into the bottom corner, to send the sell-out away end into frenzy. Gray and Hibs would have been especially frustrated to lose the goal after Bowie had missed a headed chance seconds before. But HIbs and Bowie roared back with 20 minutes to play. Obita latched onto a stray Tom Sparrow diagonal ball. He picked out the Hibs number 9 in the box, who powered home from close range to equalise, and set up a thrilling finale Motherwell had established better control in the second period, and despite the setback, continued to look the most likely to find a winner. Ibrahim Said almost reclaimed the visitors’ lead after heading Calum Slattery’s cross wide at the near post, before Maswanhise’s strike was deflected over with ten minutes to play. Sallinger produced a brilliant save in additional time to deny Longelo. After Maswanhise’s mishit, the ball broke to Longelo on the left-hand side of the box, but the Austrian goalkeeper got down low to smother the right-footed strike and maintain the level scores. Hibernian: Sallinger 8 O’Hora 7 Hanley 7 Iredale 7 Megwa 6 Mulligan 6 Barlaser 8 McGrath 7 Obita 6 Youan 7 Bowie 7 Substitutes: Hoilett 6 Cadden 5 Klidje 5 Levitt 3 Newell 3 Motherwell: Ward 7 O’Donnell 6 Welsh 7 McGinn 7 Longelo 7 Priestman 7 Fadinger 7 Sparrow 6 Just 8 Said 7 Maswanhise 8 Substitutes: Koutroumbis 5 Slattery 5 McGhee 3 Gordon 3

January 10, 2026

Hibernian 3-2 Hearts: Hibs survive late comeback to secure victory in derby thriller

Hibernian 3-2 Hearts McGrath (3′) Campbell (45′) Bowie (48′) Shankland (75′) Devlin (89′) Hibs held off a late Hearts comeback to secure bragging rights in the Edinburgh Derby in a pulsating game of Scottish Premiership action. Hibs burst into life after two minutes. A sweeping Nicky Cadden delivery from the left was poked home by McGrath from the penalty spot, giving David Gray a dream start The strike invigorated the home side and their noisy support base. Alexander Schwolow easily gathered Kieron Bowie’s dipping strike from the edge of the box as they looked. for a second. The visitors seemed startled from their opponent’s electric start, epitomised by Oisin McEntee, who let a simple pass roll off his foot, and out for a Hibs throw. Lawrence Shankland went close to levelling proceedings after meeting Stephen Kingsley’s deep cross, but his cushioned header across goal narrowly missed Raphael Sallinger’s right post. McEntee glanced at Kingsley’s next delivery from a promising free-kick position wide as they continued to grow into the game. Hibs reestablished a foothold in the match and doubled their lead on the halftime mark. Clever play by McGrath saw him beat McEntee on the Hibs left. His left-footed cross from the byline was glanced across the goal by substitute Josh Campbell, nestling in the bottom corner. There had been pre-match chants of “we shall not be moved” by the travelling contingent, but at the moment, they certainly looked shaken. McInnes demanded a reaction from his side, making a double change for the second half. The calm presence of Beni Baningime and the wide threat of Harry Milne were introduced as they searched for a way back. But they were caught out defensively three minutes after the restart. Mulligan charged down Stuart Findlay’s clearance, allowing Bowie to poke the ball past Craig Halkett on the edge of the box, and curl a left-footed strike into Schwolow’s far post. The Scottish striker had missed a golden chance moments earlier, but his latest effort may have been the final nail in the coffin for the league leaders. Hibs were brimming with confidence and nearly added a 4th. Mulligan marauded towards the goal after pinching the ball from Stuart Findlay, but his shot sailed wide when perhaps he should have squared. Hearts had a mountain to climb, but McInnes continued to encourage his men. The Jambos rescued a point from a 3-0 deficit against Motherwell in August, offering a glimmer of hope to the travelling support. Alexandros Kyziridis had endured a quiet afternoon, but burst into life in the 67th minute. After cutting in from the left, he delivered a curling right-foot strike which Sallinger beat away. Shankland pulled one back for Hearts in the 77th minute after glancing home a Kyzridis cross. The header was 10th of the season, and may have sparked a late comeback for the visitors. Substitute Sabah Kerjota’s inswinging cross curled narrowly wide of the far post as they searched for a second goal. Cammy Devlin added Hearts’ second with two minutes to play. Sallinger could only palm Kyziridis’ strike into the path of the Australian midfielder, who rolled home from close range. They looked destined to level proceedings moments later. Kyziridis continued to pose a danger to the Hibs backline. After beating a Hibs jersey on the left, he drilled a low cross for Shankland to stab towards goal. But Sallinger was alert, making up for his earlier blunder with a point-blank save. Hibs held on to secure the three points, bouncing back from their derby defeat in October. It was a gripping contest, and the perfect way for David Gray and his side to round out 2025. Hibernian: Sallinger 6 O’Hora 7 Hanley 7 Iredale 8 Megwa 7 Barlaser 7 Mulligan 9 N Cadden 7 McGrath 9 Boyle 8 Bowie 8 Substitutes: Campbell 6 Newell 6 C Cadden 6 Klidje 6 Hearts: Schwolow 6 Steinwender 5 Halkett 5 Findlay 5 Kingsley 6 McEntee 4 Devlin 6 Magnusson 6 Kyziridis 6 Braga 5 Shankland 6 Substitutes: Milne 6 Baningime 6 Kabangu 6 Kerjota 6

December 27, 2025

Dundee United 1-1 Hibernian – The points shared in a very dramatic match

Dundee United welcome Hibernian to Tannadice in the Scottish Premiership in a game which has proven to be high scoring in recent times. The opening 15 didn’t offer much in terms of attempts but both sides looking very energetic and up for it but remains goalless. Hibs had the best chance after 17 minutes, a darting run by Nicky Cadden who unleashed a strike from outside the box which rattled side netting. The visitors continued to up the pressure with a cross in from the left by Nicky Cadden who whipped a ball in but missing all bodies in the box. Dundee United went ahead after 21 minutes. Ferry crossed the ball in from the corner as Watters flicked the ball into Stephenson who struck it home to put Jim Goodwin’s men ahead. Nicky Cadden again, running towards the box with an attempt from range firing over the bar. A horror mistake by Sallinger giving away the ball to Watters who was through but Scotland International, Grant Hanley with an amazing block to avoid a two-goal cushion for the hosts. Bowie nearly had Hibs level, following a short corner, Bowie turning and unleashing a strike which hit side netting after the travelling support celebrated thinking they were level. Boyle should’ve had Hibs level, a low cross into the box with Bowie failing to connect with Boyle at the back post but only finding side netting. Hibs were level as a volley from Boyle on the left hand side of the box firing into the bottom right hand corner to draw Hibernian back level. Hibs very close to going ahead as Cadden whipped a ball into the box after a corner which found Zack Mitchell who headed the ball onto the bar which was cleared by the United backline. Into the second half, Max Watters had a great chance, through on goal but a heavy touch resulting in Sallinger collecting. United were very close, Mulligan losing possession as Sibbald robs the ball and feeds it to Watters who takes the shot off first time but fires far into the stands. A very even second half but no major chances but there were signs of a winner coming as both sides were really giving it their all. Trapanovski had a brilliant chance, a pacey run into the box where he cut inside and his effort was brilliantly stopped by Sallinger. The North Macedonian international again cutting onto his right, firing an effort just wide of target. Trapanovski continued to cause problems, doing well to skip past the Hibees midfield where he than took on a shot but struck just wide of the net to keep the match all-square. Hibs chance arrived, a ball into the box which was defended which fell to Levitt but his attempt was wide and over in which was a very weak effort. Ferry with a ball in Sevelj had a chance from range but his shot was deflected and caught by Sallinger in goals. Dundee United: Richards (7), Strain (5), Sevelj (7), Graham (6), Sapsford (7), Ferry (6), Sibbald (8), Fatah (7), Stephenson (8), Keresztes (6), Watters (7). Substitutes: Moller (6), Trapanovski (8), Cleall-Harding (7), Dolcek (6), Esselink (6), Naamo (6). Hibernian: Sallinger (6), Hanley (9), Bowie (6), Boyle (8), Iredale (7), McGrath (6),N. Cadden (8), Mulligan (6), Barlaser (7), Mitchell, Megwa. Substitutes: Campbell (7), Levitt (6), Klidje (6), Hoilett (6), Youan (6).

December 20, 2025

Dundee United v Hibernian Match Preview

Dundee United host Hibernian in what promises to be an entertaining encounter. The last match between these 2 sides ended in a 3-3 draw. Jim Goodwin’s side found themselves 3-1 up after 48 minutes, but Hibs managed to rescue a penalty courtesy of goals from Kieron Bowie and a penalty from Jamie McGrath. Hibernian are unbeaten in their last 4 meetings against Dundee United, winning 2 and drawing 2, the last time the Dundee outfit won in this fixture was in October 2024, when Luca Stephenson and Meshack Ubochioma scored in second-half stoppage time to give United all 3 points. In continuation, there has been no less than 4 goals in the last 3 meetings between the 2 sides. The last encounter provided 6 six goals, the meeting in May provided 4 goals, with Hibernian winning 3-1, and the meeting between the sides in February also provided 4 goals, where Hibs also won 3-1. Both sides faced Old Firm opposition in their last encounter and picked up contrasting results. Dundee United came from a goal down to defeat Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic 2-1 at Tannadice. Before their win against the Champions, United were on a run of 7 games without a win, 3 losses and 4 draws. United are 4 points away from 6th and Hibernian in 5th. Hibernian lost 1-0 to Rangers at Ibrox, with Emmanuel Fernandez’ goal the difference between the sides. David Gray’s side have had a mixed start to their 2025/26 Premiership campaign, winning 6, drawing 6 and losing 5. As a result, the Edinburgh outfit sit in 5th place, 3 points off Motherwell in 4th and 5 points away from Rangers in 3rd. Jim Goodwin on his side’s win against Celtic: “It has been a long time since we beat Celtic in front of our own supporters, it was 2014 the last time, and that’s one for them. “We are not getting carried away. We are not happy with our league position, but that gives us a lot of confidence.” David Gray on his side’s defeat at Ibrox: “So, for all the control I felt we had, considering this was a difficult venue to come, Jack Butland didn’t really have a save to make, so it wasn’t as if we had chance after chance and I think that was down to a lack of decision making sometimes, and a lack of quality. “The final third let us down, we just lacked that little bit of cutting edge tonight and it wasn’t for getting into good areas, it was just the final bit and it probably summed up our night, to be honest.”

December 19, 2025

Highly-Rated Hibs star draws attention from Premier League

Both Nottingham Forest and Leeds are said to be exploring a January bid for 23-year-old Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan. After joining from Dundee in the summer, Mulligan has impressed in David Gray’s midfield, making 24 appearances across all competitions. He has stood out as a consistent performer for the Leith side, registering a goal and three assists so far this season. His eye-catching form earned him a first senior call-up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad in October, where he featured as an unused substitute against Belarus at Hampden. Mulligan could be a vital player for Hibernian as they face a challenging schedule over the Christmas period, which includes difficult away matches at Ibrox and Tannadice, followed by a crucial Edinburgh Derby at Easter Road and a game against Aberdeen.

December 10, 2025

Hibernian 3-0 Falkirk: Bowie brace helps Hibs return to winning ways

Hibernian 3-0 Falkirk Boyle (36′ pen) Bowie (41′, 80′) Hibs returned to winning ways on Saturday afternoon as they dismantled Falkirk 3-0 at Easter Road. A spot kick converted by Martin Boyle and a double from Kieron Bowie ensured that David Gray’s men bounced back from the disappointment of last weekend’s defeat to Celtic and secured an important three points. The hosts started the game on the front foot and carved out the first chance of the game within five minutes. Jack Iredale burst his way past a few Falkirk defenders whilst driving into the box before forcing Scott Bain into making a save at the near post, who stuck a foot out for a Hibs corner. Hibs threatened again as Chris Cadden’s fired an effort from eight yards over the bar, following some good play by Martin Boyle and Dan Barlaser on the right-hand side. It was all Hibs in the early stages, and they were inches away from netting the opener shortly before the 20th minute as Chris Cadden was involved as he played an inviting ball across the face of the goal with Falkirk defender Liam Henderson making a vital clearance to prevent Hibs from taking the lead. A first opportunity of the match for Falkirk fell on the 20th minute with Hibs keeper Raphael Sallinger doing well to get a hand to Brad Spencer’s effort from outside the box, Man United Loanee Ethan Williams hoped to net from the follow through, but he could only find the side netting from an incredibly tough angle. Falkirk had struggled to deal with Hibs’ attacking threat so far, with Josh Mulligan in particular proving to be a nuisance for Falkirk to deal with. Hibs were awarded a penalty kick on the 35th minute, Martin Boyle was clipped by Philip Lissah on his way through to goal after being played through by Josh Mulligan, Lissah was shown a yellow card in the aftermath. Boyle stepped up from twelve yards out and made absolutely no mistake from the penalty spot as he sent Scott Bain the wrong way, Hibs’ pressure eventually paying off. A Falkirk free kick was then whipped into the box, which was met by Brian Graham who attempted an ambitious backheel flick as Raphael Sallinger had to be at full stretch to deny the striker. Hibs doubled their advantage on the 40th minute as Kieron Bowie took a touch on the edge of the area before curling a stunning strike into the top corner beyond Scott Bain, giving his side a convincing two goal cushion going into the interval. With the second half underway, Falkirk made a double substitution for Falkirk, with Alfie Agyeman and Henry Cartwright coming on to replace Brian Graham and Dylan Tait. At the start of the half, VAR was involved as a check was ongoing, Falkirk felt as though they should’ve had a penalty for a potential handball from Jack Iredale, however replays showed it came off his forearm. The visitors began to show signs of improvement, Falkirk attacker Ethan Ross was lively down the left-hand side, as he cut inside before being denied brilliantly by Raphael Sallinger who tipped over the bar. Falkirk looked as if they had got one back, when Ethan Ross had the ball in the back off the Hibs net on the 65th minute after calmly slotting the ball past Sallinger, a VAR check would then penalise Ross for being offside and the goal was overturned. An improved second half display from Falkirk would see Hibs limited to very few chances in front of goal, with the Bairns enjoying the better of possession. With ten minutes remaining, Hibs had a third. Keiron Bowie netted his second goal of the afternoon and secured all three points for David Gray’s men. It was an instant impact from Josh Campbell as he flew down the right-hand side before fizzing the ball across goal for Bowie, who finished well from close range to cap off an impressive performance from the Hibees. Next up, Hibs travel to Ibrox to face Rangers on Monday 15 December, whilst Falkirk host Hearts at the Falkirk stadium next Saturday. Hibs: Sallinger,C Cadden, O’Hora, Bushiri, Iredale, Mulligan, Chaiwa, McGrath, Barlaser, Bowie, Boyle. Substitutes: Smith, Hanley, Levitt,88’ Youan,76’ Newell 76’, Hoilett, Mitchell, Megwa,86’ Campbell 76’ Falkirk: Bain, Lissah, Allan, Henderson, McCann, Spencer, Tait, Ross, Williams, Miller, Graham. Substitutes: Hogarth, Hart 76’, Yeats, Agyeman 45’, Edwards, Samuel-Ogunsuyi, Arfield 76’, Wilson 76’, Cartwright,45’

December 6, 2025

Celtic Avoid Capital Punishment With Win Against Hibs

Celtic cut the gap on Hearts at the top of the table as they seen out a 2-1 win away to Hibernian at Easter Road. The champions survived periods of sustained pressure from a fired up Hibs side, who will leave feeling aggrieved that they haven’t taken at least a point from today’s game at a venue which has not been the happiest of hunting grounds in recent years for Celtic. The win makes it six wins from seven games for Martin O’Neill, who said pre-match that there is a possibility he remains in the dugout for Wednesday’s match at home to Dundee. A first-half double salvo from Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels put Celtic ahead at the break, with Australian Martin Boyle converting a penalty to revive any Hibee hopes of a result in the second half. Hibs started the game as the better side but it was Celtic who created most. Daizen Maeda tapped the ball into an empty net 11 minutes in, but his provider Hyun-Jun Yang was offside in the build up. Just one minute later, the home side had a glaring opportunity to take the lead. Nicky Cadden whipped a daring cross in from the left, but Martin Boyle could only knock it wide of Kasper Schmeichel’s right post amid pressure from Marcelo Saracchi. Maeda would tap the ball into an empty net once again 27 minutes in, and this time it counted. A poor pass out from Hibees goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger to Miguel Chaiwa was pounced upon by Reo Hatate, and Celtic’s two Japanese internationals linked up to put the Hoops in the driving seat. Then only 93 seconds later, the visitors doubled their advantage. Yang dipped a ball in from left wing just outside the penalty area, and midfielder Arne Engels got his head on in to nod home and injured himself in the process. Uruguayan left-back Marcelo Saracchi almost made it three on the cusp of half-time. Maeda back heeled the ball into his path, but his effort cannoned off of the post. Hibs clawed one back ten minutes into the second period. Nick Walsh was called over to the VAR monitor and awarded the Edinburgh side a penalty for a Liam Scales handball. Captain Martin Boyle stepped up, and slotted the ball into the bottom right as Kasper Schmeichel stayed standing. There were calls for a Celtic penalty with 22 minutes left to play when winger Yang and Hibs’ Rocky Bushiri’s heads collided following a deflected Kieran Tierney cross, however these claims were quickly waved away from Walsh. A late chance for Hibs went begging with just five minutes of normal time to play. Kieron Bowie got the better of Auston Trusty and fired a low ball into the box. Chris Cadden done everything right to keep his effort goal bound, but Schmeichel’s extended leg denied the hosts an equaliser. Today’s result means that Celtic have cut the gap on league leaders Hearts to just two points with one game played less than the Jambos. Both sides meet next Sunday after midweek action on Wednesday with Celtic at home to Dundee, and Hearts hosting Kilmarnock As for Hibs, they return to Easter Road on Saturday to face Falkirk, after losing at home for only the second time in 19 league matches. HIBERNIAN: Sallinger 5, O’Hora 5, Bowie 6, Boyle 6 (Youan 79’ 1), C Cadden 5, Chaiwa 4(Newell 79’ 1), McGrath 6, N Cadden 2 (Iredale 38’ 5), Mulligan 5 (Barlaser 79’ 1), Obita 6 (Campbell 66’ 3), Bushiri 6 CELTIC: Schmeichel 7, Scales 5, Trusty 6, Yang 6, McCowan 5c(Nygren 63’ 3), Engels 5, Saracchi 5 (Tierney 63’ 3), Maeda 6, Hatate 6, McGregor 6, Donovan 3(Ralston 46’ 4)

November 30, 2025

“We didn’t deserve to get back into the game” – Gray after Motherwell 2-0 Hibs

Hibernian suffered defeat to Motherwell on Tuesday evening, and David Gray believes his side “got what we deserved”. The 2-0 loss halted the Leith side’s three-game unbeaten league run, and former captain Gray offered a brutal assessment of his team’s performance after the match. “I thought we were not very unlike us. Started the game slowly, really poor in possession, a lot of unforced errors, a lot of misplaced passes, and then everything that could have went against us did, in that period as well, found herself 2-0 down, down to 10 men, and it was a really difficult task from there” “We’ve been really poor; there wasn’t an individual that was a collective performance from us, which I’ve not seen for a while. We’ll need to look at that.” Goals from Tawanda Maswanhise and Elijah Just had the home side in control, but the misery was compounded in the 34th minute after Grant Hanley’s red card. The Scottish international clipped the heels of Maswanhise, with the striker bearing down on goal, referee Duncan Nicolson had no choice but to dismiss the defender. “No complaints about the red card because of the letter of the law. Now, if he’s on side, and he’s brought down, and you’re the last man, that’s a red card that’s outside the box. It’s an accidental trip. I think so, that is a red card. “We signed up to VAR, and the technology, we can argue about that, whether we think it’s good enough. It is a factual decision that we’ve all signed up to. So I’m not going to argue about the offside.” Gray offered some consolation to his players for their efforts in the second period, but ultimately their slow start had cost them the game. “I think they did show character; they did show effort. They didn’t just roll over. I think that’s clear, especially because of the way we quickly found ourselves 2-0 down, down to ten men, the way Motherwell were playing on the front foot. It would have been easy to do that and feel sorry for yourself. I don’t think they did. “I can’t fault the players for effort, for going right to the very end, but we certainly didn’t deserve to get back into the game, didn’t do enough to get back into the game. Hibernian return to home league action against Celtic this weekend, and the manager believes his side can bounce back for the huge fixture. “There’s nothing else for it. I think one thing we won’t do is just move on quickly. I know the Celtic games on Sunday, but at this moment in time, we’ll be in tomorrow, we’ll reflect on why we started the game the way we did and look at that. “We’ve got enough time to get the players recovered and ready for their opportunity to try and put tonight’s result and performance right.”

November 26, 2025

Hibs