Hibs

“We Showed We Deserve to Be in This League” – John McGlynn Hails Falkirk Spirit

Falkirk came from two goals down to draw with Hibernian at the Falkirk Stadium last night, edging themselves clear of the league’s bottom two. The visitors struck first when Martin Boyle converted a VAR-awarded penalty after a handball decision against on-loan winger Ethan Williams. Jamie McGrath then doubled Hibs’ advantage, spinning smartly in the box before firing home. On the penalty decision Falkirk boss John McGlynn said: “I suppose by the letter of the law; he stops the ball going in the box. “I think it’s a little bit harsh. But that was all separating the teams at half-time. There’s nothing that you can do about these things. “You just hope over the course of the season they even themselves out. I think it’s the first time we’ve been involved in a bad situation and we’re in our fifth game.” The hosts, however, responded right on the stroke of half-time. Williams made amends for conceding the penalty by delivering a perfect cross for Ross MacIver to tap in with the final kick of the first period. Williams was involved again after the break, providing the corner for Falkirk’s equaliser. His pinpoint delivery was met by Liam Henderson, the powerful centre-half rising highest to thunder a header into the net for 2-2. Falkirk pressed for a winner and looked the stronger side in the closing stages, but ultimately had to settle for a point against the green half of Edinburgh. John McGlynn’s men now turn their attention to the maroon half of the capital, travelling to face high-flying Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday.  The newly promoted Bairns, who secured back-to-back promotions to return to the Premiership last season, insist they are relishing the challenge rather than fearing it. Previewing the match, captain Brad Spencer said: “That’s why you come to this league, to play the big sides.  “I’m really looking forward to Tynecastle, my first time playing there with fans. These are the games you want as a player.” Spencer admitted, however, that the Premiership brings different challenges: “You get punished a wee bit more for mistakes in the Premiership because you’re up against good players every week.  “But we’re enjoying it. A lot of boys are learning on the job, myself included, and it’s about finding our feet quickly.” McGlynn echoed those sentiments, praising his squad’s resilience and unity: “The team spirit in the dressing room has been massive. It’s a big reason why we’re here.      

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Falkirk 2-2 Hibernian

MacIver (45), Henderson (64) – Boyle: (Pen 30), McGrath (43) Falkirk hosted Hibernian for tonight’s Tuesday evening football fix as both teams looked to return to winning ways after defeats in their previous matches. Already eliminated from the Premier Sports Cup at the hands of holders Celtic, the hosts had a free weekend last week following their home loss to St Mirren, whilst Hibernian exited the cup last Saturday, becoming the first Premiership side to lose to Russell Martin’s Rangers. For the Bairns, Manchester United loanee Ethan Williams came in for his first start as the experienced Scott Arfield dropped to the bench in John McGlynn’s only change. In response to the defeat at Ibrox David Gray made two changes with Warren O’Hora and Dan Barlaser coming in for Grant Hanley and Dylan Levitt. Raphael Sallinger retained his place in goal ahead of Jordan Smith and was called into action early doors to deny Ross MacIver inside the area within the first minute. There would be some half chances at both ends before Hibs were awarded a penalty just before the half hour mark. A Nicky Cadden cross hit the arm of Williams inside the area. Referee Calum Scott initially waved away protests but was called over to the monitor at the next break in play and awarded the spot kick. Martin Boyle, who was denied a goal by VAR on Saturday, stepped up and converted past the diving Scott Bain to open the deadlock for his side, the goal met with a chorus of boos from the home support who felt the decision was harsh on their side.There could be no complains over the Edinburgh side’s second however, after some blocked efforts and pinball in the box the ball would fall to Jamie McGrath who would spin excellently in the area before driving his shot low into the corner to double the advantage. Falkirk would pull one back right on the stroke of the half time whistle, Ross MacIver latching onto a Williams cross to tap home. An excellent delivery right into the corridor of uncertainty, Sallinger remained rooted to his line and the Falkirk hitman had the simple task of touching it over the line. Into the second half and McGlynn’s men would remain on top. They would be rewarded for their dominance just after an hour. Liam Henderson thundering a header past Sallinger after a terrific cross from Williams from the corner. A real game of two halves, Falkirk would be closest to a winner as MacIver forced Sallinger into a stop after driving in from the left wing. But it was not to be and the points were to be shared. One gained for the Bairns after their first half showing and two dropped by the Hibees after a dismal drop off in the second 45.

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Unrest In Glasgow Opens The Door For The Chasing Pack

Last weekend saw unrest amongst fans from both sides of Glasgow as Celtic and Rangers as protests were seen against Celtic’s hierarchy and Russell Martin and Patrick Stewart’s future at Ibrox. SNN Sports looks at which teams could capitalise on the Glasgow sides woes off the park. With Rangers making the worst start to a season since 1989 with 0 wins, 4 draws and a singular defeat there is discontent amongst the Rangers faithful. Coupled with a 6-0 hammering over in Belgium at the hands of Club Brugge time seems to be running out for the man in the Ibrox hot seat. Patrick Stewart who presided over the appointment of Martin has also come under heavy fire from the Rangers fans calling for him to follow Martin out the door should he be sacked. The Rangers fans protested outside Ibrox ahead of their 2-0 victory over Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup calling for Russell Martin and Patrick Stewart to leave. The game was also halted in the 11th minute as the Union Bears proceeded to throw tennis balls onto the pitch in protest at the clubs fortunes. On the other side of Glasgow a week on from a protest in which Celtic fans entered Rugby Park in the 12th minute the fans made their voices heard yet again as they called for the board to resign. Despite continued success on the park for nearly 20 years a summer transfer window which left a lot to be desired has been the final straw for a lot of the Celtic support Alongside an embarrassing Champions League exit at the hands of Kairat Almaty. The Celtic fans held aloft banners of members of the Celtic hierarchy including Peter Lowell and Michael Nicholson with their faces covered with a red cross indicating they should be removed from the Celtic boardroom as serious unrest grows within the Celtic support about the penny pinching tactics seen in the transfer market which has arguably left them weaker than when they went into the window. With both sides of Glasgow having issues of the park as well as on the park with Rangers struggling to capture any sort of form and Celtic performances looking slow and laboured SNN takes a look at which teams could benefit from the struggles of their Premiership counterparts Hearts- Fresh from the investment of Tony Bloom and the appointment of seasoned manager Derek McInnes the Tynecastle side look to be in the driving seat to upset the Glasgow two. Hearts have started the league campaign superbly as they sit unbeaten after 5 games and a singular goal separates themselves and Celtic. Fresh of the back of a 2-0 victory at Ibrox confidence is flowing within the Hearts team with new additions Claudio Braga, Stuart Findlay and Alexandros Kiziridis looking the part and the return to form of talisman Lawrence Shankland. With no European football on the agenda this season they will be fresh legged and suitably prepared to challenge the dominance that Glasgow has had over Scottish football for so long. Whilst still early on in the season Hearts look great going forward and defensively they are improving this could be the year they upset the applecart. St Mirren/Motherwell- A double barrel selection here in St Mirren and Motherwell this is more looking at the first trophy on offer in the Premier Sports Cup. St Mirren and Motherwell will battle it out for a place in the final alongside Celtic or Rangers. With the issues at both clubs clearly impacting matters on the park there has never been a better opportunity for a club outside the top two to win a domestic trophy. Motherwell have already shown they are more than a match for Rangers on the opening day whilst the Buddies have put in two very good displays against both sides this season with deflected efforts being their undoing. Both sides have made good starts to the season with good football on display and both sides carrying an attacking threat whilst also looking relatively comfortable defensively.  Whichever of these teams progresses has a massive opportunity to lift silverware and take away the chance of a treble early on in the season Hibernian- It would be unwise to count out last seasons 3rd place side in David Gray’s Hibernian. Whilst they have made a slow start to the season perhaps impacted by European exploits there is no denying the quality the Leith side have. Kieron Bowie looks to have come into his own on his return from injury alongside new additions Josh Mulligan and Jamie McGrath.Whilst Hibs stalwart Martin Boyle continues to impress and light up the Easter Road pitch. The only worry for Hibs is they look very shaky defensively and have shipped a lot of goals so far this season. However they made a slow start last season and ended up going on a mazy unbeaten run to secure 3rd spot. It does look like it will be one of the Edinburgh sides challenging the Glasgow dominance. It remains to be seen whether the off-field issues are sorted but with the unrest and division amongst the supporters and the clubs this season is the perfect season for a club to come in and stop the dominance which has plauged Scottish football for so long. With so long left in the season there will be plenty of twists and turns but could the Glasgow sides grip on the game be untightened?

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Returning Raskin Stars for Rangers in Welcome League Cup Victory over Hibs

Rangers 2-0 Hibernian Raskin (42′) Miovski (45+2′) Two late first-half goals saw Rangers progress to the League Cup semi-finals over David Gray’s Hibernian. The home side started positively in front of a sparse Ibrox crowd. Nicolas Raskin returned to the Rangers side following a brief absence and dragged the first shot of the match wide after 5 minutes. Following a pre-match protest outside Ibrox, a section of the home faithful continued their revolt in the 11th minute, throwing objects onto the park to disrupt proceedings. Hibs grew into the game and had the first major chance on the 15-minute mark. Josh Mulligan drove at the Rangers’ backline before sliding Kieron Bowie through on goal. The striker rounded Jack Butland at an angle, opting to lay off for Martin Boyle, who sidefooted over. Boyle had the ball in the net on 19 minutes, rolling past Butland from Dylan Levitt’s pass. VAR correctly disallowed the opener, as the Australian attacker had controlled the pass with his hand. Nicky Cadden crashed a free kick into the wall after the half-hour mark as the game remained goalless. Rangers had shown positive signs but still lacked a cutting edge in attack. That changed after 41 minutes, courtesy of Raskin. The Belgian international headed home James Tavernier’s corner kick to the delight of the home support. Boyle had a golden chance to equalise moments later, but steered a trademark Cadden cross wide. Bojan Miovski doubled the lead in stoppage time. The ball broke to the Macedonian after positive play by Mikey Moore, slotting home for his first Rangers goal. Martin’s side started the second half exactly how they ended the first, as Djeidi Gassama curled a powerful strike off the crossbar. Grant Hanley cleared Miovski’s shot off the line soon after, as Rangers searched for the goal that would finalise the tie. Despite the lead, Rangers looked fragile defensively. Kieron Bowie easily found room in the penalty box from a long ball, but bobbled his shot wide. Miovski thought he had scored his second goal and Rangers’ third, but was flagged offside in the Hibs box. David Gray turned to his bench in an attempt to overturn the deficit. Substitute Thibault Klidje found Bowie in the box, but Dean Cornelius blocked the striker’s left-footed shot. Raskin was a standout for Rangers, adding personality and swagger to the home side’s midfield. He exited the field to a standing ovation after a starring performance. Youssef Chermiti raced clear in the 88th minute as Hibs pushed men forward. The striker’s shot was blocked by the foot of Raphael Salliinger. The full-time whistle secured Rangers’ first win in five, the win will ease some of the magnified pressure on Martin’s shoulders. They return to Ibrox on Thursday, opening their Europa League campaign against Genk. David Gray will be disappointed that his side couldn’t convert any of their major chances. They will have the opportunity to rectify this defeat at Falkirk Stadium on Tuesday night Rangers: Butland 6 Tavernier 7 Souttar 6 Cornelius 6 Meghoma 6 Raskin 7 Diomande 6 Aasgaard 6 Moore 7 Miovski 7 Gassama 6 Substitutes: Barron 6 Antman 5 Chermiti 5 Curtis Bajrami Hibernian:Sallinger 6 Hanley 7 Bushiri 6 Obita 6 Mulligan 6 Levitt 6 Chaiwa 6 N Cadden 6 McGrath 6 Boyle 6 Bowie 6 Substitutes: Barlaser 6 Hoilett 6 Klidje 5 C Cadden 5 Molotnikov 5

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Hibs and Dundee United Share Six Goals After Late VAR Drama

Hibernian 3 – 3 Dundee United Kucherenko (27′ OG) Bowie (51′) McGrath (86′ pen)  Stephenson (15′, 47′) Sapsford (44′) A late Jamie McGrath penalty ensured a point each for Hibs and Dundee United in a high-octane Easter Road meeting. The teams emerged into a raucous Easter Road atmosphere, with Hibs celebrating their club’s 150th anniversary. The home side started brightly, with Josh Mulligan curling an early free kick just over the crossbar. Hibs continued to press, and Martin Boyle had a powerful strike blocked by the Dundee United defence after a knockdown from Warren O’Hora. Boyle was involved again shortly after, gathering a flick from Kieron Bowie but only managing a weak effort that was easily collected by goalkeeper Yehvenii Kucherenko. Slightly against the run of play, Dundee United took the lead in the 15th minute. Luca Stephenson met Will Ferry’s cross to head past Jordan Smith. A brief VAR check confirmed the goal, much to the delight of the large contingent of travelling fans. Hibs levelled in the 27th minute, when a Rocky Bushiri header was bundled into his own net by Kucherenko. Dundee United continued to threaten, primarily through the dangerous trio of Zac Sapsford, Amar Fatah and Ivan Dolcek. Panutche Camara stole the ball from Dylan Levitt, but Sapsford’s subsequent shot was tipped wide by Smith. Stephenson had a chance for his second of the evening, but his low effort was saved by Smith’s feet. Bowie has three goals in all competitions this season, and had two opportunities to add to his tally before halftime. Unfortunately for him, Kucherenko saved both his deflected strike and a diving header to keep the score level. The visitors restored their lead after 44 minutes. After rounding Smith, Ivan Dolcek unselfishly laid the ball off to Sapsford, who slotted it home to send the away section into a frenzy. Dundee United got the perfect start to the second period, with Stephenson grabbing his second goal of the evening just two minutes in. The Liverpool loanee guided Fatah’s low cross to make it 3-1. Hibs responded moments later when Bowie robbed the United defence and scored with a left-footed strike. The goal was eventually awarded after a lengthy VAR check. Hibs almost equalised in the 56th minute. Substitute Junior Hoilett met a fizzing cross from Cadden, only to be denied by a strong hand from Kucherenko. After the hour mark, Dundee United raced forward. Dolcek offloaded the ball to Vicko Sevelj, whose right-footed shot was palmed behind by Smith. Despite conceding five goals, both goalkeepers had made some remarkable saves throughout the match. Bowie had a golden chance to level the score in the 73rd minute. The striker had plenty of time to meet Hoilett’s dinked cross at the back post, but glanced the header agonisingly wide. Hibs enjoyed a period of possession as they searched for the equaliser, but Goodwin’s side remained well-structured, frequently threatening on the counterattack. Hibs finally drew level in the 86th minute when Sevelj was given a straight red card for a handball in the box. This awarded McGrath the chance to level proceedings from the penalty spot. After a short wait, the midfielder calmly drove the ball into Kucherenko’s bottom corner. With seven minutes of additional time, both teams pushed for a winner. Stephenson had an opportunity to complete his hat-trick after racing through, but Smith spread himself well to deflect the shot behind. Bowie had a penalty shout waved off after being dragged down in the six-yard box, and Kucherenko made one last crucial save, tipping a Hoilett header over the bar. The final whistle brought an end to an exhausting and thrilling match between two exciting sides. Hibernian: Smith 6 Cadden 6 O’Hora 6 Bushiri 6 Iredale 6 N. Cadden 7 Boyle 6 Mulligan 6 Levitt 6 McGrath 7 Bowie 7 Substitutes: Hoilett 6 Klidje 6 Barlaser 6 Obita 5 Campbell 5 Dundee United: Kucherenko 6 Esselink 6 Iovu 6 Sevelj 5 Keresztes 6 Dolcek 7 Ferry 6 Camara 7 Fatah 7 Sapsford 7 Stephenson 6 Substitutes: Möller 5 Naamo 5

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Hibernian and Dundee United Shift Attention to Domestic Football after European Excursions

Scottish Premiership action returns on Saturday following the international break, as Hibs welcome Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United to Easter Road on Saturday evening. David Gray’s Hibs will be eager to claim their second victory of the 2025/26 campaign in front of a bumper crowd inside Easter Road. The Easter Road outfit currently occupies third place, having played three league matches so far, winning one and drawing the other two. The Edinburgh side had played all of those games on the back of European ties, as they were involved in the second qualifying round of the Europa League and the UEFA Conference League qualifiers respectively. Despite an impressive showing in the majority of their European qualifiers, Hibs were denied a place in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League at the expense of last season’s quarter-finalists Legia Warsaw, as the Polish side prevailed 5-4 on aggregate. Hibs are coming into this encounter on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Stephen Robinson’s St Mirren. Centre-back Rocky Bushiri netted in the 70th minute to cancel out Miguel Freckleton’s opener for the Saints. Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United sit in fourth place, with just one point separating them from their opponents on Saturday. Dundee United were also involved in European action throughout the summer. After finishing fourth last season, they entered the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round. Luxembourg outfit Una Strassen were their opponents, as Dundee United progressed 2-0 on aggregate, which set up a two-legged tie with Rapid Wien in the third qualifying round. United gave a solid account of themselves in both ties against Rapid Wien. However, Goodwin’s side fell just short of a Conference League play-off spot, losing 5-4 in a penalty shootout in the second leg at Tannadice. Most recently, Dundee United claimed all three points in the first Dundee Derby of the season following a 2-0 victory, courtesy of goals from summer arrivals Ivan Dolček and Zac Sapsford. Twelve Hibs players were away on international duty, and each player’s fitness is set to be monitored ahead of Saturday, with Joe Newell remaining sidelined. Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic loanees Dan Barlaser and Zach Mitchell could make their Hibernian debuts. Dundee United are missing several players: Max Watters, Ryan Strain, Kristijan Trapanovski, and Ross Graham are all out with hamstring injuries, whilst Isaac Pappoe will also miss out.

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Reviewing Each Scottish Premiership Club’s Transfer Business

A summer of change across the  Scottish Premiership with five new managers in the door across the division, a summer of wheeling and dealing ensued as clubs looked to shape their squads. We review the business of each club and unpack the winners and losers of the window. Aberdeen – 6/10 Fresh on the back of an impressive Scottish Cup win, Aberdeen’s main priority was to strengthen the side to be capable of competing on all four fronts, as they secured a place in European Football. Jimmy Thelin looked to the Scandinavian market, bringing in Krtjan Mar Kjartansson and Kenan Bilalovic. Alfie Dorrington returned for a season-long loan from Tottenham to bolster the backline, while Kusini Yengi was brought into the club for attacking options. Aberdeen’s window was heavily focused on the forward areas. They sold cup final hero Shayden Morris as well as the club’s talisman, Pape Gueye, which weakened the squad. Their deadline day was the most successful, bringing in Kevin Nisbet and exciting winger Jesper Karlsson. A mixed window for the Dons, as they have brought in a lot of youthful talent, while losing two key players. The addition of Karlsson saved their window from being lacklustre. Celtic – 3/10 Going into the summer as Champions, it was clear to see Celtic needed attacking reinforcements. Buoyed by the return of Kieran Tierney, it looked like it was going to be an exciting window for the Hoops. Nicolas Kuhn left the club to join Italian side Como, whilst fringe players Palma and Tillio departed alongside him to Poland and Austria. Having sold Kyogo Furahashi in January, a new striker was top of the shopping list; however, this failed to come to fruition. Benjamin Nygren, Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Toukneti look to have bolstered Celtic out wide; however, their lack of a number nine is an issue. Callum Osmand and Shin Yamada look to be project players, whilst Adam Idah has been sold to Swansea. Kelechi Iheanacho has since been brought in; however, this is outside the window, so it doesn’t count towards their rating. All in all, a poor window for Celtic, where they leave it weaker than when they entered. Dundee – 5/10 Tony Docherty replaced by Steven Pressley as a summer of change engulfed the Dens Park Side. Losing key players Josh Mulligan, Lyall Cameron and Mo Sylla, it was an important first window for Pressley. Yan Dhanda is their signing of the summer as he looks to rediscover his Ross County form. Paul Digby and Drey Wright look to be a good bit of business. However, it has been a summer of unknown at Dundee. There are a lot of question marks over their signings, with youthful players sprinkled in alongside experienced ones. Dundee United – 6/10 European Football secured Jim Goodwin set off to strengthen his squad for the European qualifiers, having lost a large number of players. It was an interesting window from the Tanadice side, with a lot of unknowns from across Europe joining the club. Zac Sapsford and Ivan Dolcek look to be the finds for the club, looking very impressive early on. The return of Liverpool loanee Luca Stephenson also boosted Jim Goodwin. There are many unknowns surrounding Dundee United’s transfer window, including the signings of Lucie Lovu, Bert Esselink, and Dario Naamo, to name a few. The Tangerines have expanded their presence in the European market by bringing in ten players from across the continent. The only issue with Jim Goodwin’s business is the number of loans, as they are in key areas of the pitch, although some do have the option to buy. Falkirk – 4/10 Falkirk, after a long hiatus, returned to the top flight of Scottish football. Their window, however, does not exactly scream we are here to stay. Scott Bain was the marquee signing joining from Celtic following the expiry of his contract. Brian Graham was also brought in; his experience is sure to help the Bairns. Four loan deals Falkirk look set to repay the faith to the players who helped them reach the Premiership. However, it’s been a poor window in which they haven’t strengthened enough to maintain Premiership status. Hearts – 8/10 Fresh from the investment of Tony Bloom and the addition of Jamestown Analytics, Hearts have had one of the best windows in the league. Alexandros Kyziridis and Claudio Braga have added an exciting option on the wing, with the latter enjoying a great start to life at Tyencastle. Elton Kabangu made his move permanent after spending the latter end of last season on loan. Whilst the club shelled out a club record fee to bring in exciting young midfielder Ageu from Portuguese side Santa Clara. Stuart Findlay was brought in as a favourite of Derek McInnes to tighten up the backline. Hearts also made a healthy profit from the sale of James Penrice, a man they paid nothing for the previous summer. It has been an exciting window for Hearts, the only downside being that their squad does look slightly bulky, as they have failed to ship out some of the deadwood. The likes of Kenneth Vargas remain at the club despite not being in the plans. Hibernian – 9/10 Hibs, for me, have had the best summer in the Scottish Premiership. Jamie McGrath and Josh Mulligan joined the Leith side on free transfers following the expiration of their contracts elsewhere. The Easter Road side also shelled out a reported one million pounds for striker Thiabult Klidje. Grant Hanley, a seasoned professional, made the move to Scotland after spending the majority of his career in the south. He adds stability to the backline, which, at times last season, looked shaky. Going out the door was Dylan Vente, who left the club after failing to impress in his time in the capital. Whilst Moriah-Welsh and Ekpiteta left to join clubs down south. Excellent business from the Leith side, as their new signings have fitted in seamlessly, and they look to have really strengthened their side

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Euro adventure ends for Hibs after thrilling draw in Warsaw

Legia Warsaw 3 Hibernian 3 (After extra time, Legia win 5-4 on aggregate) An extra-time winner ensured Legia Warsaw’s progression to the Europa Conference League at the expense of Hibernian. David Gray’s side were beaten 2-1 in Leith last Thursday, but started the match well with Warren O’Hora managed the first shot on target in the opening minutes. Despite a settling start for the Hibees, Vahan Bichakhchyan’s powerful drive put Legia in front. The strike put clear daylight between the teams and was a gutting blow for the Edinburgh men. The goal helped the Poles grow into the game; further efforts from Rafal Augustyniak were both well saved by Jordan Smith, keeping the lead to one. Gray’s boys are a very different beast to the team that won just two of their opening 16 Scottish Premiership games at the start of last season. An outstanding second-half display highlighted the levels that Hibs have reached since that horror period. Rocky Bushiri sparked hopes five minutes into the second half, heading home Nicky Cadden’s in-swinging cross to equalise on the night. Then they levelled the tie in the 59th minute, after Martin Boyle powered home Bushiri’s clever setup. They incredibly added a third in the 61st minute, as substitute Miguel Chaiwa accelerated into the Legia and unleashed a brilliant finish across the goal. An outstanding 11-minute period saw the visitors flip the script on this tie. Scottish teams are not supposed to perform in this manner on the European stage; yet remarkably, they were just half an hour away from qualifying for the Europa Conference League. Hibs thought they were down to ten men after Junior Hoilett was dismissed. The referee rightly overturned the decision, offering further hope to the visitors. Warsaw looked dangerous, but the away team continued to carve out the better chances. Kacper Tobiasz denied Josh Mulligan, before a 40-yard volley bounced off the bar from Boyle. Seven minutes of additional time added further torture for the visiting support, somewhat heartbreakingly as Legia clawed their way back into the match. Juergen Elitim was left unmarked in the box; smashing home to make it 4-4 on aggregate, and ensure a further thirty minutes of extra time. The visitors were visibly exhausted as extra time began, and their hopes were dashed in the 98th minute when Mileta Rajovic lashed a high shot past  Smith, putting them behind again. Jan Ziolkowski picked up a second yellow to offer hope for Hibs, but they were unable to find their fourth goal of the evening. A gut-wrenching defeat for the visitors, who had produced a stunning second-half period to come roaring back into the tie. Legia Warsaw: Tobiasz Ziólkowski Jedrzejczyk (Shkurin 90′) Kapuadi Wszolek (Alfarela 79′) Kapustka (Rajović 67′) Augustyniak (Szymański 67′) Elitim Vinagre Bichakhchyan (Stojanović 79′) Nsame (Urbański 90′) Hibernian: Smith N. Cadden (Iredale 79′) O’Hora Bushiri Obita (Klidje 101′) C. Cadden (Hoilett 57′) Boyle (Megwa 90′) Mulligan Levitt (Youan 90′) McGrath (Chaiwa 57′) Bowie

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No European Hangover for the Hibees as They Progress to Premier Sports Cup Quarter Final

Josh Mulligan and club record signing Thibault Klidje both got off the mark for Hibernian, as they won 2-0 to knock Livingston out of the Premier Sport Cup in the round of 16. Hibs came into this one off the back of a gruelling extra time triumph over Serbian side Partizan Belgrade on Thursday evening, whilst Livingston were hoping to gather some momentum following a 3-1 victory over Falkirk last weekend. The results sees the capital city side book a trip to Ibrox to take on Rangers in the quarter-final, which ensures to be a mouth-watering clash as the Hibees will be entitled to a larger away allocation as per cup rules. Klidje nearly got his first goal for Hibs before some fans had eve taken their seats. The Togolese forward got on to the end of a long ballad tried his luck from range with a looping volley, but it was palmed over by Jerome Prior in the Livingston net. Hibs had the lion’s share of possession in the first half and approached the game with a bit of directness, challenging the Livingston back line’s resolve with balls over the top to utilise the pace of Klidje and Martin Boyle. Their best chances leading up to the goal however came from distance, with Josh Campbell and Alasana Manneh having half volleys from the edge of the area blocked by yellow jerseys. The Edinburgh side’s goal would come just on the stroke of half time. Martin Boyle’s in-swinging corner curled onto Klidje’s head at the near post and was directed goalwards on the striker’s first start for his new club. The away side kept the pressure on as they plugged away for a second, and opportunities for that two goal cushion didn’t come much better than Junior Hoilett’s effort just after the hour mark. Just minutes if not seconds after coming off the bench, the Canadian was put clean through on goal by Klidje’s defence splitting pass, yet the experienced winger dragged a tame effort wide of the post.   The second goal would eventually come for the visitors just three minutes from time, when substitute Josh Mulligan sent a rocket into the top left corner of the goal, also meaning that this was his first goal for Hibs as well, since his arrival from Dundee this summer to well and truly send Hibernian on their way to the quarter final as they will be aiming to win their first piece of silverware since their Scottish Cup heroics of 2016.

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Cadden winner seals Euro Playoff for Hibs

Hibernian 2-3 Partizan Belgrade Bowie (59′)  Cadden (100′ ET)   Vukotic (17′)  Milosevic (44′) Kostic (90+5′) Hibs advance 4-3 on aggregate Chris Cadden’s 100th-minute strike settled a nervy aggregate victory for Hibs against Partizan Belgrade to set up a play-off showdown with Legia Warsaw. Two Jordan Smith blunders had levelled the tie at halftime, before a sensational 35-yard Kieron Bowie strike put Hibs ahead. Andrej Kostic sent the game to extra time with a 95th-minute equaliser before Cadden’s winning goal. David Gray made one change from the side that won 2-0 in Serbia a week ago, as Josh Campbell replaced the injured Jamie McGrath. The home side had an early chance to extend their aggregate lead when a deflected cross from Martin Boyle fell to Chris Cadden, but he fired his shot straight at Partizan goalkeeper Milosevic. Perhaps a missed opportunity to kill off the tie. But the visitors took the lead after 17 minutes. Vukotic found space on the edge of the box and unleashed a strike that looked routine for Smith. But the Hibs keeper could only get a hand to it, tipping the ball into the net and leaving the home side stunned. Boyle’s teasing cross was tipped away, leading to a corner, from which Dylan Levitt delivered a brilliant left-footed cross to the back post, where Rocky Bushiri rose highest but could only head the ball wide, missing a great opportunity to level the score. The half went from bad to worse for Hibs when another goalkeeping blunder gifted Partizan their second goal. Mario Jurcevic charged down the left side, his low cross found its way to Milosevic, whose tame left-footed shot somehow squirmed under Smith’s body and crossed the line. In the dying moments of the half, Jurcevic was again involved on the left, sending in a cross that struck Warren O’Hora’s arm inside the box, bringing play to a halt for a VAR check as a sobering first half for the home side drew to a close. Despite the two mistakes, Gray kept faith with Smith for the second half and Hibs started to find their way into the game, despite from doggedness from Partizan’s youthful team. Step forward Kieron Bowie. A hopeful ball forward bounced kindly for the striker, without thought, he unleashed a dipping strike which arched over the helpless Marko Milosevic. The home support erupted, knowing that this goal would be remembered in the green side of Edinburgh for years to come. Within minutes, it got even better. Partizan defender Nikola Simic took down the goalscorer to receive his second yellow and his marching orders to prematurely end his night. The home side began to play with freedom after a crucial five-minute period and a positive move between Bowie and Cadden saw the latter whip a right-footed cross to Boyle, who volleyed wide. They had the ball in the net again on the 70th minute through substitute Nicky Cadden, but Boyle was narrowly offside in the build-up. Smith came up with two big saves in quick succession. Firstly, blocking a low shot, and then tipping Milosevic’s effort over the bar. A big confidence boost at a crucial time, backing up Gray’s decision to stick with him. As the game reached the 90th minute, the home side looked set to secure a place in the playoff round of the Conference League. However, Easter Road was left stunned after a neat Partizan move saw 18-year-old substitute Andrej Kostic finish at the near post. It was agony for the home faithful, with seconds of normal time remaining, the aggregate score was tied. Hibernian hit back in extra time as the game ticked over 100 minutes. Milosevic, in the Partizan goal, parried Mulligan’s strike into the path of the onrushing Chris Cadden. The defender missed a golden chance in the early stages of the game but made no mistake to thrash the ball into the open net. The outstanding Bowie almost settled the game, taking a positive touch on the edge of the box, his left-footed strike narrowly evaded the right post. Smith came up with a huge save moments later, a straight forward through ball found Jurcevic, but the Hibs goalkeeper did superbly to tip the strike around the post, with a Junior Hoilett effort rounding off a breathless opening 15 minutes. Nicky Cadden had the best chance of the second period, arriving at the back post but could not deflect his shot or header on goal. The home side’s high line almost caught them out moments later. Mario Jurcevic fired home, but the play was brought back for another offside infringement. Partizan came close again when goal scorer Kostic hit the post in the closing stages. The full-time whistle blew on a marathon evening in Leith as the fans celebrated in the stands, with a sense of relief as they managed to prolong their stay in Europe United sunk by penalties as Vienna recover to claim play-off berth The mood at Tannadice was very different by contrast as Rapid Vienna needed penalties to get past Dundee United and send Jim Goodwin’s men crashing out of the Conference League. The Arabs returned from the Austrian capital with a hard-fought 2-2 draw last week so knew the tie was far from over in Dundee as a play-off spot was at stake. Max Watters nodded in the opening goal for United and added a second from the penalty before the break to make it 2-0 and give themselves the best chance of going through. Rapid hit back through Janis Antiste, whose cross in was deflected into the United net with Ercan Cara notching an equaliser on the night and on aggregate to make sure the tie went the distance. Both sides couldn’t be separated any further as the game went to penalties, where Amar Fatah’s first penalty for United, which struck the post, was the only one not to be converted, as Rapid Vienna claimed the victory in the end.

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