Not known for their generosity, at least one bookmaker appeared to be extremely friendly to Hibernian supporters ahead of yesterday's Active Nation Scottish Cup tie at Easter Road. There was on offer odds of evens about a Hibernian win - with the handicap of opponents Montrose being given a two-goal start. Given the firepower that exists at Easter Road this season, that was a piece of business a few in green and white where quick to snap up.

However there was one Hibernian supporter who did his utmost to make the bookies day! Montrose goalkeeper Andy McNeil stood up to around 1 shot on his goal every three minutes - and showed just why he was considered good enough only a year ago to be playing in the Scottish Premier League. As early as the 2nd minute McNeil blocked a goal-bound effort from Liam Miller - and in the 4th he did so again, this time for Derek Riordan - but the laws of probability dictate that if you hit the target area enough, a few will get through even the most determined of 'keepers, and so it proved as with the ball loose from that second effort Colin Nish reacted quickest to clip the ball over the prone goalkeeper.

From that moment on there was little doubt which name from this tie would be progressing to the quarter-final draw on Wednesday, and John Hughes was certainly happy enough with the outcome, his strikers accounting for all five goals for the second time in as many weeks. The demands of the boss were simple - do the job right, get us into the next round, the job was done and the manager was allowed to heap praise on opponents playing at a level that gets his utmost respect: "It was a good professional performance. We got an early goal, went about our business in a good manner and we could have scored one or two more goals but that might have been a bit harsh on Montrose.

"I was delighted to see the goals shared around again. I think we have to give Montrose credit, I felt they were hard working, resolute and there were times in the last ten minutes that you could see most of them were out on their feet - but these guys are the real heroes. These guys are part time and have to go out and work all day, train three nights a week and still try to play on a Saturday just for the love of the game. They are the real heroes. It was a good opportunity for them to come here and to try and take our scalp but it was a professional performance from us."

But for the heroics from McNeil the hard work put in by his team-mates might have drawn little attention. For all their hard work Montrose knew that they were simply outclassed in every area of the park. That is not in any way to diminish their efforts, which at times did trouble their SPL opponents - just never enough to have been able to spring a major surprise. Hibernian simply had too much to handle for the third division side, as evidenced by all three Hibernian subs used - Zemmama, Benjelloun and new signing Alan Gow all introduced in the last half hour and all merely adding to the insurmountable problems faced by the visitors.

Derek Riordan had already added to Colin Nish's first half double before the three substitutes combined to create and execute the final two goals, both coming after the visitors had their big moment, celebrating a stunning 25-yard cracker that probably did not completely ruin Graeme Smith's afternoon - but did momentarily concern those who had taken up the bookmakers challenge! Hughes though knew by then his side had done enough: "I am delighted for all of the boys with the goals that we scored. I am disappointed with the goal that we lost but possibly on their second half performance Montrose deserved it. Let's not take anything away from them and I hope they get a good pay day that can help them our right throughout the season. I am delighted for Gowser, Nishy, Benji and Derek for getting the goals and as I have said all season, there are goals in this team.

"But it is about whoever is playing has the jersey, it is as simple as that. It is not just about scoring goals it is about doing it properly and doing it right during the game. It about knowing what the game demands and being prepared to put that in and that is what I am looking for in my team. So all credit to the boys - I'm getting to the stage now that the messages that we have tried to get through are getting there and I can leave the dressing room because I think I have the right character and winners in that dressing room. It is up to the players to demand of each other and once you know the standards, you ask that of each other. There is plenty of competition for places, real competition for places and if you have the jersey it is up to you to stay in that team."

Images: Alan Rennie for Hibernian TV