The Hibs Dev Squad fell to an opening day defeat to Queen of the South in their first game of the cinch Reserve League season.

The Hibees are the reigning champions having finished the 2022/23 campaign unbeaten, securing the title by five points.

Unfortunately, Guillaume Beuzelin’s young side came out second best on the day, losing 3-1 to Queen of the South at Palmerston Park.

It was all square at the break, in what was a relatively even contest, with Jair Tavares having a goal ruled out for offside in the opening 45.

But the Doonhamer’s were the better of the two sides in the second half with Ross Irving opening the scoring for the hosts.

Hibs levelled shortly after with Rudi Molotnikov converting from the penalty spot, but Irving fired Queen of the South ahead before Lewis Gibson added a third to secure the points for the home side.

Up next, the Hibs Dev Squad take on The New Saints in the Third Round of the SPFL Trust Trophy on Friday 8 September – CLICK HERE for full fixture details and ticket info.

Hibs Dev Squad: Owens, Wright, Whittaker, Bulloch, McAllister, J.MacIntyre, Molotnikov, McGarva, Trialist, Zaid, Tavares.

Subs: Mallon, Cleland, Landers, Smith, Calder, Bruce