A close encounter with Tranent Juniors to celebrate the life of McFarlane was played on Friday evening, where Steve Kean’s Development Squad came out as 2-1 winners.
Prior to kick-off, Daniels’ wife, Ria, and daughter, Frankie Joy, were presented with a Hibs strip and memorial plaque by Darren McGregor, who captained the side for the evening in front of a packed Foresters Park.
Tranent Juniors started well, with left winger Jamie Docherty picking up the ball from deep and driving down the line, earning his side a corner in the opening three minutes. The hosts went close from the corner with the ball falling to Calum Donaldson, but his effort flew over the bar.
The first real chance for the Hibees came within the opening 10 minutes when Murray Aikens floated cross found the head of Dan MacKay, but the forward was unable to direct his header goal-wards.
Hibs were able to break the deadlock just past the quarter hour mark thanks to Connor Young.
A lofted ball over the top from Kanayo Megwa was latched onto by Young down the left-hand side, and his first-time effort across goal found the bottom corner. An excellent start to Young’s season following his impressive goalscoring campaign with the U18s.
Hibs started to dominate possession following the opener with Dylan Tait and Joao Balde keeping the ball moving in tight areas and Oscar MacIntyre driving Hibs forward from left back.
There were plenty of opportunities for the Hibees to double their lead before the 30-minute mark with Dan MacKay finding gaps within the defence, but he was unable to test the ‘keeper.
Shortly after, though, in the 33rd minute, Mackay was finally able to get his goal.
Oscar MacIntyre was once again causing issues down the left-hand side and his fast feet forced the Tranent defender to bring him down inside the box. Mackay stepped up and expertly dispatched the spot kick, doubling Hibs’ advantage.
The match was then stopped on the 36th minute allowing for a minute’s applause in celebration of Daniel’s life. A touching moment for Daniel’s friends and family in attendance.
Hibs began to display their quality early in the second half.
Robbie Hamilton and Joao Balde both tested Ali Adams in between the sticks with long range efforts before Dan MacKay was sent through one-on-one by Connor Young.
MacKay kept his shot low, but Adams did well to get down and prevent a third.
As the game progressed, Tranent started to find their feet and had two opportunities in quick succession.
A ball down the right-hand side was brought down by Nathan Evans, son of the Hibs U18s coach Gareth, but his snatched effort found the side netting.
Five minutes later, Evans found himself in the box again, but his fizzed ball flashed across the face of goal without anyone gambling on the other end.
Tranent kept pushing and were finally rewarded for their efforts in the 85th minute.
A well whipped in free kick was not dealt with by the Hibs backline and a fortunate bounce fell to second half substitute Rory Currie. He was able to keep his shot low and a slight deflection beat Tom Carter, giving the home side a well-deserved goal.
A competitive matchup against a talented side saw Steve Kean’s Development Squad make a great start to their season as they look to build match fitness ahead of their busy schedule in July.
Hibs: T. Carter, M. Aiken, O. Macintyre, J. Blaney, D. McGregor, K. Megwa, D. Tait, J. Balde, C. Young, R. Hamilton, D, Mackay
Tranent Juniors: A. Adams, S. Thomson, E. Bauld, N. Evans, S. Murphy, J. Docherty, E. Greig, O. Anderson, M. Maughan, C. Donaldson, K. Somerville
Photos: Maurice Dougan
