Gareth Evans U18 side looked brimming with confidence as they overcame a strong Sheffield United side in Tuesday afternoon's match at HTC. The pre-season friendly was played in four 20-minute quarters and allowed the younger players to improve their match fitness.
The Wee Hibees came bursting out of the blocks with high-intensity pressing straight from kick-off and were rewarded for their efforts within the opening two minutes.
Ethan Laidlaw managed to pick up the ball down the left-hand side and cut back onto his stronger right foot, allowing him to whip in a teasing cross.
The United defence was unable to deal with it at the first time of asking and after a few deflections, the ball finally fell to Bailey McKenzie, who was on hand to calmly put the ball in the back of the net.
Hibs maintained their pressure and looked to double their lead as quickly as possible.
In the 10th minute, Ethan Laidlaw was at the heart of things again and went close after his driving run down the left-wing led him one on one with United’s keeper, but he was unable to find a finish.
On the quarter-hour mark, it was Jacob MacIntyre that looked destined to score the second.
Bailey McKenzie did well to hold the ball up and play a looping ball over the defence, which fell into the path of Jacob MacIntyre. MacIntyre connected well but once again the Sheffield United goalkeeper was alert and managed to tip the first-time effort over the bar.
The Wee Hibees kept the majority of possession throughout the first half and were creating opportunities at ease, with Rudi Molotnikov going close from the edge of the box and Jacob Macintyre being denied by the keeper once again.
Despite the consistent pressure, Sheffield United were able to level the game. A lapse in concentration in the 36th minute meant United’s striker was able to latch onto a loose ball in the box and he was able to squeeze it past the on-rushing Tom Carter.
United picked up momentum following the goal and were able to take the lead less than 10 minutes later. A free kick was fizzed in from the left side of the box and fell to the feet of a United player, who was able to finish from close range.
The second goal clearly woke the wee Hibees up and we equalised in the 47th minute.
Ethan Laidlaw was causing havoc down the left-wing and was able to beat his man and pull the ball back to Bailey McKenzie. McKenzie couldn’t get a shot off but managed to lay it off to Jacob MacIntyre who slotted the ball in the bottom left corner from 20 yards out.
Hibs kept on pushing and finally got their winner in the 64th minute. Rudi Molotnikov was occupying the space that Ethan Laidlaw had found so much joy in and was able to beat his man. Molotnikov picked his head up and squared the ball to second-half substitute, Josh Landers, who tapped the ball over the line for the winning goal.
Organisation and some game management allowed the U18s to see the game out without any issues.
An impressive display from the wee Hibees showcased their quality on and off the ball and allowed the younger players to get some minutes in the tank as we approach the new season.
