By Hibernian FC

Braces from Joe Newell and Ewan Henderson helped the Hibees to victory and moved them to the top of their Premier Sports Cup group.

Following Hibs’ midweek defeat to Falkirk, Lee Johnson selected a strong starting XI for the trip to New Dundas Park. He made six changes as David Marshall, Chris Cadden, Ryan Porteous, Nohan Kenneh, Elias Melkersen and Henderson all returning to the starting line-up.

Jake Doyle-Hayes was the notable absence, outside of those injured and waiting for work permit approval, as he recovers from a knock.

In his press conference, Hibs boss Johnson set the tone demanding an ‘A-grade’ mentality from his players, and that was evident to see as the Hibees got off to the perfect start.

Less than two minutes into the game, Melkersen forced Bonnyrigg ‘keeper Mark Weir to clear the ball into the stands. Hibs were quick to take the throw-in and scored with their first chance of the game.

The ball fell kindly to Newell just inside the area and he drilled a left-footed effort past the ‘keeper and into the bottom corner.

After 10 minutes, Hibs had the perfect opportunity to go 2-0 ahead. After some good work around the box, Christian Doidge was brought down in the area by a Bonnyrigg defender. Aiden McGeady stepped up, looking to score his first goal for the Club, but put his spot-kick wide.

Chances continued to fall; Cadden headed a Stevenson cross wide, McGeady had a cross-come-shot zip past the post, and Henderson headed a Cadden cross over the bar from around five yards out.

On the 25th minute two more great chances fell to the Hibees, and they would’ve been two ahead if it wasn’t for the heroics of Weir in the Bonnyrigg goal. Firstly, he denied a close-range acrobatic effort from Melkersen, before stopping a Doidge half-volley from inside the area moments later.

Just before half-time, around 40 minutes in, there was a sizeable stoppage in play. Cadden alerted the referee to a medical issue in the crowd. Both medical teams, alongside the paramedics on-site, immediately reacted to give the supporter attention. Everyone at Hibernian FC hopes the supporter is ok.

As play continued, there was a quick flurry of goals. Hibs grabbed their second of the game. After some clever play, and a blocked effort from Melkersen, the ball fell to the feet of Henderson. The attacking midfielder went around two defenders, created space for himself, and placed the ball into the top corner.

Bonnyrigg replied immediately, however, to make it 2-1. Striker Kevin Smith latched on to a long ball over the top and expertly lifted an effort over the on-rushing Marshall.

Then, on the stroke of half-time, Newell bagged his second of the game and made it 3-1. The midfielder showed real composure on the ball in the box, skipped past one, and placed the ball into the back of the net.

After the late flurry of goals in the first half, the second half was more of a quiet one. On what was a really hot, humid afternoon at New Dundas Park, there was another medical issue in the stands. Again, the medics reacted incredibly promptly, and everyone wishes the supporter all the best.

On the 70-minute mark, Johnson made four changes to freshen up his side with Liam Miller, Kyle McClelland, Josh Campbell and Momodou Bojang all coming on. That switch saw Newell move to left-back and Melkersen left wing.

Keen to make his mark on his debut, Bojang was immediately involved. He picked the ball up 25-yards out, but his effort rolled into the hands of the ‘keeper.

Soon after Campbell tried his luck from range. Around 20-yards out he released a left-footed shot that went just wide.

In the 90th minute, Bojang almost had the dream debut. Henderson threaded a perfect pass through the back-line, and the Gambian striker showed blistering pace to get on the end of it. He went around the 'keeper, but the defender got back just in time to clear his effort off the line.

With moments to go, Henderson had his second and Hibs' fourth. He picked up the ball in the box and curled an excellent left-footed effort into the top corner.

The win leaves Johnson’s side in a strong position to progress in the Premier Sports Cup with their final group stage match on Wednesday against Greenock Morton; 7:45pm kick-off at Easter Road.

Hibs line-up (4-4-2)

Marshall; Stevenson (Campbell, 71’), Porteous (McClelland, 71'), Bushiri, Cadden (Miller, 71'); Henderson, Kenneh, Newell, McGeady (Bojang, 71'); Doidge (Blaney, 89'), Melkersen

Unused Subs

Dąbrowski, Tait, Hauge, Delferrière

Bonnyrigg line-up (5-4-1)

Weir; Gray (Hall, 77’), Martyniuk, Grigor, Young, Brett; Stewart (Turner, 62’), Doan (Gray, 62’) Connolly, Smith (Barrett, 77’); Hunter (MacGachie, 49’).

Unused Subs

Andrews; Hancock, Khan

Attendance

2,400 (500 Hibernian FC)