Gareth Evans’ U18s came out as deserved winners on Friday afternoon’s friendly, as they overcame a talented Arsenal side at the Oriam.
The Wee Hibees have had an incredibly successful pre-season so far, with recent wins coming against Sheffield United and Penicuik Athletic as they continue to gain match fitness in preparation for the upcoming 2022/23 season.
A friendly against the Category 1 Premier League Academy outfit was a much more difficult test for Hibs, with the quality of the opposition being at a much higher level, however, the Wee Hibees put in a stellar performance.
Within the opening two minutes, Emmanuel Johnson (below), whose work permit was recently approved, was able to win the ball back high up the pitch and slip in Josh O’Connor.
The young striker found himself at a tight angle but still managed to test the ‘keeper, which set the tone for the remainder of the first half.
Hibs kept their pressure up throughout the opening quarter and continued to create chances.
In the 13th minute, Jacob MacIntyre looked destined to open the scoring when he was able to pick the pocket of Arsenal’s centre half and drive towards goal. The Arsenal ‘keeper stood tall in the one-on-one situation and done well to save MacIntyre’s effort.
As expected, the young Gunners dominated much of the ball, with their two centre backs comfortable enough to carry the ball up from the back, causing issues for the Hibs midfield.
Despite this, Arsenal struggled to break down the rigid backline of Hibs and didn’t test Murray Johnson until the 40th minute.
A driving run forward from their No.9 allowed him to get on to his favoured right foot and curl an effort from the left-hand side of the box. Johnson was equal to it and managed to keep the game level.
The Gunners first real opportunity woke the Wee Hibees up as Murray Aiken – Academy Player of the Year for 2021/22 - got more involved in the match.
A driving run down the right wing from Aiken allowed the midfielder to find Robbie Hamilton inside the box. Hamilton was unable to pull the trigger but did manage to lay it off to Emmanuel Johnson, who’s shot was eventually blocked.
On the cusp of half-time, Aiken found himself centrally and linked up well with Robbie Hamilton once again.
Aiken drove into the box following the one-two and his fast feet forced an Arsenal defender to bring him down, leaving the referee with no other choice than to point to the spot.
Josh O’Connor, who has recently returned from injury, confidently placed the ball down and sent the ‘keeper the wrong way, giving the Wee Hibees a well-deserved lead heading in at the break.
It was much of the same story throughout the second 45.
Hibs continued to create chance after chance whilst Arsenal kept the ball with little intention of impacting the game.
The Wee Hibees started to grow in confidence and began dominating possession, allowing them to break the Gunners down with ease.
In the 57th minute a whipped in corner fell to the feet of Kanayo Megwa. After a bit of pinball in the area, Megwa managed to get a shot away, but it crashed off the post.
Two minutes later, Josh O’Connor was able to pick off a stray pass and play Jacob MacIntyre through on goal.
MacIntyre kept his shot low but was once again denied by the ‘keeper.
The chances kept on falling in favour of the Wee Hibees without much response from the Gunners.
Just past the hour mark, Rudi Molotnikov found himself with time and space centrally.
Molotnikov picked his head up and managed to play Emmanuel Johnson through on goal, but Johnson’s low driven effort was denied by the post. Hibs kept on pushing for a second but were frustratingly unable to find any joy.
At the opposite end, the defensive line was solid, with Jacob Blaney, Josh McCulloch and Owen Hastie keeping things tight throughout the 90 minutes alongside Kanayo Megwa who did well to silence Arsenal’s most dangerous attacking threats.
An incredibly professional performance against such talented opposition has clearly shown the forward steps the players have taken and is a testament to their hard work and commitment.
The U18s will now continue with their pre-season training and preparation for the upcoming campaign.
Hibs Starting XI
M. Johnson, J. McCulloch, O. Hastie, K. Megwa, J. Blaney, R. Hamilton, M. Aiken, J. MacIntyre. J. O’Connor, R. Molotnikov, E. Johnson
Photos by Maurice Dougan
