Two second-half goals from Josh O’Connor and a first-half penalty from Runar Hauge saw Steve Kean’s side comfortably dismantle a physical Middlesbrough side.
A mix of players from the Under-18 squad and the Development squad were used as Freddie Owens got the nod in goal with a back four consisting of Kanayo Megwa, Darren McGregor, Kyle McClelland, and Oscar MacIntyre.
Murray Aiken and Jacob MacIntyre filled the holding midfield roles whilst Ethan Laidlaw, Allan Delferrière, and Runar Hauge were the attacking threats behind lone striker Josh O’Connor.
As it happened...
The opening ten or so minutes were mainly controlled by the visitors as they looked to impose their game early on against the Hibees.
The first real talking point in the game was when Hibs were adamant they should’ve had a spot-kick when Runar Hauge competed with the Middlesbrough keeper for a loose ball with the Norwegian claiming he was unfairly brought down, however, the referee was having none of it.
Shortly after that Allan Delferrière played Josh O’Connor in behind with a defence-splitting pass, O’Connor took the ball around the Middlesbrough goalkeeper but was unable to convert his effort goal-wards as his first touch was too heavy taking the ball out of play.
Middlesbrough created a few chances of their own as an effort from inside the box was put well over the crossbar.
The visitors attack took advantage of a slip on the edge of the area however once again, they couldn’t convert it into anything too troubling for Freddie Owens as he watched the ball go sailing over the crossbar.
On the 25th minute mark Hibs were awarded a penalty kick when Josh O’Connor was brought down by the outrushing Middlesbrough Goalkeeper having been played through by Allan Delferrière.
Runar Hauge made no mistake from 12 yards out sending the 'Boro keeper the wrong way and calmly slotting the ball into the far bottom corner.
The Hibees looked to double their advantage before the interval with the final opportunity of the half coming when Josh O’Connor’s ambitious overhead kick from close range was cleared off the line following an Ethan Laidlaw corner.
Half time: Hibs 1 Middlesbrough 0
Hibs didn’t waste long in netting a second goal of the afternoon as they doubled their lead only minutes into the restart.
Jacob McIntyre pounced onto a loose ball in the middle of the park before teeing up Kanayo Megwa on the right-hand side who delivered a brilliant cross to the back post which was met by Josh O’Connor. Josh diverted his header downward from a tight angle leaving the Middlesbrough goalkeeper with no chance.
Hibs were soon to threaten again as Allan Delferrière made a driving run into the box before setting up Runar Hauge inside the box who played a nice one-two with Josh O’Connor, however, he was denied well by the hands of the Middlesbrough keeper.
Jacob McIntyre fancied his chances from range as he let fly however his effort was deflected and put out for a corner which didn’t result in any real danger to the Boro defence.
Middlesbrough were limited to next to no goalmouth action throughout the entire game as the Hibs defence defended strongly.
Hibs added a third goal at the death as Ethan Laidlaw played a lovely long ball over the top of the Middlesbrough defence which Josh O’Connor ran onto before cutting inside and finishing high into the net.
Steve Kean will be delighted with his showing from his side this afternoon as they performed well against a tough and physical Middlesbrough side.
Full time: Hibs 3 Middlesbrough 0
Hibs Starting XI: Owens, Megwa, McClelland, McGregor, O.MacIntyre, Aiken, Hauge, J.MacIntyre, Delferrière, Laidlaw, O'Connor
Report: Charlie Douglas
