The competitive fixture allowed seven of Lee Johnson’s First Team players a chance to get valuable match minutes under their belts. Most notably, Rocky Bushiri gained his first match minutes after recovering from an ankle injury.
Under the guidance of Jamie McAllister and David Gray, it was an even start to the game in Newcastle, however 10 minutes in the hosts had the lead. Young goalkeeper Murray Johnson was looking to play out from the back; however, he was caught in possession and a Magpies forward passed the ball into an empty net.
The game continued to be played at a high tempo with both teams creating chances and just after the hour mark Hibs had an equaliser. Ewan Henderson went on a mazy run before a good strike hit the crossbar, the rebound, though, fell to Matthew Hoppe who made no mistake.
The hosts dominated the second half and made their pressure count around 60 minutes. Their wideman cut in the from left and expertly curled an effort into the top corner from the edge of the area.
Five minutes later and it was 3-1. Their striker was played through one-on-one, he rounded Johnson before squaring a ball to a teammate, who tapped in from close range.
That was the end of the scoring, but the high tempo nature of the game was the perfect scenario for Johnson’s First Team men as they prepare for Saturday’s trip to face Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
Starting XI
Murray Johnson; Lewis Miller, Rocky Bushiri, Michael Devlin (c), Marijan Cabraya; Reuben McAllister, Ewan Henderson, Jacob MacIntyre; Jair Tavares, Matthew Hoppe, Rudi Molotnikov.
Subs
Freddie Owens; Josh O’Connor, Allan Delferrière, Kyle McClelland, Murray Aiken, Kanayo Megwa.
