Hibernian FC’s Under-18s ran riot against FC Málaga City beating them 8-0 in a friendly match at HTC.
A Dean Cleland hat-trick alongside strikes from Harry Wright, Alfie Smith, Reuben McAllister, a trialist, and an own goal, sealed the victory in what was an impressive performance against the young Spanish outfit.
After creating a number of early chances, our Wee Hibees took the lead minutes into the game. Harry Wright got on the end of a Josh McDonald cross at the back post and made no mistake from close range.
Three minutes later and it was 2-0. Owen Calder cut the ball back to Alfie Smith in the box, who placed the ball past the goalkeeper.
Hibs’ pressure continued as they dominated possession and just after the 20-minute mark Harry Wright turned provider; he showed great aggression to win the ball back before his cross was fired in by Dean Cleland.
Chances continued to fall as Josh McDonald, Reuben McAllister, and Zach Bruce all came close, before Rudi Molotnikov set up two goals in two minutes. His cross was diverted into the net by a Malaga defender before he slid Reuben McAllister through one-on-one.
Hibs’s dominance continued in the second half, and they made it six around the 55th minute mark. Zach Bruce’s effort was well saved by the ‘keeper, but the rebound fell to Cleland who made no mistake.
The Hibees’ trialist then got in on the act to make it seven, once again netting from close range at the back post.
The eighth came from the penalty spot with Cleland sealing his hat-trick. Alfie Smith was brought down in the area, before the young striker coolly slotted in his spot kick.
Malaga’s best chance of the game came in the dying moments of the game, but Hibs ‘keeper Freddie Owens made a smart save to keep his clean sheet intact.
