The Hibernian Development Squad ran out 3-1 winners against Berwick Rangers in their latest outing.
Managed by Gareth Evans, Guillaume Beuzelin, and Darren McGregor, the Hibs XI was made up of First Team and Development Squad players, with Max Boruc and Rudi Molotnikov gaining valuable minutes.
The match was scheduled to supplement our youngsters’ CAS U18 Elite League fixtures and to provide them with the test of playing against a men’s side.
Hibs started the game well, continuing their fine league form, and took the lead just after the 15th minute through Dean Cleland. The chance came from Jamie McMurdo’s set piece, which was flicked onto the bar by Rudi Molotnikov. The ball fell kindly to Cleland who tapped in from close range.
On the half hour mark Hibs and Cleland had their second. Jamie McMurdo showed great composure on the ball before slipping the young striker through the back-line. Cleland rounded the ‘keeper and placed the ball into the back of the net. That strike was his 29th this season in all competitions.
In the 37th minute young full-back Owen Calder made it three. Calder, who had a loan spell at Berwick Rangers earlier this season, received the ball from McMurdo and drilled a low effort into the bottom corner from just inside the area.
The second half wasn’t much of a spectacle as both sides had to deal with difficult weather conditions, but the only goal of the half fell the way of the hosts on the hour mark.
Max Boruc got down well to deny a half volley from Kyle Somers, but Arran Laidlaw got to the rebound and fired in from close range.
The match was another good test for our youngsters as they continue to develop and wait for the split fixtures to be announced.
Photos: Maurice Dougan
