Gray relief as calamity averted & Hibs jeers turn to cheers
Hibernian overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit to beat Malisheva and keep their Conference League campaign alive, easing pressure on head coach David Gray. A week after supporters criticised the team’s display in Kosovo, Gray was applauded at Easter Road as Hibs produced a forceful attacking response and progressed to face Shkendija in the third qualifying round.
Hibs scored four times on the night, with Martin Boyle, Owen Elding and Nathan Lowe all among the scorers, before Malisheva pulled one back late on. Gray said his side showed the intended intensity and attacking intent, although he acknowledged the late goal made the finish tense; Hibs had also hit the woodwork and missed several chances. The result followed a 2-0 defeat in Kosovo, while Malisheva have never won an away European tie in three seasons.
- Hibs overturned a 2-0 deficit to progress in Europe.
- David Gray received praise after pressure following the first leg.
- Hibs will face Shkendija in the next qualifying round.
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Hibernian is a Scottish football club competing in the European Conference League, a competition involving clubs from across Europe. Having lost 2-0 to Kosovo-based Malisheva in the first leg of a qualifying tie, the club faced a steep challenge to progress.
The defeat prompted criticism from supporters about the team's performance, putting pressure on manager David Gray. Questions had been raised about whether Hibernian could recover from such a poor result and salvage their European campaign.
The second leg at Hibernian's Easter Road stadium offered an opportunity to turn the tie around. A strong performance would be needed to restore confidence and keep the club's hopes alive in the competition.