Rudi Allan-Molotnikov (27) 0-1: Malik Zaid (57) 0-2: Andrew Tod (60) 1-2: Taylor Sutherland (62) 2-2: Josh Landers (90) 2-3
It was a young Dunfermline side that took on Hibs in this SPFL Reserve League game played at Ainslie Park Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. The capital side fielded a side they described as from their Development Squad.
Hibs started strongly doing most of the pressing but a super run by Taylor Sutherland launched from his own half and then all the way up the left ended with an inviting cut back but the green shirts were first to the ball. Conley Adamson headed a Jake Rennie cross into the keeper’s hands but Liam Middleton possibly had a better chance from an 11th minute Sutherland cross that just slipped through the six yard box in front of him.
Hibs first real attempt at goal came in 17 minutes when Jacob MacIntyre’s shot from 20 yards out was held by Max Little dropping to his right. Rudi Allan-Molotnikov then had an effort blocked after being picked out from a Reuben McAllister free kick. Hibs were definitely back into the match and midway through the half Robbie Hamilton brushed off challenges to get into a shooting position, his strike beat Little but the ball rattled off the crossbar.
The opening goal came in 27 minutes from strong forceful play with ALLAN-MOLOTNIKOV creating the chance and finishing low into the far side of the Pars net. 0-1
Equally impressive work by Sutherland brought a fine save out of Hibs stopper, Murray Johnston. Before the break the home side had to defend two corners from the left, Little saved a McAllister free kick and Malik Zaid hit the post. Dunfermline went in fortunate to be just one down but they still had it all to play for in the second half.
Half time: Dunfermline 0 Hibernian 1
Andrew Tod’s 52nd minute shot from the edge of the box was deflected for a corner on the right but that was too easily defended. Hibs then got back in control taking advantage from what looked like a foul against them and the sheer power of Malik ZAID’s shot beat Little to put Hibs two up in 57th minute. 0-2
Dunfermline however would turn that around within five minutes. Jake Sutherland and Ewan McLeod came on for Liam Middleton and Michael Beagley. The breakthrough came from a free kick some 25 yards out on the left side. Andrew TOD sized up a surprisingly little two man wall and curled the ball in at the far post. 1-2
Just two minutes later Taylor SUTHERLAND received the ball from Adamson after Little had taken the opportunity to start an early attack through McLeod and the Pars captain scored in tremendous style smashing the ball in off both posts. 2-2
Both sides had chances to win the game in the final half hour but it was Hibs sub Josh LANDERS who squeezed in the 90th minute winner. It was an unfortune end to a match where Dunfermline had turned the game back into their grip.
DUNFERMLINE: Max Little, Sam Young, John Tod, Kian McHale (Leo Evans 74), Conley Adamson (Jay Snoddy 74), Michael Beagley (Ewan McLeod 58), Freddie Rowe (Mark Beveridge 74), Jake Rennie, Andrew Tod, Taylor Sutherland (c), Liam Middleton (Jake Sutherland 58)
SUBS NOT USED: Lewis Briggs (GK)
SCORERS: Tod (60), T Sutherland (62)
HIBERNIAN: Murray Johnston: Joseph McGrath, Jacob Blaney (c), Jay McGarva: Rory Whittaker (Josh Landers 74)), Reuben McAllister (Harry Wright 74), Robbie Hamilton, Jacob MacIntyre, Owen Calder (Owen Hastie 58): Rudi Allan-Molotnikov, Malik Zaid
SUBS NOT USED: Jamie McMurdo, Jamie Bulloch, Freddie Owens (GK)
SCORERS: Allan-Molotnikov (27), Zaid (57), Landers (90)
REFEREE: Cameron Stirling
WEATHER: Drizzle 7°C
NEXT MATCH: cinch SPFL Reserve Cup Final v Livingston, Tuesday 23rd April 2024, 7.00pm kick off at Almondvale Stadium
