OLD ONE-TWO FROM HIBS
A FIRST Hibs goal for Joe Newell and a fine Florian Kamberi finish saw off spirited Elgin City to ensure the Premiership team topped Group C. Newell, captured on a two-year deal from Rotherham, continued his bright start at Easter Road with the opener. The former Birmingham City wide man was one of Hibs’ top performers, but the Leith team made heavy weather of their League Two hosts. Kamberi’s strike after the hour killed it as a contest, but it proved a tough work-out for Paul Heckingbottom’s team. With local MP Douglas Ross running the line, Elgin’s defence was placed under close scrutiny early on. And Hibs’ opener duly arrived in ten minutes. Stevie Mallan was clattered by Rabin Omar, but referee Willie Collum played advantage. Elgin left-back Euan Spark was caught out of position as Daryl Horgan cut a low ball across from the right to find Newell sliding in for his first goal in Hibs colours. The capital club could have doubled the lead after 26 minutes. Christian Doidge sliced a path into the Elgin box and Kamberi’s fierce, first-time strike had to be palmed over the bar by Thomas McHale. Elgin were lively from the re-start and tenacity from Omar outside the Hibs’ box earned a break of the ball before his powerful dig was tipped over the bar by Ofir Marciano. Hibs reacted with Mallan powering in a shot that was parried by McHale. The heavens opened for a torrential downpour but, for long enough, Elgin’s defence was looking watertight — up until the second goal. Mallan was felled at the edge of the box by Rory MacEwan but sent the dead ball attempt skidding just wide. Terrific play by Kane Hester then saw Marciano forced to save at his feet — but City’s defence was breached for the clinching goal after a blunder by Omar. His rash passback sent Kamberi tearing through on goal and the Swiss striker was clinical in tucking a shot past the outcoming McHale.