Loan Ranger’s strike sends Hibs through
Jack Ross lavished praise on Jamie Murphy after the forward notched the only goal against Dundee to send Hibs into the Betfred Cup quarter-finals.
The on loan Rangers player came up with a moment of quality with a fine finish at the end of the first half.
And a second goal in three games was enough to see the Leith side overcome the Dark Blues in the competition for the second time.
Hibs also emerged victorious in a 4-1 win at Easter Road 13 days earlier in the team’s final group match.
Ross said: “It was an excellent goal from Jamie. We showed a few moments of quality in the game and that was one of them.
“He showed what he can do, he’s getting the benefit of playing consistently.
“He was ineligible against Rangers and then had a little injury, so this is the first time he’s really had a consistent run of games.
“His career history points to him handling that because he’s played in England where you have to churn out a lot of matches.
“We have challenged him to produce assists and goals, which he has been doing lately.
“He’s looking better and better in recent weeks. It’s good for me because he’s improving with each passing match.”
The match was not a classic but Ross is just delighted his team will be one of eight teams in the hat for today’s draw.
He added: “The most important thing in these games is to get through because it’s not easy to win these games.
“So to get through to another quarter-final is great for the club and for this group of players.
“It’s a cliche but cup competition is all about getting through to the next round.
“It was difficult but I felt we deserved to go through.”
Hibs made a lively start as they set about trying to put Dundee to the sword again.
Darren Mcgregor knocked an effort over the bar from close range from a Stevie Mallan corner before complaining that he was being impeded.
Dundee goalkeeper Jack Hamilton then pulled off a fine double save. The former Hearts man got down well to his right to keep out Kevin Nisbet’s fierce drive before denying Christian Doidge on the follow up.
However, the Welshman had been flagged for offside.
Dundee lacked creativity but boss James Mcpake could at least be pleased that his team were showing more fight after losing two goals inside the opening 16 minutes at Somerset Park last week.
Nisbet, however, should have given Hibs the lead in the 41st minute when he blazed an effort over after Martin Boyle’s delivery came off the post.
But Nisbet made amends when he set up Murphy to score seconds before the break.
The forward slipped in the former Brighton man inside the area and he fired a low shot past Hamilton.
Dundee had the ball in the net at the start of the second half but their celebrations were cut short by the linesman’s flag.
Liam Fontaine’s throw was flicked on to the bar by Lee Ashcroft in a packed box. Jakubiak slammed in the rebound but was offside.
Mcpake attempted to freshen up his team’s attack by introducing Declan Mcdaid and Osman Sow but it Hibs looked more likely to score.
Drey Wright climbed off the Hibs bench and had a stinging drive from 18 yards repelled by Hamilton.
Wright was then set up by Doidge but he sliced his drive harmlessly wide.