HIBERNIAN 5 AYR UTD 0
Stokes on goal trail as Murray weighs in
NEIL Lennon had an inkling that this strike partnership would work out. Not daft, is he?
Anthony Stokes and Simon Murray, the returning hero and the Premiership rookie, most definitely made the most of their first start as a pairing for Hibs last night.
Putting Ayr United away with clinical precision, the forwards each found the net — Murray once, Stokes twice — and showed enough promise to suggest that driving their team into the quarter-finals of the Betfred Cup need not be the limit of their achievements together.
A first goal for Stokes — on his third time around with Hibs — after 20 minutes set the home side on their way at Easter Road.
The former Celtic star then provided the most sublime of assists for Murray whose route to the top, via a stint in the Juniors, was the cause of much cynicism among Hibs fans less than thrilled by his summer acquisition.
With Murray now on nine goals in six games, the aspersions once cast with such vehemence towards the 25-year-old have rather faded into the background.
Few were complaining, certainly, when he turned provider for Stokes’ second before the hour.
Lennon said the partnership had surpassed even his expectations, admitting: ‘It surprised me. They seemed to dovetail quite quickly.
‘Stokes showed great touches, considering it’s his first start for a year, effectively.
‘It’s great that he got a couple of goals because that’s what he’s here for. He will cause teams problems, in that mood.’
By the time Efe Ambrose was doing back-flips to celebrate his scoring of a fourth — with sub Deivydas Matulevicius making it 5-0 late on — supporters were already turning their thoughts to how the dynamic duo of Stokes and Murray might fare at Ibrox this weekend.
The trip to face Rangers on league business — a first clash between the clubs since a certain May afternoon at Hampden — will obviously dominate talk between now and Saturday afternoon.
Last night, however, Hibs were all about the League Cup. Lennon wouldn’t have it any other way.
The head coach has made the pursuit of silverware a priority this season, arguing that the recent success in knockout competitions — not just winning the Scottish Cup, but regularly reaching semi-finals and finals — should not be seen as a fluke for a club the size of Hibernian.
His intent was clear in the team selection for the visit of freescoring League One opposition, with the introduction of young defender Ryan Porteous more than offset by the return of experienced pair David Gray and Darren McGregor.
And he couldn’t be displeased with the opening, as Hibs made all the running from the off.
John McGinn was picking passes, young Porteous looked good stepping out of a back three, while Murray was everywhere — if just a little too late for the liking of Stokes, who looked a touch frustrated with his raw partner early on.
Still, the Republic of Ireland international had to expect a few teething troubles. And he quickly set about making things happen for his team.
With 12 minutes gone, Stokes peeled off into the left channel and curled in an inviting cross, but neither Murray nor Gray, racing forward from right wing-back, could connect with the ball.
The opener wasn’t long in coming, though. And the fact that Stokes bagged it was a cause of enormous celebration among the home support.
Danny Swanson’s corner was allowed to bounce by the Ayr defence, meaning the most obvious goal threat in green-and-white simply had to nod the ball past Jordan Hart.
Stokes came close to a second within five minutes of the opener, rifling a left-footer just past the top corner.
He then provided a peach of an assist for Murray, his reverse pass slicing through the yellow ranks — and neatly put away by the confident new kid.
There was an inevitable rally from Ayr early in the second half, helped by Ian McCall making a couple of substitutions.
But all resistance was broken by a third for the hosts, Murray’s curled cross from the left prodded home by Stokes despite the close attentions of a defender.
Further goals from Ambrose and Lithuanian striker Matulevicius felt like OTT punishment for opposition hopelessly outclassed on the night. And put away with clinical cruelty.