In-form strikers fire Hibs to victory

Hibs head coach Jack Ross savoured the work of his in-form strikers after a 4-0 Scottish Cup win at Stranraer.

Christian Doidge and Kevin Nisbet were on target before Martin Boyle struck twice, including from the penalty spot.

The trio have now scored their team’s last 11 goals between them and 14 of the last 15.

Their form is sure to give Hibs confidence ahead of next weekend’s quarter-final against Motherwell at Easter Road.

Ross said: “They have been like that all season.

“When you look at the amount of goals the three of them have contributed, they are all in double figures, which is terrific.”

Boyle in particular is in a purple patch with nine goals in 11 matches. He also set up a series of chances at Stair Park.

Ross added: “He’s had a brilliant season. If you look at his goals and assists across the season he will be up there with any players in the country. When he is super confident like that, he’s a brilliant player, a major, major asset to us.”

Stranraer boss Stevie Farrell bemoaned a near miss for his side with the score at 1-0 when Darryl Duffy inadvertently blocked Tam Orr’s goalbound effort. Farrell joked: “I thought Hibs had brought on another centre-half. They are the wee defining moments that can change games, but Hibs deserved their victory.”

Martin Boyle.