It was a return to winning ways for Hibs as they beat SPFL new boys Bonnyrigg Rose 4-1 at New Dundas Park.
After a shock defeat to Falkirk in midweek, Lee Johnson 's team now need the Bairns to drop points if they are to win their Premier Sports Cup group. They made the ten-mile trip to Midlothian knowing they couldn't afford any more slip ups in the group stage.
Any hopes of a giant killing appeared to be over after just 90 seconds. Bonnyrigg failed to clear their lines properly and Joe Newell punished the part-timers, sending a crisp, low volley past Mark Weir into the far corner.
The Hibees were afforded a chance to double their advantage before ten minutes were up. Christian Doidge's feet were too quick for former Hearts youngster Johnny Stewart, who tripped him in the box. Aiden McGeady stepped up, but sent an awful spot-kick well wide of Weir's left-hand post.
The hosts had a penalty shout of their own after Scott Gray went down at the back post under McGeady's challenge. The shout went up, but referee Steven McLean wasn't interested and waved play on.
Weir kept the score at 0-1 with two saves in quick succession. First he denied Doidge from a corner, then again after the Welshman rolled Dean Brett and fired towards the near post. He did well once more to prevent a Ewan Henderson effort sneaking in.
The former Celtic man wasn't to be denied however. After a break in play to allow a supporter to receive medical treatment. Newell played a ball into Elias Melkersen and his blocked shot fell for Henderson, who placed the ball into the corner, despite Weir getting a hand to it.
It looked like game over, but Bonnyrigg responded immediately. Ryan Porteous was caught under the ball, allowing Kevin Smith in and the former East Fife striker lifted the ball brilliantly over David Marshall and into the net.
Their joy was short-lived though as Hibs continued the first-half goal glut. Newell was at the double, showing great feet in the box to avoid defenders before calmly passing the ball past Weir for 3-1.
Nine minutes were added after a second medical emergency forced a stoppage after the break. And that was enough time for Henderson to add a stunning fourth, curling a wonderful effort into the top corner to add some gloss to the scoreline.
No nerves
Games against part-time opposition on their own patch can be tricky. Even tricker coming off the back of a shock midweek defeat to Falkirk. Lee Johnson demanded a reaction from his team, and he got one when Newell opened the scoring after 90 seconds.
That put Hibs at ease, although they huffed and puffed a bit for the majority of the first half. A second goals on half-time was a big settler - until Bonnyrigg pulled one back moments later. However, HIbs stepped it up again and re-established their two-goal cushion, their reaction a big plus point for Johnson after the disappointment against the Bairns.
Paying the penalty
Big things are expected of Aiden McGeady after reuniting with Johnson at Easter Road. The Republic of Ireland international is a matchwinner on his day and will be looked to to in order to provide moments of magic for the Hibees in tight games this season.
He might not be on penalty duty however. He spurned the chance to put the visitors 2-0 up after just ten minutes, but sent a dreadful spot-kick wide of the post. Home keeper Mark Weir was annoyed by something, and was clearly seen on camera calling McGeady a "w**k" in the aftermath of his miss, earning a yellow card for his trouble.
New boy Bojang
The Gambian was finally able to make his Hibs debut after work permit delays. He came on as a second half sub for the final 20 minutes or so. A speculative effort from distance was easily gathered by Weir but he should have marked his bow in green and white with a goal.
He latched onto a ball in behind and took a good touch to go round the advancing Weir. The angle was tight, but Bojang got his effort on target, and was unfortunate to see his effort blocked off the line by a retreating defender.
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