Hibs Fail To Shine In Cup

Hibs progressed to the third round of the Scottish League Cup but were made to fight all the way by a resilient Stranraer outfit.

The Hibees dominated throughout but again failed to convert their chances and the lack of a goalscorer is proving a hindrance week after week.

Indeed, such was their inability to score they were reliant on the unfortunate Scott Rumsby to net their winner and he’s a Stranraer defender.

A disappointing attendance at Easter Road, complicated by turnstile entry problems prior to kick off, watched on as Alan Stubbs side made a strong start although only Fraser Fyvie’s fourth minute effort forced a save from the visiting ‘keeper.

Despite controlling the match, with Dylan McGeouch the standout performer, it’s difficult to see how Stubbs can show continued support for the misfiring strikers with Jason Cummings and Martin Boyle being the preferred option against the League One opposition.

Neither player convinced and quite frankly Cummings offered very little bar long range efforts; the player who found dangerous pockets of space to play in last season appears to be suffering a crisis of confidence or perhaps he’s just not as good a prospect as hoped.

Tonight’s game could have seen Hibs end up heavy scoring victors but poor finishing, poor final balls and poor decision making in the final third saw the Hibees struggling to cross the finishing line.

Man of the Match was McGeough, head and shoulders above all others, while everyone else were all pretty average without being awful however Darren McGregor started brightly on his debut but understandably tired as the game wore on.

Credit must go to Stranraer and their no.10, Stirling, came onto a decent game, specifically in the latter stages of the second half.

Match Stats:

Hibs Goal Attempts: 14
On Target: 8
Corners: 7
Possession: 57%

Stranraer Goal Attempts: 4
On Target: 2
Corners: 3
Possession: 43%