Hibs got their pre season underway on a fine sunny afternoon in the Scottish Borders and strolled to an easy 4-0 victory over their Lowland League opponents.
Despite only having a one goal advantage at half time following an opportunist strike from Jason Cummings who pounced on a Max Todd cross to prod past the keeper, Hibs added another three in the second period although if truth be told the gulf in class was higher than the score line suggests.
Cummings added his second in the early part of the second half, reacting quickest after the Vale keeper could only parry a Stanton effort before Craig added a third after a bit of confusion in the home defence whilst Alex Harris completed the scoring with a late fourth.
The game saw Alan Stubbs lead his side out for the first time and this earliest impression saw both Hibs X1’s which played each half, knock the ball about comfortably with no long, hopeful punts up the park, so often the trademark of previous managers Fenlon and Butcher.
Whilst clearly still lacking match fitness it appeared each and every player was comfortable in their own position and clear as to what the manager had asked from them which again was a pleasant surprise given how little time Stubbs has been working with the squad.
All in all it was a good workout for Hibs, watched by a crowd of around 1400 and credit must also go to the Vale of Leithen players who worked their socks off throughout.
A special mention to Vale’s no.8, McCulloch, who’s effort from the halfway line immediately after Hibs scored their third flew just over the bar.
Although in the infancy of his Hibs tenure, it would appear, on this evidence, the players and manager are all finally pulling in the same direction which will hopefully benefit the club over the course of the Scottish Championship season.
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