Hibs produced a stunning comeback to deflate a plucky Dumbarton side who found themselves two goals to the good with only half an hour to play.
The natives were certainly restless after Megginson and Gilhaney had saw the visitors net twice in the space of 7 minutes early in the second half but a storming final 15 minutes, led by Farid El Alagui saw Alan Stubbs men home.
Home supporters were convinced their bad luck in front of goal was set to continue after they found themselves trailing to The Sons only two attempts despite dominating and there were more than a few disgruntled Hibbies who stormed out at 0-2.
It’s fair to say Hibs could easily have been two or three up at half time such was the chances they made first half but it was the second period that people will remember.
Dumbarton took the lead in 51 minutes when former Hibee Colin Nish won a header from a corner which was dispatched past Mark Oxley by Megginson.
With Hibs still reeling from that setback, Dumbarton’s first serious goal attempt, they suddenly found themselves two down.
Yet another corner was the catalyst and after a goalmouth scramble, Gilhaney provided the final touch to send the small contingent of travelling fans into dreamland.
If Hibs were reeling from the first, they were stunned by the second and it took them until 12 minutes from time to grab a lifeline back into the game.
Farid El Alagui who had been guilty of passing up chances, knocked in a David Gray cross as Hibs surged forward searching to break their duck.
Once Hibees pulled one back there was an eerie expectancy about the support that believed their favourites could go on and win the tie and with barely 5 minutes left El Alagui netted his second and the equalising goal.
The big hit man was left unmarked in the box and his powerful header gave ‘keeper Rogers little chance.
With time running out, it looked like there would be extra time but substitute Sam Stanton, on for the un impressive Handling, had other ideas when into injury time he fired home a rifling long range effort into the top corner.
It was a goal fit to win any game and a suitable climax to a fantastic second half of football.
Player Ratings
Mark Oxley 5
Needs to organise his defence better at set pieces
David Gray 7
Another decent performance from the full back.
Liam Fontaine 6
Nearly a debut to forget. Unlucky not to score.
Jordan Forster 6
Easy night.
Callum Booth 6
Not his best game but a preferred option over Stevenson.
Scott Robertson 6
First game back since suspension. Unspectacular.
Scott Allan 7
Loves to get involved and certainly not one for hiding
Alex Harris 5
Off night for the youngster
Matthew Kennedy 7
He’ll cause better teams than Dumbarton problems.
Danny Handling 5
Done little to justify his new 4 year deal
Farid El Alagui 8
A double for the big fella but should have had the match ball tucked away.
Sam Stanton 7
Brilliant execution for the winner. Take a boo son!
