Hibernian produced a sharp response to last week's reverse in Kosovo as they swept aside Malisheva 4-1 in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League second qualifying tie at Easter Road, progressing 4-3 on aggregate.
Rapid start sets tone
The hosts, clearly determined to put the first-leg disappointment behind them, raced into the tie and levelled the aggregate score inside the opening quarter of an hour. Owen Elding and Felix Passlack struck in quick succession to bring the tie back to parity, before second-half goals from Nathan Lowe and Martin Boyle put the result beyond the visitors.
Malisheva, who had surprised many with a 2-0 win in Pristina last week, offered a late consolation through Omer Bajraktari, but the damage had already been done and Hibs closed out a 4-3 aggregate victory.
"Nobody enjoys losing games,"
Manager David Gray said he detected a professional response in the squad after the Kosovo setback, suggesting training-ground intensity fed into the players' strong start at Easter Road. He praised the players for earning the right to the backing of their supporters by producing a performance with more intent and aggression than in the first leg.
What the win means
Advancement sends Hibernian into the third qualifying round, where they will meet Macedonian side Shkendija. For supporters and the club, victory represents a timely correction after an uncomfortable visit to Pristina and keeps the club on course in European competition at this early stage of the season.
- Second-leg score: Hibernian 4–1 Malisheva
- Aggregate: Hibernian 4–3 Malisheva
- Next opponent: Shkendija in third qualifying round
| Leg | Venue | Score |
|---|---|---|
| First | Pristina | 0–2 |
| Second | Easter Road | 4–1 |
| Aggregate | 4–3 |
Gray reflected on the performance, noting the squad's pride and the positive reaction from the crowd once the team took control. He felt his side could have been even more comfortable given the chances created, describing the front three as lively and pointing to a number of near-misses, including efforts that struck the woodwork.
For supporters following Hibs from the north-east and beyond, the tie will serve as a reminder of the fine margins in early European qualifying: a heavy away defeat can be overturned with a determined home display, but progress remains fragile until the final whistle. With the third qualifying round to come, attention will now turn to preparations for Shkendija and whether the momentum from Easter Road can be sustained in Europe.
Match specifics – goal scorers and aggregate outcome – will be of immediate interest to season-ticket holders and those tracking Hibernian's European campaign. The victory also offers a morale boost for the squad as domestic competitions resume.
