Hibernian will face Shkendija in the Conference League third qualifying round after overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit to beat Malisheva at Easter Road on Thursday.
David Gray had faced serious pressure heading into the tie after his side’s performance in Kosovo drew fierce criticism from travelling supporters. The head coach acknowledged the result and manner of the first-leg defeat were unacceptable, but his players delivered a commanding response. Martin Boyle led the charge as Hibs wiped out the two-goal deficit within 15 minutes, and the winger later danced past several defenders to make it 4-0 on the night. Malisheva pulled one back in the closing stages, though Gray was keen to focus on the positives.
Gray’s name rang around Easter Road once Hibs were four goals to the good — chants driven not by his famous Scottish Cup final winner as a player, but by the way his team had fought back from the brink. A drop-off in the final 20 minutes allowed Malisheva a consolation, and Gray admitted Hibs should have made the game safer, with the woodwork struck twice and three or four big chances missed.
“We spoke about the intensity we want to play at, the intent from the start to play forward, run forward and get the crowd behind us,” Gray said. “I saw it in training and they fully deserved to win tonight. That goal at the end made it a little bit edgy but at the same time, the players deserved what they got tonight. Delighted for them.”
Asked whether he felt relief after the turnaround, Gray was candid about the nature of management. “It’s different for a coach winning games to being a player,” he said. “Relief kicks in and then it’s the next game. You enjoy it for two minutes and then on to the next one.”
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
