Hibernian overturn two-goal Kosovo deficit to advance in Conference League

Hibernian overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Kosovan side Malisheva at Easter Road on Thursday night, winning comfortably on aggregate in the Conference League qualifying round. The Edinburgh club, who had lost 2-0 in Kosovo seven days earlier, raced into a four-goal lead before conceding a late consolation, securing passage to the next round.

The result spared head coach David Gray a difficult reckoning. Supporters who travelled to the first leg had made their displeasure plain after what Gray himself called an unacceptable performance. By the second half on Thursday, with the tie effectively won, those same fans were chanting his name.

The turnaround was rapid. Hibs had wiped out the aggregate deficit within the opening 15 minutes, driven forward by Martin Boyle, who later added a fourth after weaving past several defenders. Owen Elding and Nathan Lowe also scored, completing a front three that functioned well despite the absence of Jamie McGrath, Nicky Cadden and summer recruit Callum Wright.

"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 afterwards. "I saw it in training and they fully deserved to win tonight. We should have been out of sight, we hit the woodwork a couple of times and missed three or four big chances."

Gray acknowledged the relief was short-lived. "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."

Modest opposition, real test ahead

Context matters. Malisheva have never won an away match in three seasons of European competition, and Icelandic side Vikingur scored eight against them last year. Hibs were expected to win, and the manner of the victory, while impressive, came against limited opposition.

The sterner examination arrives Sunday when Motherwell visit Easter Road in the Scottish Premiership. The Steelmen have also progressed in Conference League qualifying under new manager Alfred Johansson, following the summer departures of winger Elijah Just and former boss Jens Berthel Askou.

Gray signalled his squad is prepared for the congestion of domestic and European fixtures. "We're in the next round and can take that momentum into Motherwell," he said. "We're ready for Thursday-Sunday-Thursday — that's what everything in pre-season has been geared up for."

For Scottish football's broader European standing, keeping Hibs in the Conference League draw matters. Each qualifying exit narrows the coefficient points available to the league and reduces the visibility of its clubs on continental stages. Hibs will need to replicate Thursday's intensity against stronger sides if they are to progress further.