Hibs edged past Ayr United as Rocky Bushiri’s late header ensured progression to the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.
The tie burst into life just minutes after kick-off as Nectar Triantis set the tone with a fair but crunching challenge on Ayr United’s Connor McLennan.
There were calls for a red card due to the ferocity of the tackle, but referee Kevin Clancy – without VAR to back him up – opted for a yellow.
George Oakley and Martin Boyle both went close for Ayr and Hibs respectively inside the opening 15 minutes, the Aussie’s being the more clear cut as his effort was saved easily by Harry Stone.
Hibs settled into the clash well and dominated much of the possession, although they weren’t able to penetrate the backline of the hosts too often.
Ayr were not without threat though as attacking midfielder Connor McLennan caused the Hibs defence a few problems with his direct running and pace.
The unmarked Boyle had another big chance to give his side the lead but his downward header failed to hit the target as both teams went into the interval goalless.
Hibs started the faster in the second period and were appealing for a penalty after Josh Campbell went down following a kick on the boot. There was clear contact but Clancy wasn’t convinced by the force.
Ayr struggled to string more than two passes together with Hibs applying more and more pressure on the home side’s goal as the half wore on.
Boyle missed another sitter after a Lenny Agbaire mistake but thankfully for the Hibees, they finally found the back of the net.
Rocky Bushiri got his head on the end of a cross from the left after it was flicked on by Kieron Bowie and it sent the Hibs end behind the goal into delirium.
Jordan Smith was brought into action twice late on as Ayr United rallied for an equaliser. But Bushiri’s goal proved to be the match winner of a rather underwhelming cup tie as Not The Old Firm delivers you the three things we learned from the 1-0 Hibs victory below.
Highly anticipated Scottish Cup clash disappoints
With the game broadcast live on BBC Scotland and dubbed the tie of the fifth round, big things were expected of Ayr United vs Hibs at Somerset Park.
Unfortunately, it didn’t really live up to the hype as both teams failed to deliver the cup magic fans craved.
Hibs won’t care a jot though. David Gray’s men came to Ayrshire to win and that’s what they did, no matter how ugly and attritional it was.
Ayr gave their all and did not give Hibs the easiest of rides. But as the game wore on, there was only going to be one winner and Bushiri was the hero in the end.
Hibs lacked clinical edge until dying stages
There’s no doubt Hibs deserved to win this game. However, they could have made it so much easier for themselves with the chances they carved out.
Martin Boyle was a constant threat all night, but he spurned three big chances across the encounter. And when he missed the third as the clock ticked down on extra-time, it looked like it was going to be one of those nights for the Leith outfit.
They kept on plugging away though and their endeavours rewarded them with the late goal, which was well deserved.
Solid Ayr made things difficult for Hibs
Ayr United are flying in the Championship and that showed tonight given how much of a game they gave to Hibs, who are also in fantastic league form.
Scott Brown’s side matched up with Hibs’ formation which made things difficult for the Easter Road side to penetrate through the lines.
Ayr were competitive throughout, particularly in the first-half, and Connor McLennan was easily their best player on the night.
They did fall away in the second period though as they struggled to keep sustained possession – and with that brought more Hibs pressure and opportunities of their own.