A late goal from Kosovar Sadiki sealed a 1-0 win for Hibs’ Development Squad in their match against Celtic.
The Hibees fielded first-team men in Oli Shaw and Fraser Murray against a Hoops side with the likes of Karamoko Dembele and Jack Hendry.
Murray featured as Hibs’ development squad edged Celtic. (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Hibs’ starting XI also contained young trialist Michael O’Connor, who has been on trial at the Leith club, having featured most recently for Linfield in his homeland.
It was locked at 0-0 until Sadiki’s late header secured the victory for the young Hibees.
Both teams had chances in the first half with Fraser Murray going close for the hosts before Dembele skewed one of his efforts wide. The game was getting played mostly in midfield, with two stubborn defensive units holding firm throughout the game.
The young Hibees stood tall. (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Jamie Gullan was next to test the Celtic defence, with his shot going wide just before half time. Gullan was again causing Celtic problems in the second 45 minutes, seeing his powerful free-kick turned behind for a corner.
With chances few and far between in the second half it was Sadiki’s towering header that eventually split the two sides. Gullan’s fantastic delivery into the box was met by the head of Hibs’ towering youngster, guiding his effort beyond with ease.
It was a gritty display in the end from the Hibees. They showed enough defensive steel to grind out the win, with impressive performances from the likes of Josh Doig and Ben Stirling helping them secure victory.