The Hibernian Development Squad drew 3-3 with Cowdenbeath in their latest outing.
As Darren McGregor’s youngsters waited for the split U18 fixtures, they have been competing against a number of different sides to provide them with new experiences and to aid their development.
The latest was against Cowdenbeath who compete in the Lowland League, and it turned into a thoroughly entertaining game!
It was the hosts who took the lead six minutes into the match from the second phase of a corner. The original set piece was headed away, but Cowdenbeath kept the attack alive with the ball being tapped in at the back post.
Fresh off a 3-1 victory over Berwick Rangers, conceding the opening goal didn’t deter our youngsters who grew into the game and played some excellent football at times.
And just on the 20-minute mark, Hibs saw the rewards from that good football. Jamie McMurdo was slipped through the back-line and tried to beat the ‘keeper with an audacious chip. The Cowdenbeath ‘keeper managed to keep it out before getting down brilliantly to stop the rebound. The ball, for the third time, thankfully fell back to a Hibs man, with McMurdo firing into the roof of the net.
Just after the hour mark, Hibs had a chance to take the lead as Jamie McMurdo was brought down in the penalty area as he ran through one-on-one. Dean Cleland then stepped up to take the spot kick, had his effort saved, but made no mistake from the rebound.
Cowdenbeath equalised shortly after though, also from the penalty spot, as their striker squeezed the ball under Ryan Mallon.
The hosts then re-took the lead three minutes later. Our youngsters struggled to clear their lines after a cross from the left hand-side, before a Cowdenbeath striker fired home from close range.
Hibs went straight up the other end to equalise however as Jamie McMurdo scored his second of the game!
The ball fell kindly to Cleland inside the area, as he found space and curled a terrific effort towards goal, which hit the post. The rebound then fell to McMurdo who made no mistake.
Chances continued to fall, but the game finished 3-3 at Central Park, in what was a really competitive match for our youngsters.
Our Under-18s will now return to CAS U18 Elite League action on Friday for their split fixtures, starting with St Mirren at home.
McGregor’s side are currently second in the CAS U18 Elite League, two points behind leaders Rangers.