U18s Report: Kilmarnock 2 Hibs 0

The wee Hibees fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Kilmarnock in our first game of 2025.

Darren McGregor’s Hibees were second best on the day with Kilmarnock coming out on top at Rugby Park on Friday 3 January.

The hosts opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes when Shay McKeown bundled the ball home from within the six-yard box after a cross from the byline.

We had a few half-chances of our own in the first-half, with a couple of shots from long range, however we failed to call the Kilmarnock ‘keeper into action during a below-par opening 45.

The Hibees were much improved in the second half and Jamie McMurdo forced a good save from a free-kick just after the break.

We continued to throw more bodies forward in search for an equaliser, but Kilmarnock were defending well – throwing bodies on the line and making blocks at key times.

The hosts doubled their lead 15 minutes from time through Archie Traynor. Killie had several shots on goal but the Hibs defence and goalkeeper, Ryan Mallon made three  blocks before the eventually fell to Traynor who rifled home from close-range.

Hibs substitute Callum Macdonald nearly pulled one back in the closing stages, only for Ben Coutts to stick out a strong hand to deny him.

That was the last action of note as the hosts claimed all three points in Ayrshire. Up next, the wee Hibees host Hearts at HTC this Friday (10 January).

Hibs U18s: Mallon, Whittaker, Jimenez, Gillie, McGrath, Bruce, Cleland, Buckley, McDonald, McMurdo, Davidson.