U18 Report: Queen's Park 1 Hibs 5

The wee Hibees remain top of the CAS Elite Under-18 League after producing a dominant display over Queen’s Park on Friday afternoon.

Four goals from Dean Cleland and Josh McDonald’s smart first-half finish secured a crucial three points for Darren McGregor’s title-chasing side at the Lochinch Sports Pavilion.

A dominant start saw Hibs take the lead on 11 minutes. An alert Cleland was first to react to a loose Sam Gibson parry; firing his rebound high into the roof of the net.

McDonald doubled our lead within two minutes of the opener, curling in a neat finish beyond Gibson after Cleland and Luke Davidson executed a rapid counter-attack.

Just shy of the half-hour mark Connor Falls roamed forward and let fly from 20 yards, though the Queen’s Park winger’s firm strike was excellently tipped over by Ryan Mallon.

Only moments later, Cleland thrashed in his second of the afternoon after meeting Owen Calder’s bouncing cross in the mixer. 

Dynamic play from striker Logan Jimenez led to Rory Whittaker being denied at the back post by a brave Jaden Riddell block on the cusp of half-time.

Few chances fell to either side immediately after the restart, with Cleland firing wayward and Queen’s wide-man Fallon curling one past the post.

Queen’s substitute Matthew Murray-Smith was tripped inside the box on 70 minutes, allowing midfielder William Thomson to convert from 12 yards to give the hosts a lifeline.

Just as Queen’s Park began to seriously threaten - with Mallon called into action twice to deny Falls and Finn Coyle Morrow - the wee Hibees found their fourth after 78 minutes.

Cleland stole possession from the Spiders’ last man, raced clear of the sparse backline and fired in through the hands of Gibson to net his coveted hat-trick.

The forward wasn’t done just yet, however.

Teed up nicely by Whittaker on 80 minutes, Cleland effortlessly curled in his fourth to ensure victory for the Hibees. 

The victory keeps the Hibees in first-place, sitting three points above closest challengers Rangers with three league games remaining.