Martin Boyle Joins Hibs 100 Club

Martin Boyle joined the Hibs 100 Club after he bagged a brace against FK Partizan to help the Hibees to an impressive 0-2 victory in Belgrade.

Boyle becomes the first Hibs player since Derek Riordan to reach the milestone, and joins an illustrious group of players that includes the likes of the Famous Five, Joe Baker, Jimmy O’Rourke and Arthur Duncan, to name a few.

Captain for the night, Boyle led by example from start to finish - with the Hibees taking a two-goal lead back to Leith next week. 

Speaking to Hibs TV after the match in Belgrade, Boyle explained how happy he was with both the result and performance.

“It was a fantastic night. It was great for the Club, great for the travelling fans and brilliant for everyone at home. I thoroughly enjoyed it, we were really professional in everything that we did tonight. We stuck to our game plan, we know it’s only half a job - but hopefully we can replicate that next week.

“It was intimidating, we knew that as soon as we walked out onto the pitch to warm up.  You get sent videos and you hear stories, but we stayed strong - we were brave and we weathered the storm.

“Boys were putting bodies on the line - Rocky threw himself at one just before they got a man sent off. That was down to him; it changed the dynamic of the game and we took advantage. We could’ve been more ruthless, we could’ve moved the ball around a bit better but we will watch it back and make sure we improve from it.”

Boyle slammed home his 100th goal for the Club in the first half following a set-piece routine before converting from the penalty spot in the second half for his 101st.

“It was a special feeling. It probably won’t sink in until we fly home and I can enjoy it with the family. It is exactly what I have wanted to achieve, I didn’t quite manage it last season, but thankfully I’ve got it out of the way now and I can stop worrying about it!

“It’s always a nice feeling to score in European competition. As long as I’m contributing and the team is winning, then I am happy - it’s a team game.

“It’s nice to be recognised and to reach that milestone. Long may it continue, it was a really special moment - I nearly got hit by a bottle of vodka during my celebration, but it is all nice memories!”

The Australian international was extremely modest when speaking post match, heaping praise on his teammates and staff for their efforts so far.

“I don’t want to get carried away, because we still have to play them again. The players are buzzing - you get those goosebumps when you see the fans.

“It is not about me tonight, it is about everyone that travelled - everyone is pulling their weight and everyone is working extremely hard. We are all pulling in the same direction and we all want to be playing Conference League Football in the Group Stage.”