Resolute Hibs prove up to an Athletic challenge

The home team’s height and power were always going to make it a physical test for Hibs who were forced to weather long spells of pressure in order to complete their first away win of the campaign.

White opened the scoring after the Enville keeper had parried Edwards’ initial shot and he should have doubled his and Hibs’ tally after being sent clear, only to be denied by a fine save. Mannina then shot straight at the keeper following another one-on-one.

Enville started the second period as they had the first and wasted a golden opportunity as Hibs were penned in their own half.

However, a kick-out from Ollie Manuel produced the clincher for Hibs, with Edwards controlling the ball as it dropped over his shoulder before unleashing an unstoppable volley into the bottom corner.

Mannina raced on to a Sam Scott through ball and chipped the keeper to make it 3-0 and Enville were denied a deserved consolation in the final minute when a shot hit the underside of the bar and bounced clear.

Player-coach Rich Kay called it the complete away performance, singling out keeper Manuel for special praise.

“Olly was again outstanding, taking the pressure off with great decision-making in his punching and handling,” said Kay.

“He even set the second goal up with a superb pass to Adam and time and time again he set us on the attack with quality distribution.”