Gray relief as calamity averted & Hibs jeers turn to cheers

What the report says

BBC Sport Scotland reported that Hibernian head coach David Gray eased immediate pressure with a strong second-leg response against Malisheva at Easter Road, overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit from Kosovo to progress in Conference League qualifying. The result sends Hibs into a third qualifying-round tie against Shkendija, and marked a sharp change in mood after travelling supporters had booed the team following last week’s defeat.

According to the BBC, Hibs started aggressively and had drawn level on aggregate within the opening 15 minutes, with Martin Boyle central to the comeback. Boyle, Owen Elding and Nathan Lowe were all among the scorers as Hibs built a 4-0 lead on the night before Malisheva pulled one back late on. Gray said afterwards that his players had shown the intensity and forward intent he wanted, while acknowledging the closing stages became more anxious than necessary.

The report framed the win as significant for Gray, whose standing at Hibs is shaped partly by his Scottish Cup-winning goal as a player but whose coaching credentials had come under scrutiny after the first leg. He described victories as a coach as bringing brief relief before attention quickly turns to the next match.

BBC Sport also noted that Hibs were missing several creative options, including Jamie McGrath, Nicky Cadden and Callum Wright, but found an effective attacking balance. The article cautioned that Malisheva were opposition Hibs would be expected to beat, with Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership next providing a more demanding test of whether the same attacking approach can be sustained.