Hibernian hosted Celtic in a rare SPFL Development weekend match, held at the Hibs Training Centre in East Lothian. Despite the recent torrid weather in Edinburgh, the surface was playable and the game went ahead, sandwiched in between Friday evening and Sunday afternoon derby matches for the respective first team sides.

The SPFL Development League is shaping up for an exciting run in. Celtic were many people's favourites to reclaim the crown they lost last year to Ross County. However, with UEFA Youth League and other commitments, they have racked up a number of postponements, building up a bank of games in hand. The Hoops still looked on course to climb towards the table's summit, but recent defeats to Aberdeen and Kilmarnock have set them back.

 

In the mean time, the bright crop of Hibs youngsters had been taking full advantage. An impressive eight wins in their last nine matches saw the Hibees top the table, three points clear of second place Dundee with a game in hand. They now led Celtic by fourteen points, having played five games more.

 

The match started at a high tempo, with two good footballing sides aiming to get the ball on the deck and play it out from the back. With a recent lack of first team action, Oli Shaw was starting for Hibs and it didn't surprise many to see the prolific Development League striker open the scoring. A well taken finish was the difference between the sides at the interval.