Ross County edge past Hibs on penalties in Scottish FA Youth Cup

The Staggies progressed through an enthralling cup tie fixture ending 1-1 with a penalties score line of (7-5) being the deciding factor. Goals came from Brown and Clelland with Reid for Ross County being the main man as the goalie saved in the shootout to send his team through to the next round.

With Jayden Reid being awarded man of the match for his heroic efforts and saves in the game the next round and title journey looked bright for the Staggies.

After kick-off in the mild weather of Tranent, the Friday night battle began. It was a frantic start with both sides failing to keep possession.

However, after the first five minutes, Ross County got their first after Fergus Ross danced at the edge of the area slipping through striker Calum Brown who nailed his effort into the bottom right corner from the left-hand side of the six-yard box.

Hibernian shortly after turned on the gas as right winger Jamie McCurdo was eager to get at the county back line having an effort from cutting in blocked as it entered the area. His full-back Rory Whittaker supported as the two gave County a scare.

Hibernian kept possession after the lapse in concentration, as they controlled the possession in midfield battling. Ross County using the long ball approach to frustrate strikers Brown and Lambie as they were constantly chasing.

At 18 minutes played, some outstanding link-up play down the left from Hibernian’s Adam Buckley and full-back Owen Calder developed a one-two down to the byline with Calder’s cross flashed across with no one on the end of it.

The first booking of the match was given to Ross County striker Brown 20 minutes in. He latched onto a loose ball played back by Hibernian centre-back Lewis Gillie meeting the ball before the defender and falling in the box appealing for what looked like a penalty. The referee booked him for diving.

The chances kept coming for Hibernian as a dropped ball from Ross County keeper Jayden Reid in his own box fell to Adam Buckley. The man in green had a crack at goal but the keeper heroically kept it out at point-blank range leading to a corner.

County captain Copeland Thain took matters into his own hands beating from the halfway line and driving through the middle of the final third having an effort at goal but it was crucially blocked by McGrath to stop the deficit becoming more.

Hibs right back Whittaker was again involved in a great bit of build-up as he flew down the right channel clipping a ball into the penalty spot with his teammate Josh McDonald striking a side-foot volley down and hard into the bottom right but it was not to be when Reid instinctively parried it wide keeping his sides lead.

McMurdo was hungry for a goal since his first effort early on. The Ross County players kept his danger nullified, especially Ellis Morrison as they consistently cleared their lines.

With half-time approaching Hibernian’s luck struck, a looping header from McDonald found Dean Clelland at the back post who leapt and tapped home equalising one minute before the break.

Half-time – Hibernian 1-1 Ross County

The half started fast and Hibs winger Dean Clelland with confidence after his goal before the break, darted inward from the left finding space and rifled his strike off the bar which bounced into a relieved Jaydon Reid.

The motive for Hibs seemed to be to keep control of the game and not lose possession. Zach Bruce was dictating his side’s play from the holding position. Lambie intercepted their fun and had a chance to grab a lead however the ball lost its way in his feet.

Ten minutes into the half the tone was set after Sebastian Tremarco strongly challenged Hibs winger Clelland enhancing the cup tie stage. Calder responded with a foul on the County man.

The power of the wind was at the backs of the Hibernian squad who tried to use it to their advantage, but their balls over the top were reaching the Ross County back line with ease.

Striker Calum Brown of County and Lewis Gillie were enjoying their battle both physical players were fighting hard for their sides.

Calder threatened with his fizzed ball across the county penalty area concluding with a clearance for a corner by captain McGrath. The arm wrestle between the sides was still standing.

There was a penalty shout for Hibs as Reid looked to have close-lined Josh Landers in an effort to punch clear but referee David Gallagher waved his hands to advance play.

He then handed a yellow card to attacking full-back Whittaker for the same offence Brown had in the first of a diving appeal.

Euan Kennedy for the Staggies demonstrated tremendous wing play driving up the right-hand side to find his number 9 who couldn’t finish in the end leaving the match with questions to be answered.

A yellow was awarded to captain McGrath to disrupt a break in play following a scramble in the Hibs box. A populated penalty area with loose balls was struggling to find a foot to clear or put away but eventually, a hoof from Whittaker led to McDonald being taken down.

Tackles were flying, giving referee Gallagher plenty of work on the cold Friday night as tempers began to rise with 15 to go out of the 90.

Both sides struggled to keep the ball when the pressure was rising with breaks in play and loose balls becoming the norm the penalties were looming.

Huge mistake from Hibs defender Gillies when his switch of play didn’t find his full-back releasing Lambie who couldn’t source a gap in opportunity to put his side ahead after driving 50 yards in a one-on-one situation, but a recovering Whitaker held him at bay.

The first substitute came for County with striker Brown being replaced by Joe Coyl.

Landers tried to be the hero but his solo run by four county defenders was gobbled up by Reid who had been often tested by him. The striker was frustrated and so were his teammates as they begged for another goal.

They could not find it though and the full-time whistle blew meaning the match would go to penalties.

Full-time – Hibernian 1-1 Ross County

Jacub buried his effort low and hard to the bottom right giving County a confident start.

Whitaker who was excellent all game unfortunately couldn’t convert and Reid’s top from continued saving to his right.

Substitute Coyle had his strike saved by Mallon to give Hibs a breather and keep them in it.

Gillies took that opportunity brilliantly striking into the bottom left.

Winger Kennedy landed his superbly as he glided his effort into the top left.

Hibs’ striker who’d been begging to score did so smashing his penalty into the top right.

Lambie blasted into the top right as well showing his side was not budging.

McMurdo buried his and sent the keeper the wrong way.

Thain then finished comfortably leading by example as captain.

Tricky winger Clelland showed his class with a top strike finding the back of the net.

Lamont for county smashed his into the bar.

Hibs had the chance through Luke Davidson but his shot was saved and it was back to all square.

Rio Hastings passed it left and his keeper was booked for disrupting the next taker.

Zach Bruce then expertly found the back of the net.

Tremarco remarkably scored and the battle lived on.

A scary penalty as hearts dropped around the pitch Calders strike just crossed the line.

Morrison then struck home.

Reid then saved and County progressed.

Hibernian 1-1 Ross County (6-7)