Boyle shines for Hibs against Partizan Belgrade

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Partizan Belgrade 0 - 2 Hibernian

Martin Boyle surged beyond the 100-goal milestone with a double in Hibernian’s impressive Conference League qualifying victory over 10-man Partizan Belgrade.

Author | Andy C

Stadium | Stadion Partizana

Conference League 25 26 | - Partizan Belgrade 0 - 2 Hiberian
View from the Hibernian end

Manager David Gray had urged his players to relish the hostile surroundings in the first leg of their third-round tie, and they responded with a fearless European performance, led by stand-in captain Boyle.

Partizan, fielding a youthful side containing eight players aged 22 or under, remain Serbia’s second-strongest team and were backed by an intense home support. Yet Hibs began brightly and capitalised on Vukasin Durdevic’s dismissal for a second bookable offence when Boyle converted at the back post for his 100th goal for the club.

READ MORE | Conference League 25/26 season

Gray may have been concerned by missed opportunities as the hosts battled gamely despite their numerical disadvantage, but Boyle eased any nerves by drilling home a penalty with 20 minutes remaining, securing a memorable victory and a deserved two-goal cushion.

The main talking points

The quality of Hibs’ performance stood out. This was a display and a result that will live long in the memory.

Some might point to the fact that Partizan Belgrade played with ten men for over an hour, but the tone had already been set in a dominant opening half-hour from the visitors. By the time Sava Djurdjevic was sent off, the result already felt inevitable.

READ MORE | Hibernian news and stories from Super Local Sports News

Before the dismissal, Martin Boyle had almost opened the scoring with an audacious lob, while Jamie McGrath forced a superb save from a free-kick. Boyle and McGrath both went close with headers following the opener, and Chris Cadden sliced wide at the back post.

There were some nervous moments at the other end, with Jordan Smith called into action on a few occasions. However, Hibs continued to carry a threat. Kieron Bowie saw a fierce effort tipped over before Boyle converted from the penalty spot.

Standout performers

Martin Boyle 

At 32, the Australia forward shows no signs of slowing. His understanding with the lively Bowie offers Hibs a potent attacking threat.

Rocky Bushiri

Watching Rocky Bushiri fling himself in front of shots, somehow always managing to get a legitimate part of his body in the way, is one of the pleasures of following this Hibs side. The defender relishes a dramatic intervention and is clearly enjoying himself, as the saying goes.

Kieron Bowie

Another player that Hibs fans love watching. He is a player that enjoys battling with opposition players. He only played 22 games last season but is expected to play a much bigger part in this upcoming campaign.

Location: Belgrade, Serbia

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