Hibs instant analysis: Boyle double and Rudi's night to remember

David Gray's side made it maximum points from their opening two Premier Sports Cup matches via goals from Warren O'Hora, Rudi Molotnikov, Dylan Levitt and a Martin Boyle double, the first of which was a bicycle kick that squirmed under the body of goalkeeper Calum Ferrie. But it was Molotnikov who stole the show on his first Easter Road start, adding a calmly taken goal to a dazzling all-round display. Jack Turner struck a late consolation for the Spiders with virtually the last kick, but it couldn't take the shine off a polished Hibs performance.

Patrick McPartlin and Liam Bryce were in Leith to provide the instant analysis.

Another five-star performance

This time two years ago, Hibs had beaten a lower-league team 5-0 with the number nine, Christian Doidge, scoring a hat-trick, before another team below them in the pyramid in midweek. Then manager Lee Johnson rang the changes and Hibs suffered a 1-0 defeat. There was to be no repeat of that this time, with David Gray making just one enforced change through injury as Nathan Moriah-Welsh replaced Chris Cadden. Queen’s Park had beaten Peterhead 5-0 in their first Premier Sports Cup group game and it would have been folly to underestimate them given their placing two divisions above Elgin City.

But whether it was the hosts finding another gear from Saturday, or the Spiders getting caught out, or possibly a combination of both, Hibs were in devastating form. It could have been more than five - Dylan Vente flashed one across the face of goal, Molotnikov saw a shot deflected onto the post, and Élie Youan rattled the post with a fine strike in the second half. 

If there was caution attached to the celebrations after Saturday’s win because of Elgin’s position in the fourth tier, this performance and result surely bodes well for the weekend trip to Kelty. 

Patrick McPartlin

Momentum building?

The usual caveats about time of the year and standard of opposition, but Hibs look in a good place, and were certainly streets ahead of a Queen's Park that won 5-0 themselves at the weekend. There are absolutely no downsides to racking up these scorelines in any circumstance, but they could be especially impactful on the psyche of a side that must've been hovering precariously just above rock bottom as Nick Montgomery's tenure unravelled at the back end of last season. Gray has clearly hammered home the importance of progressing - and progressing well - in this competition, and his players have responded. Boyle has been amongst the goals, Josh Campbell claimed three assists, and even centre-backs are getting in on the act. Queen's Park, like Elgin, offered very little going forward, but Marvin Ekpiteta and Warren O'Hora have coasted through both games thus far. Early days, of course, with far tougher tests to come, but Hibs are doing all they can just now to build some valuable momentum.

Liam Bryce

Rudi runs riot

A first start at Easter Road and a first senior goal, this was a night to remember for 18-year-old Rudi Molotnikov. Deservedly retaining his place after a bright display up at Elgin on Saturday, the teenager was brimming with confidence on his first start at Easter Road. Gray cited his attitude and application throughout pre-season as convincing him he deserved a chance to impress, and it was that work ethic combined with exciting talent that came to the fore here. It's very, very early days in Molotnikov's Hibs career, but it's clear he's a natural footballer, all deft touches and dipping shoulders. He picks up intelligent positions, and there was a clear understanding in rotations with Jordan Obita on the left side. What was especially was his desire to affect the game as often as possible; there was no desire on Molotnikov's part to play his way safely through the game, and his positivity was rewarded with a well-taken goal on the cusp of half-time as he latched onto Josh Campbell's through ball and slotted home with ease. Two goals earned Boyle man of the match, and Molotnikov might just feel a little hard done by on that front. Hibs will surely add to their attacking options before the summer concludes - and are understood to be monitoring Fulham's Scotland U-21 international Kieron Bowie after he was offered to several Scottish clubs - but early indications are he could be ready to play a part this season.

Liam Bryce

Read more:

• Hibs boss on making progress, transfers and trophy ambitions

• Hibs' Joe Bursik on Jack Butland friendship and being vocal

• Vente reveals key message that sparked Hibs treble at Elgin

Centre-backs offer a threat

Hibs centre-backs managed a combined two goals in all competitions last season, with Will Fish and Paul Hanlon getting on the scoresheet once each. This season’s centre-backs have equalled that in two games, with Marvin Ekpiteta opening his account at Elgin City and Warren O’Hora doing likewise against Queen’s Park. 

Hibs didn’t really seem to threaten as much from set-pieces last season but the height and physicality of Ekpiteta and O’Hora caused problems for both the Spiders and Elgin. It’s not just corners and free kicks either - Ekpiteta’s header against Elgin came from open play - but it adds a different dimension to Hibs in an attacking sense knowing that there is a pretty good chance that a flighted ball into the box will find a powerful head on the end of it and even if it isn’t, the chaos factor opens it up for other players. Be it a goal, a chance, or simply causing confusion in the opposition, having two absolute units to aim at from set-pieces could serve Hibs well this season. 

Patrick McPartlin