Hibee history: Teenage Scott Brown at heart of victory

Livingston 1, Hibs 2May 17, 2003

MUCH had been made of the imminent Easter Road clear-out. There had been anger, confusion, the whole gamut of emotions among the club's supporters, who felt the club were tossing out first-team players with the same impassiveness as unwanted old socks. However, this fine display from an emerging crop of youngsters, which made it four wins on the spin, went some way to appeasing the faithful.

Among them were Scott Brown, Derek Riordan, Steven Whittaker and Darren Thomson. In particular 17-year-old Brown played with the confidence that eclipsed his years and looked unfazed by his bigger-name opponents.

His two goals aside, both with his right foot, it was his energy around the pitch that thrilled the fans. It wasn't just Brown though, Daniel Andersson also had a great game as the keeper made several saves to keep the hosts at bay before and after the break. Fernando Pasquinelli went close with an audacious over-head kick that went just inches wide of the post. Hibs then had an effort of their own as teenage debutant Thomson found Riordan in the box but the striker's effort was well saved from Alan Main.

Hibs then took the lead after Livi defender David McNamee slipped, gifting possession to Brown and he drilled into the corner for his first senior goal. After the break the home side upped the tempo as they tried to get back into the game but the Lions' hopes were soon dented as Scott Brown managed to get his and Hibs' second goal as he volleyed home Whittaker's neat flick to give the visitors a two goal cushion.

The impressive Andersson made another great one-handed save to deny Maidana before he was powerless to prevent Pasquinelli from getting a late consolation from the six yard box before the Hibees held out for all three points.

"I will pick the fittest guys for the start of next season and we can't get carried away, but if these guys keep their feet on the ground, it augurs well," said Williamson afterwards, beaming like a proud father on sports day.

Livingston: Main, Brinquin, Camacho, Maidana, McNamee, Toure-Maman, Wilson, Quino, Makel, Pasquinelli, Bingham.

Hibs: Andersson, Fenwick, Smith, Matyus, Jack, Thomson, Wiss, Brebner, Whittaker, Riordan, Brown.