Hibs youngsters given a good workout by Preston

Hibs' under-19 side, with the exception of goalkeeper Thomas Flynn, who played for the first hour of their 4-1 win against East Seniors Premier Division outfit Preston Athletic, were made to work hard for their victory.

The Easter Road youngsters were under the watchful eye of manager John Hughes and, within the opening few minutes, they took the lead when a David Crawford cross was headed into the net by David Gold.

Hibs continued to pressurise their more experienced opponents and a fine through ball from Gold set up Ross Campbell, who rounded the Preston goalkeeper and scored from an acute angle.

However, John Kerr, Preston's striker who is heading to the United States for a soccer scholarship this week, brought them back into contention with a neat lob from 16 yards. Preston's revival was short-lived as Crawford set up Danny Handling, who netted with a low shot from just inside the penalty box.

Kyle Collins, son of former Gala Fairydean player Norrie Collins and nephew of ex-Hibs manager John Collins, who was also an interested spectator, hit a superb shot which was well saved by Flynn. Midway through the second half, Dean Horribine threaded a ball to Crawford, who left defenders in his wake as he side-footed the ball into the net from eight yards. Alistair Stevenson, the Hibs youth coach, said: "I was really pleased with the performance and our confidence with our use of the ball and passing was exceptional. We played at a high tempo throughout although Preston deserve credit because they tested us for the entire ninety minutes. Everything about the game was positive."

Stevie Myatt, the Preston boss, said: "I had great effort from all of our players and in spells we played some excellent football. Our philosophy is to pass and move and that is what we did."

Preston: Trialist, Duthie, Lee, McCaul, Scott, Leighfield, Doohan, Collins, Kerr, Lothian, Laidlaw. Subs: Barton, Houston, Miller, McColl, Thomson.

Hibs: Flynn, Burns, Verth, Forster, S Smith, Horner, Gold, Horribine, Crawford, Caldwell, Handling. Subs: Grant, Monaghan, Addison, Wright, Donaldson, E Smith.

• Whitehill Welfare beat Easthouses Lily 4-1 with goals from Scott Gormley (2), Ross Aitchison and Jordan Hall. Ryan Curran netted for Eastouses. "It was a battling performance against a well drilled side," said Whitehill manager Paul Cavanagh.

Craigroyston defeated Bonnyrigg U21s 3-1 thanks to goals from Ubong Umatong (2) and David Anderson while Tynecatle beat Hawick Royal Albert 4-2 with goals from Robbie Arthur, Paul Devlin, John Williams and Eddie Mearns. Gala Fairydean drew 1-1 with Edinburgh University, Tranent overcame Edinburgh City 4-2, while Ormiston were 3-0 winners against Musselburgh Amateurs.