Wee Hibs' Smith pops up to steal draw in time added on

A HEADED goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time from Euan Smith earned the Hibs Under-19 team a 1-1 draw against East Seniors First Division side Craigroyston at St Mark's Park.

Craigroyston appeared to be heading for victory until they conceded a free-kick 30 yards from goal. Dean Horribine picked out the unmarked figure of Smith, who glanced the ball into the bottom corner of the net from ten yards.

The game was billed as a friendly although it proved to be a very competitive affair which saw Hibs' Jack Verth immediately substituted after an over-zealous challenge on Craigroyston substitute Stephen Mullen midway through the second half.

Hibs were awarded a penalty after only four minutes play when Jon Durie was adjudged to have fouled Jamie Doris. The same player took the spot-kick but watched as his well-struck effort was well held by goalkeeper Stewart Addison.

In the second half, Martin Laidlaw tried his luck for Craigroyston with a long-range shot and a Mullen header was well held by Paul Grant before the home side took the lead in the 71st minute. Umotong took off on a penetrating run which saw him move wide of the Hibs goalkeeper before he steadied himself and placed the ball low into the far corner from an acute angle.

Craigroyston: Addison, Wallace, Durie, M Stewart, R Stewart, Manson, Herd, Antoni, Umotong, Laidlaw, J Stewart. Subs: Budge, Russell, Simpson, Mullen, Keenan.

Hibs Under-19: Grant, Doris, Lancaster, Monaghan, Forster, Verth, Horribine, Donaldson, Trialist, Stanton, Smith. Subs: Horne, Doyle, MacFarlane, Black, Crane, Trialist.