February 28 2024 Under 18’s: Kilmarnock 2-4 Hibernian
A valiant effort from Kilmarnock’s Under 18’s couldn’t quite manage to secure points in our CAS Elite League clash against Hibernian.
The Ayrshire side had pulled back a two-goal deficit in the second-half, but the Capital side raced ahead again to secure a 4-2 victory.
Zander Craik had the ball in the net after just eight minutes after a cool finish into the far corner, but the linesman had his flag up quickly for offside to deny the Killie No 9.
Ethan Mersey went close two minutes later with a low shot from the edge of the box, but it was blocked well by the Hibs defence and went out for a corner.
Reuben Cooper had a golden chance in the 17th minute as he jumped highest to win a header just a few yards out, but he couldn’t quite keep it down.
Killie continued the pressure as Shaun Kennedy tried his luck from 25 yards, but his shot was well saved by Ryan Mallon.
It was the visitors who took the lead after 24 minutes though when Harry Wright found himself one-on-one, he calmly lifted it over the on-rushing Corey Armour who had no chance of keeping it out.
Cooper had another great chance just after the half-hour mark as he found himself free with the ball six yards out, but he could only hit it straight at Mallon.
Five minutes into the second half Hibs doubled their lead as Dean Clelland finished from close-range after a rebound from a great Armour save.
Killie pulled one back just after the hour mark as Grant Marchant made no mistake from the penalty spot after 63 minutes.
In the 70th minute Killie were level as Cooper’s hard-work paid off after he headed home superbly to equalise.
The Capital side were then back in front once again as Clelland took advantage to nip in behind the defence to restore his side’s lead.
Clelland then completed his hat-trick in the 83rd minute to seal the victory for Hibs.
