Logan Jimenez was among the goal-scorers as Hibernian Development Squad wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a commanding 5-2 victory over East of Scotland First Division side Whitehill Welfare at Ferguson Park.
Despite conceding an early own goal within four minutes from a Hibs corner, Darren McGregor's young side quickly took control. Luke Davidson levelled the scores, battling through heavy challenge to bundle the ball in.
The visitors then extended their lead through a lovely team move on 21 minutes. Joseph McGrath carried the ball through the middle before finding Davidson, who then played in Callum Macdonald. Macdonald, with impressive close control, took on two defenders before firing low into the bottom corner from 18 yards out.
Hibs added a third on the stroke of half-time when Davidson latched onto a neat through ball, expertly lashing it into the roof of the net.
Whitehill Welfare clawed one back ten minutes after the restart, with Jake Robb picking out Jonathan Grotlin for a fine glancing header. However, Hibs quickly restored their three-goal advantage on the hour mark. Rory Whittaker dazzled with some neat footwork before finding Macdonald, who volleyed in his second goal of the match.
The hosts then gifted Hibs their fifth. Pressure from the Hibees frontline forced a turnover deep in Whitehill Welfare's half, allowing Davidson to play through Logan Jimenez, who confidently thrashed the ball past the goalkeeper.
Whitehill Welfare did grab a late consolation in the 74th minute as Grotlin raced through and lobbed the onrushing Ryan Mallon from 30 yards.
Jimenez's goal and the overall team performance provide a positive close to pre-season for the Hibernian Development Squad as they look ahead to the upcoming campaign.
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