A sensational late turnaround at the Hibernian Training Centre has seen Logan Jimenez and his Hibs Academy teammates climb to the summit of the CAS Elite U19 League following a dramatic 2-1 victory over St Mirren.
The encounter served as a high-stakes dress rehearsal for next month’s League Cup Final, and it was the return of Logan Jimenez that provided a significant spark for the Edinburgh side. Jimenez, making his comeback to the Academy ranks, was introduced in the 65th minute for Dean Cleland and wasted no time in testing the St Mirren resolve.
Despite the injection of energy, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock. With just fifteen minutes remaining, Lewis Hodgkiss found the net from close range to put St Mirren in the ascendancy. However, the setback only seemed to galvanise the resilient Hibs outfit.
Jimenez was at the heart of the home side's immediate response. Just five minutes after the opening goal, Jamie McMurdo won possession with a clinical tackle inside the penalty area, allowing Jimenez to pounce. The substitute’s initial strike was parried by St Mirren goalkeeper Innes, only for Jimenez to see his headed rebound agonizingly strike the woodwork. Moments later, the Bermudian prospect forced another fine save from Innes with a powerful drive from a wide position.
The pressure finally told in the 89th minute when McMurdo showed exceptional composure to level the scores. With the game seemingly destined for a draw, a stroke of fortune fell the way of the hosts deep into stoppage time. Pouncing on a distribution error from Innes, Josh McDonald remained calm to lift the ball into the net, sparking jubilant celebrations.
The result not only puts Hibs at the top of the table but provides a massive psychological edge ahead of their cup final showdown with the Buddies next month.
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