Hibernian 6-1 NSÍ Runavík

Hibernian brushed aside NSI Runavik to take a handsome first-leg lead to the Faroe Islands in the Europa League first qualifying round.

Swiss striker Florian Kamberi hit a hat-trick, his third coming after Oli Shaw and Stevie Mallan had scored.

Runavik played the last hour with 10 men after Einar Trondargjogv was sent off for a rash challenge.

Petur Knudsen took advantage of a deflection to pull one back, but Mallan's free-kick made it six.

Hibs could have won by more in a dominant start to the season, and their passage to the next round already looks assured.

• Lennon targets more signings

• Hibs expect third Celtic bid for McGinn

There was huge anticipation from the home support given the success of last season and the Hibernian players began the match very much on the front foot.

Martin Boyle used his electric pace to take him clear of the trailing Runavík defenders and his cross appeared to come off the arm of Trondargjogv, but the Lithuanian referee waived away the claims.

However, he was in no doubt seconds later when Kamberi was bundled to the ground by the same player and the Swiss-born striker fired home from the spot.

It was two when Boyle's cross was met by Kamberi who flicked the ball home from close range.

Runavik's Einar Trondargjogv (second left) was sent off with just under an hour still to play

The Faroese side already looked out of their depth and number goal number three came when Shaw, who only turned 20 in March, collected the ball just outside the 18-yard box and thundered a left foot shot beyond the outstretched arms of Tordur Thomsen.

And there was more woe for the small band of visiting fans when Trondargjogv was shown a straight red card after a vicious challenge on Boyle on the half-way line.

Mallan looked as if he had been part of the Hibernian midfield for years, and he got in on the scoring thanks to a huge mistake by the visiting goalkeeper.

A speculative effort from distance slithered through the hands of Thomsen.

Kamberi despatched the ball low into the bottom corner to complete his hat-trick, the 23 year year old showing his form from last season was no flash in the pan. Manager Neil Lennon decided to take no risks with the striker and quickly replaced him with Simon Murray.

There was consolation for the visitors shortly after when Knudsen fired in a free-kick that was deflected beyond goalkeeper Adam Bogdan.

Hibernian strived for more goals and Shaw should have added to the tally when sent clean through by Vykintas Slivka, only to pull his shot wide.

Celtic target John McGinn (left) watched the game from the stand, manager Neil Lennon saying he was "not 100% fit"

Boyle was having a fine game and he sent another teasing cross into the box that was met by the head of Lewis Stevenson only for the ball to come crashing back off the outside of the upright.

And Mallan also tested the woodwork with a terrific effort from 35 yards which hammered of the top of the crossbar.

But he didn't have to wait long for his second of the evening.

From a free-kick 25 yards from goal he clipped the ball over the defensive wall, and despite Thomsen getting his fingertips to it the ball hit the inside of the post and into the net.