Hibernian 3-0 Motherwell
- Published
Highlights: Hibernian 3-0 Motherwell
Hibernian continued their exhilarating start to the season with a convincing win over a disjointed Motherwell.
Stevie Mallan lit up what had been a dull game with a pin-point free-kick to put Neil Lennon's side ahead midway through the first half.
Oli Shaw added the second on the stroke of half-time from close range after a fine John McGinn pass.
Shaw then set up Martin Boyle to power in Hibs' 22nd goal in their past five home games and secure the three points.
There were no signs of fatigue from a Hibs side who had drawn with Asteras Tripolis in Greece on Thursday to progress to the third qualifying round of the Europa League.
Contrasting transfer fortunes
While the £1m sale of Cedric Kipre to Wigan Athletic on Friday has helped Motherwell's bank balance, it is has left a gaping hole in their back line.
And with another centre-back, Charles Dunne, ruled out long-term through injury, manager Stephen Robinson was forced to switch to an unfamiliar back four that was easily exposed by the in-form hosts.
As Kipre was heading to the Championship, Hibs were securing the return of Jamie Maclaren on loan from German second-tier club Darmstadt 98.
And such is Hibs' strength in depth that head coach Lennon could afford to start the Australia World Cup striker on the bench alongside Florian Kamberi and yet still continue their scoring streak.
Hibs could find themselves in a similar position to their visitors should McGinn be sold before the closure of the transfer window.
The Scotland international will have again impressed any watching scouts after bossing the midfield in the style that has led to failed Celtic bids and interest from Brighton and Hove Albion.
However, in Mallan, they have found a new midfield hero as he took his goal tally to five for the season.
For Motherwell, the warning signs were there last weekend as they trailed League Two outfit Clyde until a late flourish ensured they advanced from their Scottish League Cup group.
Robinson made two changes and altered his side's formation at the break, but it failed to change the course of the game.
Motherwell's one bright spot came in the shape of substitute Danny Johnson, with the lively forward signed from Gateshead striking a post before finding the net only to be pulled up for a handball.
Former Motherwell defender Cedric Kipre watched from the Easter Road press box
'McGinn bid surely a certainty' - analysis
BBC Scotland's Brian McLauchlin at Easter Road
Mallan, Boyle, David Gray and Paul Hanlon all showed a quality that suggests Hibs will once again be a force to be reckoned with in the Premiership this season.
As for McGinn, his skill and tireless running will surely see a substantial bid being received from a club south of the border before the transfer window closes in England on Thursday. If not, his worth to the club on the pitch may prove enough for the Hibs board to turn down any improved offer from Celtic.
For Motherwell, Johnson showed flashes of what he can do when he came on and his manager may have cash to boost his squad after the sale of Kipre.
The partnership up front of Curtis Main and Conor Sammon did not quite click, but it will be defensive lapses that Robinson will want to eradicate before they face Hamilton Academical next Saturday.
'Performance outweighed my expectations' - reaction
Hibs manager Neil Lennon: "It's a fantastic performance and one that outweighed my expectations. To win 3-0 against a very good side and use the squad, I'm delighted.
"The players are giving me everything and I can't ask anything more of them. You want to put your trust in the younger lads and they took their chance today."
Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson: "People will see the scoreline but there was nothing in the game and a decision changed it. Second half, we showed character and bravery but we'll get on with it.
"I need to add another defender, but it's not quite as easy as waving a magic wand."