Alloa Athletic 1-2 Hibernian: Jack Ross' side hit back to reach League Cup semis
- Published
Christian Doidge forced in a leveller to avert a shock, then came up with a winner for Hibs
Hibernian staved off an upset against second-tier strugglers Alloa Athletic to squeeze through to the Scottish League Cup semi-finals.
Paul Hanlon's own goal had the hosts dreaming of an Edinburgh double after stunning Hearts in the previous round.
But Christian Doidge bundled home just after the hour, then his late header diverted in off Nicky Jamieson.
Having reached the semi-final for the third time in four seasons, Hibs join St Johnstone in Wednesday's draw.
The absence of injured top scorer Kevin Nisbet was acutely felt as top-flight Hibs failed to seriously trouble the part-time side in the first half.
Martin Boyle curled narrowly over and home goalkeeper Neil Parry's only save was to deal with a rasping Jamie Gullan effort.
Hanlon, having twice missed the target from close range, was unwittingly accurate at the other end as Alloa grabbed a shock lead.
Stefan Scougall - a little livewire down the right - skinned Lewis Stevenson to deliver a cross that fell to Kevin Cawley. The midfielder's shot was blocked by Ofir Marciano's leg, but the ball rattled off Hanlon's shin and flew into his own net.
It was the first goal conceded by Hibs in four games, but they hit back to equalise just after the hour. Substitute Stevie Mallan's corner was whipped in with menace and Hanlon had a header blocked before Doidge followed up to force the ball home.
Mallan's passing range had given Hibs a new dimension and he played in fellow substitute Kyle Magennis for an effort cleared off the line by Jamieson.
Hibs' slow start had given way to a commanding finish and Alloa survived two close-range Doidge misses before the Welshman met another delicious Mallan delivery with a header that crashed beyond Parry off Jamieson's face.
Having repaired the damage, Jack Ross' side almost conceded a farcical equaliser when Marciano was too casual with a clearance that smashed into in-rushing Alloa substitute Cameron O'Donnell and flew inches over.
Alloa manager Peter Grant: "It was a missed opportunity and that is not being disrespectful to Hibs.
"The only disappointment was our final ball at times. It says a lot that we are disappointed and not just content with the performance."
Hibs head coach Jack Ross: "We started well but then lost our way and when you go behind it makes it a challenge - we've seen that with other teams going out the competition at this ground.
"It's about progression and we've done that. That's four consecutive semi-finals for the club, now it's about going that next step to the final and winning the competition."