Hibernian 2-1 Raith Rovers: Lee Johnson's side earn Viaplay Cup quarter-final place
- Published
Elie Youan rises to head Hibs into the lead
Substitute Dylan Vente delivered the decisive blow against a spirited Raith Rovers side to send Hibernian into a Viaplay Cup quarter-final meeting with St Mirren.
A much-changed Hibs side, balancing a demanding domestic and European schedule, made a bright start with Paul Hanlon's header cleared off the line and a strong penalty claim waved away.
However, their visitors from the Championship grew in confidence and arguably created the better opportunities in the first half, Lewis Vaughan being denied by a combination of David Marshall and the post.
It was Hibs who broke the deadlock after the break, though. Half-time replacement Joe Newell floated a dangerous corner in on top of goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski and Elie Youan nodded home from close range.
Rovers responded when Callum Smith drove at the defence, got the break of the ball and capitalised by firing low past Marshall in front of a sizable away support.
However, that joy was short lived. Youan broke and squared for Vente, who showed composure to squeeze the ball home within a minute.
Rovers had a strong claim for handball dismissed late on then had Liam Dick dismissed after unintentionally catching Vente on the face.
Hibernian survived a strong test to progress. They face a far sterner one on Wednesday in their mouth-watering Europa Conference League qualifier against Aston Villa.
Player of the match - Joe Newell
Elie Youan had a case with a goal and assist but Joe Newell's presence made a real difference despite only coming on at half-time. An early surge showed his intent and his influence considerably aided Hibernian's route to the quarter-finals
What they said
Hibernian assistant coach Adam Owen: "It's a difficult one for the lads mentally with the travel and getting through the cup is never easy, but we're in the next round, that's what it's about.
"The key was trying to get through the game with a result and trying to manage the lads in terms of minutes played and using the squad to its best. I think the manager did that with the way the changes happened."
Raith Rovers manager Ian Murray: "I wanted us to come and show what we can do and I felt we did that after the first seven or eight minutes where Hibs had all the ball.
"You saw the quality in their side when you have Joe Newell and Dylan Vente coming on but, over the piece, I felt we were good for a draw and disappointed we didn't get that."