Klidje scores first Hibs goal as Mulligan wonder strike seals quarter-final spot

Klidje and Mulligan Fire Hibs Past Livingston into Cup Quarters

Thibault Klidje scored his first goal for Hibernian as they booked a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final tie at Rangers with a 2-0 victory over Livingston.

Klidje Opens His Account

The 23-year-old Togo striker, a club-record signing, marked his first start by glancing home Martin Boyle’s corner just before half-time.

It was a deserved opener after an energetic start from the visitors, who made six changes following their gruelling Conference League qualifier win over Partizan Belgrade.

Klidje had already tested Jerome Prior inside the opening minute, while his pace and link-up play with Boyle stretched the home defence.

Livingston Push but Hibs Seal It

United looked livelier after the restart as Robbie Muirhead and Sammy Lawal both threatened, while Zak Rudden saw a header drift over.

However, Hibs stood firm, with defender Grant Hanley producing a key block before substitute Josh Mulligan lashed in a stunning 25-yard strike three minutes from time to seal the win.

Reaction

• David Gray, Hibs boss: “A real professional performance. Klidje was excellent, delighted for him. He’s a work in progress but this will give him confidence.”

• David Martindale, Livingston manager: “Up until the second goal I thought we might get the next one, but credit to Hibs, they deserve to be in the next round.”

What’s Next

• Hibernian face a tough trip to Ibrox to play Rangers in the quarter-finals.

• Livingston will regroup and focus on their league campaign.