Hibs Narrowly Defeated by Shamrock Rovers in Dublin
Hibernian’s summer began with a defeat in Dublin, but not with downbeat faces.
A single first-half strike from Luke O’Regan gave Shamrock Rovers a 1-0 win at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday night, the League of Ireland champions looking every inch a side already deep into their season. Hibs, by contrast, looked like what they are: a squad just seven days into pre-season, legs heavy from running rather than sharp from rhythm.
David Gray still wrung value out of the evening.
The interim-turned-head-coach used the game to blood a clutch of academy prospects, with Zach Bruce, Lewis Gillie, Josh McDonald, Joseph McGrath and Jacob MacIntyre all handed minutes in front of a lively home crowd. Against a settled, battle-hardened Rovers outfit, it was a demanding stage on which to learn.
The difference told before the break. Rovers, more cohesive and quicker into their patterns, carved out the game’s decisive moment through O’Regan, who finished the chance that separated the sides. Hibs chased, probed and competed in a physical contest, but couldn’t find a way back.
Gray, speaking to club media, did not dress up the result. There was no suggestion this was “just” a friendly.
He reminded his players there is no such thing.
The edge of the challenge pleased him, though. Hibs came through a bruising night with “no severe injuries”, only the usual pre-season knocks. For a manager trying to drag fitness levels up and standards higher, this was the kind of early July fixture that bites back and exposes rust.
Several senior figures were absent. International contingent Martin Boyle, Grant Hanley, Jamie McGrath and Jordan Obita played no part. Josh Campbell, Owen Elding and Callum Wright also missed out, trimming Hibs’ experienced options and pushing the kids closer to the spotlight.
The most significant name, however, never went near the pitch.
Rudi Molotnikov, long on the treatment table and long-awaited, finally has light at the end of the tunnel. Gray revealed “really positive news” on the midfielder’s recovery, with Molotnikov now training fully with the smaller group of returning internationals.
He came through that session, a crucial step after so much time out. By the end of the week, Gray expects him to be fully integrated into the main group, a timely addition as the squad’s workload ramps up.
Hibs will not rush him. The weekend fixture against Cliftonville will almost certainly come too soon, with Gray already cooling any expectation of a rapid return to match action. The priority is a complete, uninterrupted pre-season – something Molotnikov has not enjoyed for too long.
So Hibs left Tallaght beaten by a single goal, but with minutes banked, youngsters tested and a key talent edging back towards the fold. The scoreline will be forgotten quickly. How much they can squeeze from this kind of stern July workout will matter far more when the real stuff starts.
