Best reaction to Hibs progressing in the UEFA Conference League

In the end, it was a brilliant night for Hibernian

It was hardly a 90 minutes that will live long in the memory, but that will matter little to Gray and his players.

Author | Max Lee

They have responded admirably to last month's away defeat by Malisheva and an opening league loss to Motherwell, snatching three points late against Rangers before following it up here.

Hibs were sloppy in possession at times and wasteful when chances came their way, but they negotiated a difficult pitch and energy-sapping heat to get the job done.

They worked tirelessly and maintained their shape against a side who reached the knockout stages of this competition last season.

They now stand on the brink of achieving something no Hibs side has managed before, progressing through European qualifying.

Gray's side reached the Conference League play-offs last season, only to suffer a heartbreaking aggregate defeat by Legia Warsaw after extra time.

READ MORE | Match report from Super Local Sports News Edinburgh

They will need to improve on this display if they are to go one better this time, but for now Gray can reflect on another job well done.

Hibernian head coach David Gray told the media

"I'm delighted for the players. A brilliant time to get our first clean sheet of the season. Don't underestimate how big an achievement that is against a really good side."

"It wasn't a brilliant game, but bodies on the line and our players stepped up. A really positive win, especially off the back of Sunday. Over the course of the two legs, I don't think anyone could say we don't deserve to go through."