Boyle too hot to handle with a brace in Belgrade

MARTIN BOYLE brought up his century for Hibs as the club marked the week of their 150th anniversary with a memorable victory away to 10-man Partizan Belgrade.

- By Anthony Brown

The Serbs had Vukasin Durdevic sent off in the 34th minute for a second bookable offence and David Gray’s side took full advantage to put themselves in command of this Conference League third qualifying round tie at the halfway stage.

Captain Boyle scored his 100th goal for the Hibees in the 40th minute before notching his second of the evening from the penalty spot midway through the second half.

If Hibs can close out the tie in the return leg at Easter Road next Thursday, they will face a Conference League playoff against the loser of the Europa League qualifier between AEK Larnaca and Legia Warsaw, with the Cypriot side leading 4-1 after the first leg.