Hibs loanee hailed for Scottish Cup performance despite exit

Hibs loanee Paddy Martin was voted Stenhousemuir’s man of the match despite their 4-0 defeat by Kilmarnock at Ochilview in the third round of the Scottish Cup.

Paddy Martin foils Kilmarnock striker Kyle Lafferty during the Scottish Cup third-round match between Stenhousemuir and Kilmarnock at Ochilview

The young goalkeeper conceded four goals – a Kyle Lafferty hat-trick and a late fourth from substitute George Oakley – but pulled off a number of smart stops to keep the scoreline down and earned praise from both sets of fans in the aftermath.

Martin saved from Mitch Pinnock in the first half before denying Gary Dicker and Alan Power in quick succession.

The 21-year-old then thwarted Aaron Tshibola twice late on, including a stunning one-handed stop from a 25-yard free-kick that looked destined for the top left corner.

HIs performance had some Kilmarnock fans calling for the Rugby Park side to take a look at him, with one fan writing: “I know we are up 3-0 up so what I'm about to say almost sounds like an oxymoron, but despite the result I think the Stenny goalkeeper is really decent, pulled off some cracking saves.

"Perhaps we should give consideration to this young chap?”

Another Killie supporter agreed, saying: “Paddy Martin is definitely one to watch for the future” while another echoed the praise, adding: “Absolutely – some cracking saves.”

Martin has been in good form for Hibs’ partner club in League Two, conceding just four league goals since the division returned to action last month with the Warriors winning two and losing two.

Stenny are currently sixth in the fourth tier, seven points behind Stranraer in fifth with a game in hand over the Stair Park side.

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