Mackie return, Magennis energy, grinding out results - 3 talking points from Hibs' victory over Forfar

Hibs left it late to record a victory at Station Park against a resolute Forfar side who frustrated the Capital club time and time again.

Kevin Nisbet went close twice for Hibs

Here are three talking points from the Betfred Cup clash…

Return of the Mackie

The left-back was making his first competitive appearance since January 4 after a lengthy injury lay-off and performed well.

The 21-year-old has always been keen to get forward and with Jamie Gullan ahead of him, the two former development squad players linked up well down the left flank.

Had one or two hairy moments as might be expected but can be pleased with his display.

Magennis energy

Kyle Magennis was handed his first start in a Hibs shirt and he put in an energetic performance on the right of midfield for an hour.

For a player who is clearly working his way back to full match fitness, his touch and vision even at this early stage of his Hibs career will be pleasing for the coaching staff.

Last season Hibs occasionally looked ponderous and cumbersome in midfield - with Magennis in the team, there's an urgency and desire to get forward that was perhaps lacking at times in the past.

Grinding them out

Much was made of the players missing for Hibs for this game - 11 first-teamers were unavailable through a mix of injury, international duty, and self-isolation - but those selected got the job done, eventually.

A little over a year ago, Hibs needed penalties to snatch a bonus point against Stirling Albion. This year, they’ve eked out results against Brora Rangers, Cove Rangers, and now Forfar.

The performances in the Betfred Cup may not have been particularly easy on the eye but Hibs just keep on grinding out results in tough matches - testament to the coaching staff's efforts to turn Hibs into a hard-to-beat team.