Hibs Told to Rely on Comeback History Against Malisheva

Hibernian have been here before. Two goals down from a flat first leg in Europe, questions swirling, a restless support demanding a response under the Easter Road lights.

Joelle Murray believes that history matters.

The Hibs women’s head coach, speaking on the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast, pointed straight at the club’s knack for rescuing European ties in Leith as they prepare for Thursday’s Conference League second qualifying round return against Malisheva.

The Kosovan side arrive with a 2-0 advantage from last week. It leaves Hibs walking a tightrope: one early blow and the night can turn sour; one early spark and the stadium can catch fire.

Murray knows the mood of the place as well as anyone.

“I know the Easter Road crowd can be unforgiving at times,” she said, stressing that Nick Montgomery’s side cannot afford a slow, cautious opening. The message is simple: play forward, play brave, and do it from the first whistle.

She wants “forward passes, penetrating passes” and a team that shows intent immediately, not after 20 nervous minutes. The logic is clear. Hibs score early, the 2-0 deficit feels smaller, the noise grows, and suddenly Malisheva are the ones under pressure.

“With an early goal, that should hopefully see them progress,” Murray said. “They’ve obviously got history of overturning a poor first leg in the second one. So hopefully we can replicate that this evening with a similar result and a really good performance.”

Team news has not been kind. Wing-back Nicky Cadden, summer recruit Callum Wright and midfielder Jamie McGrath all remain sidelined through injury, stripping Hibs of craft and running in key areas at a time when they must chase the game.

One shaft of light comes up front. Striker Ante Suto could return, and Murray made no attempt to hide how important that could be for a side that simply has to attack.

“Another attacking player is good because that’s what we need from the get-go, getting on the front foot, getting an early goal,” she added.

It leaves the tie finely balanced in a very Hibs sort of way: jeopardy, expectation, and the lingering sense that Easter Road on a European night can still bend a storyline back in their favour.