Martin Boyle nets twice as Hibernian see off Clydebank with 3-0 win

Martin Boyle continued his scoring streak to help Hibernian reach the Scottish Cup fifth round with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Clydebank.

The Australia international – who has notched a double in each of the last three games – broke the deadlock inside two minutes.

However, West of Scotland Premier League leaders Clydebank dug in, with Hibs having to wait until the start of the second period to add to their lead.

That goal arrived through Rudi Molotnikov before Boyle added his second.

There was further cheer for the Hibs supporters when Kieron Bowie climbed off the bench to make his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury in September.

Any plan for the visitors to frustrate Hibs during the early stages was thrown out of the window after the hosts went ahead after just 90 seconds.

Bankies defender Adam Hodge misjudged the flight of the ball on the edge of the box and that allowed Junior Hoilett time to pick out Boyle, who made no mistake with an easy tap-in at the front post.

Clydebank, who were backed by 2,500 travelling fans, were like a rabbit in the headlights and Hibs should have doubled their lead just moments later.

Boyle picked out the unmarked Molotnikov with a low cross at the back post. The 18-year-old took a heavy touch as he looked to get a shot away but got a second bite of the cherry and swung a left-footed effort over the bar.

Hibs were threatening to run riot against their sixth-tier counterparts at this stage but Clydebank got over that shaky start and grew into the tie.

Gordon Moffat’s side tried to get their foot on the ball and make passes but ultimately lacked penetration in the final third.

With the home fans growing restless by the lack of more goals, Clydebank registered their first attempt at goal two minutes before the break when former Aberdeen midfielder Nicky Low fired a left-footed drive well over.

Hibs manager David Gray was clearly not overly happy with what he saw in the opening 45 minutes and brought on Chris Cadden and Josh Campbell at the break.

And the home team doubled their lead within a minute of the restart through Molotnikov.

Boyle stood up a cross to the back post and the winger fired in a shot.

That effort settled Hibs and a third arrived through Boyle on the hour mark. Molotnikov’s cross into the six-yard box broke to the forward and he slammed a half-volley into the net.

With Hibs in control, Gray also gave 16-year-old left-back Lewis Gillie his senior debut from the bench.