Leamington Hibs come up short

Whitnash started brightly and had the majority of possession but it took them half an hour to break the deadlock, Mike Ellis firing into the top corner.

Hibs responded with their best period of the game and equalised five minutes later when a right-wing cross was deflected to Harvey White, who finished smartly on the half-volley.

The goal sparked Whitnash back into life and Luke Cole burst clear to coolly slot home from 12 yards and 
restore the visitors’ advantage.

It was 3-1 at the break with Henry Leaver converting a penalty after a handball.

Hibs, who went into the game with only 12 fit players, were reduced to ten men five minutes into the second half after their substitute was forced off with injury.

The result was settled five minutes later when Leaver made it 4-1 after a lay-off from Ross Briscoe.

With victory assured, Whitnash eased off and Hibs were handed a lifeline thanks to a contentious penalty award.

However, Dave Dallenty made a fine double save from Andy Yeates’ spot-kick and follow-up effort.

The save reinvigorated Whitnash and Ryan Harris produced an unstoppable shot to make it five before Neil Stacey added gloss to the scoreline with a fine header from a corner.

Hibs player-coach Rich Kay admitted the afternoon was one to forget, but said a shortage of players and a lack of goalkeeper made an already difficult task almost impossible.

“One of the lads did a job for us in goal but from start to finish we were battered in the air and physically,” said Kay.

“The lads that did play just did not compete for the most part with only four players coming out the game with any credit.

“Having said that you can’t expect to compete against a good side with so many key players missing, notably our goalkeeper.

“The only positive is that we played much better with ten men and stuck together.

“But next week, with key players back, we need a reaction.”

Whitnash’s reward for their victory is another away tie, this time at Racing Club Warwick.