Nothing to choose between Hibs and Austrey
However, while defences had been on top the previous week as the teams played out a goalless draw, the return was a much more open affair with the teams sharing six goals.
Austrey were much changed from seven days previously, bolstered by a number of players from their under-21 side, and they took a deserved 15th-minute lead following a smart turn and shot.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe goalscorer then hit the crossbar before Hibs equalised courtesy of a bizarre headed own goal.
Hibs moved in front on the half-hour when Adam Edwards tapped in Ryan Macbeth’s pass and the provider almost turned goalscorer only to be denied by a superb save by the Austrey keeper.
The visitors drew level mid way through the second half, but Hibs regained the lead when superb build-up play from Matty Trinder freed Macbeth to slot past the advancing keeper.
Hibs maintained their slender advantage until five minutes from time when Rangers substitute Bradley Roberts scored at the second attempt after first being denied by a superb point-blank save from Olly Manuel.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHibs player-coach Rich Kay was disappointed to see two point slip away so late but paid credit to the visitors.
“Credit again to Austrey,” said Kay. “They came and had a real go and with the players they brought in from the under-21 side they looked like a side that should not be struggling.
“We have defended really well this season but that was as stretched as we have been defensively.”