Hibs Prepare for Malisheva Test with Comeback Mentality

Joelle Murray has seen enough European nights at Easter Road to know one thing: this tie is not done yet.

Hibernian trail Malisheva 2-0 heading into Thursday’s Conference League second qualifying round second leg in Leith, but the women’s team head coach believes the club’s knack for turning around first-leg setbacks could shape the evening.

Hibs have made a habit of dragging themselves off the canvas in Europe. Murray wants that mentality from the first whistle.

“The Easter Road crowd can be unforgiving at times,” she told the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast, a line delivered with the knowing tone of someone who has lived it. The message behind it is simple: give them something to get behind, and they’ll drag you the rest of the way.

That means tempo. Risk. Vertical passes instead of safe ones.

“I think forward passes, penetrating passes and just really playing with that intent from the very first whistle is important,” Murray said. No feeling-out process. No easing into the occasion. Hibs, in her eyes, have to rattle Malisheva early and turn a nervous night into a hostile one for the visitors.

The equation is clear. Score first, and Easter Road ignites.

“With an early goal, that should hopefully see them progress,” Murray added. “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.”

The optimism is tempered by a familiar frustration. Hibs go into the game still without key figures. Wing-back Nicky Cadden, summer signing Callum Wright and midfielder Jamie McGrath all remain sidelined through injury, robbing the side of balance, creativity and experience at a time when they could use all three.

Murray didn’t hide her disappointment at that continued absentee list. Those are the types of players who help manage the rhythm of a European tie, who know when to slow it down and when to surge.

There is, though, a sliver of attacking relief.

Striker Ante Suto could return, a potential boost that fits perfectly with the game plan Murray is demanding.

“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 said.

The pattern of the night feels pre-written. Hibs must chase. Malisheva will try to suffocate space, kill time and lean on their two-goal cushion. Between those competing instincts sits a restless Edinburgh crowd, ready to roar or rumble depending on what they see.

Hibs have been here before. Murray is banking on the club remembering exactly how to respond.