Hibernian recorded a dramatic 4-3 victory over Scottish First Division side Falkirk at the weekend to book their place in the Scottish Cup Final for a second successive year.
Hibs found themselves 3-0 down after 30 minutes as a young Falkirk side – in their first outing under new manager Gary Holt – took advantage of early Hibernian nerves.
The Hibees last visit to Scotland’s national stadium ended in defeat and humiliation as they succumbed to a 5-1 hammering at the hands fierce Edinburgh rivals Hearts in the Scottish Cup Final last season.
It appeared that last year’s stunning defeat may still have been in the minds of the Hibernian players on Saturday as they fell to a shock 3 goal disadvantage to Falkirk within the first half hour. However, a fiery half-time tirade from manager Pat Fenlon sent the Hibs players onto the Hampden turf with a renewed determination in the second period.
Hibs forced the game into extra time in which they eventually outclassed their lower league opponents with forward Leigh Griffiths’ fabulous strike securing a final date in May.
Hibernian, largely regarded as one of Scotland’s biggest clubs, have not won the country’s premier cup competition since 1902, a tag that has haunted and taunted the Hibees ever more so in recent years after they endured an entire century without lifting the Scottish Cup trophy.
Hibs once more have the opportunity to banish their hoodoo on the 26th May but will go into the final as underdogs as they face Scottish Premier League champions elect Celtic who are strong favourites to secure the double in Scotland this season.