Brondby 0 - 1 Hibernian FC: John McGinn the fall guy as Hibs exit Europa League

Posted Friday, July 22, 2016 by PA

John McGinn endured heartbreak from the penalty spot as Hibernian crashed out of the Europa League against Brondby.

The capital club turned in a fine display in the Danish capital and secured a 1-0 win on the night thanks to a goal from Scottish Cup hero David Gray.

Debutant keeper Ross Laidlaw also excelled in what was shaping up to be an unforgettable night for the 1,000 fans who made the journey to Copenhagen.

However, with the second qualifying round tie level at 1-1, McGinn was the villain when the contest went to the lottery of a shootout - with Brondby scoring all of their efforts to progress 5-3.

Hibs boss Neil Lennon, confined to the stands following his dismissal last week, axed rookie Otso Virtanen, whose costly error in the first leg saw Kamil Wilczek give the Superliga side the win.

Laidlaw, a summer signing from Raith Rovers, came into the side for his debut having not played a competitive game since a 5-4 defeat against Annan Athletic during a loan spell with Elgin in April 2015.

Brondby started like a side determined to put the tie to bed in the opening exchanges and Wilczek headed narrowly over the bar following a super delivery by Johan Larsson.

Larsson's cultured right foot then curled a free-kick inches over the bar after Marvin Bartley hauled down Teemu Pukki on the edge of the box.

Lebogang Phiri, who missed the first leg in Edinburgh when he failed to receive a visa, was next to threaten for Brondby with a drive from 25 yards which cleared the bar, before Laidlaw was finally tested by Christian Norgaard's dipping, swerving drive.

Having survived until the break, Hibs began the second period with renewed impetus and within three minutes of the restart, McGinn found Gray with a whipped cross. However, the Hibees skipper nodded over the bar.

Gray, the man for the big occasion, would not be denied just after the hour mark. A Dylan McGeouch corner was woefully defended by the hosts, allowing Darren McGregor to prod towards goal where Gray was waiting to poke the ball home.

Laidlaw excelled again in injury time, plunging to make a stunning fingertip save, pushing an effort by Larsson inches wide of the post.

A nervous period of extra time passed with only Brondby's Andrew Hjulsager coming close, ensuring a fraught encounter would be decided from the penalty spot.

Brondby dispatched every kick with composure and accuracy, whereas McGinn saw a tame effort save by Frederik Ronnow. Frederik Holst scored the decisive effort as Hibs bowed out.