Hibernian book Scottish Cup semi-final spot with win at 10-man Motherwell

Shaun Maloney file photo
(Image credit: Jane Barlow)

Motherwell defender Bevis Mugabi was sent off inside the first minute as Hibernian won 2-1 at Fir Park to reach the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Elias Melkersen marked his first Hibs start with two first-half goals – both set up by Sylvester Jasper – as the Leith side joined Edinburgh rivals Hearts in the last four.

Motherwell made a game of it after Joe Efford scrambled home late in the first half but they never carved out a real chance to force extra-time.

Mugabi was one of four natural centre-backs in a revamped Motherwell team featuring two midfielders and three forwards.

The Uganda international lined up at wing-back and launched himself into a challenge on Josh Doig with 50 seconds gone. His studs brushed the ball before landing on the defender’s lower leg.

Hibs players surrounded Willie Collum, who brandished the red card.

Collum was beseeched by the visitors to show another red card five minutes later when Jordan Roberts lunged in late on Drey Wright but the referee produced a yellow.

Wright was moved to left wing-back after shaking off the effects of the challenge as Doig limped off and Chris Mueller came on.

Wright soon came close with a volley which goalkeeper Liam Kelly did well to push away.

Motherwell had a chance to take the lead following a corner but Matt Macey clawed away Juhani Ojala’s effort and Roberts missed the ball from the second phase.

Hibs, who had Macey and Joe Newell back in the team but were missing Jake Doyle-Hayes, opened the scoring in the 15th minute. Jasper rode Nathan McGinley’s weak challenge and whipped in a cross which Melkerson headed home at the near post.

Jasper and Ewan Henderson continued to cause Motherwell problems with balls into the box and the visitors went two up in the 37th minute after the on-loan Fulham winger played a long diagonal over the top. Melkerson got away from Ojala and finished into the far corner.

The hosts got a lifeline in the 43rd minute when Roberts let fly with an ambitious effort and Efford chested the ball in off the post.

There was still time for plenty more first-half action. Wright and Chris Cadden threatened after Hibs corners and Melkerson looked like he might get his hat-trick but could not connect with Mueller’s cross, before Efford had a shot blocked on a promising break.

The start of the second half was a more cagey affair with Motherwell realising they had to stay in the game and look to make the most of any chance that came their way.

Jasper was booked for a penalty-box dive and Kelly saved from Mueller before Liam Donnelly drilled just wide from 25 yards at the other end.

Macey got away unpunished for elbowing Ricki Lamie in the stomach after the Hibs goalkeeper had been fouled at a set-piece as Motherwell began to press the visitors back, and Donnelly headed not far off target from 18 yards.

Hibs got a bit more control of the game and Christian Doidge had a header saved but Motherwell worked a half-chance after turning the ball over in the Hibs half. Substitute Kaiyne Woolery fired beyond the top corner with Kevin van Veen appealing for a ball across the face of goal.

Well could not make the most of some late set-pieces as Shaun Maloney’s men held on.

Read more
Newcastle United have seen some superb Premier League goalscorers across the years...
Newcastle United suffer huge blow as extent of star player's injury revealed
Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off for a horrific challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta
New details emerge as FA seek further retribution after Liam Roberts' horror challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim continues to face struggles at Old Trafford
Manchester United dealt blow ahead of Real Sociedad clash that spells more trouble for Ruben Amorim
Ridvan Yilmaz of Rangers and Celtic's Daizen Maeda battle for the ball in an Old Firm match
It's the biggest Old Firm game of the season with Celtic and Rangers squaring off at Parkhead – Right now, there are big discounts on both clubs' current jerseys and vintage classics
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Ange Postecoglou, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, reacts during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 30, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Ange Postecoglou explains why Lucas Bergvall CORRECTLY avoided a red card to score vital Carabao Cup goal
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Liam Palmer of Sheffield Wednesday celebrates after scoring the team's fourth goal during the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Semi-Final Second Leg match between Sheffield Wednesday and Peterborough United at Hillsborough on May 18, 2023 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
'All week leading up to the second leg, I had the lads practise penalties in case of a shootout. They thought I was mad. When we won 5-1 and it went to penalties, I just smiled' How Sheffield Wednesday overturned 4-0 play-off defeat under Darren Moore
Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed