The Blues last played Hibernian in August 2010, when then manager John Hughes brought a strong team down to face Greg Abbott’s League One side.
A solitary strike from Ian Harte was enough to earn a victory for the hosts in what was a very entertaining game to watch. A crowd of 3,034 came to the Saturday fixture, with Hibs very much keeping an eye on their Europa League double-header against Maribor.
They’d lost 3-0 in Slovenia just two days before the friendly meeting with United, and had it all to do for the return leg just four days later. For the record, they lost that one 3-2, at home, and dropped out of the competition.
The Hibees have a 3-2 away defeat from last Wednesday at Arbroath and a 3-1 away victory on Saturday at Dunfermline under their belts as they continue to prepare for their season opener against Stirling Albion this weekend, in the group stages of the Scottish League Cup.
They’ll come to Brunton Park looking to fine-tune things at an advanced stage of their pre-season.
Manager Steven Pressley said: “Each of our group will play a certain amount of minutes tonight and we’ll be looking to start to put some of the things we’ve been doing through the first 10 days of pre-season into action.
“As I’ve said before, I don’t read too much into pre-season friendlies, particularly at this early stage, but there are certain things that are key to me and that I want to see. I know everything must lead to the first game of the season where we’ll start being judged properly, but pre-season will allow us to grow and improve as a team.
“The players are aware of what is expected, and this is a chance for everybody to get out there, trialists included, and to get some important minutes on the pitch as part of what is an intensive training schedule.
“Hibs will provide a real challenge for us. They’re an exciting team and they will be looking to this game as a way to get ready for their first cup fixture on Saturday. I’m sure they’ll enjoy our big pitch and it’s a game we can look forward to.”
++++++
Away fans will be housed in the Pioneer Stand for this fixture, with the Pioneer Bar and Balderstone Bar open for refreshments.
Home supporters will be on the west wise of the stadium with the Paddock, B Stand, C Stand and D Stand open.
The catering huts will be open, as usual, with the Sunset Suite, Sporting Inn and McVities Bar open for refreshments. Please note – McConnell’s Bar will be closed for this fixture.
Home and away fans can purchase tickets on the night – please allow time to make your purchase.
Season ticket holders can collect their season tickets this evening from the collections window on the west side of the stadium [until kick off at 7.45pm].
+++++++
Prices:
| Seating & Terracing | |
| Adult | £10 |
| Senior (65+) | £5 |
| 16 and under | £5 |
| Under-7 | FoC |
| Wheelchair | £4 |
| Carer | FoC |
Under-7s must be accompanied by an adult.
+++++++
Methods of purchase: