HIbs set up Racing Club cup clash

The hosts opened the scoring on the half-hour mark when Andy Yeates headed home a corner, but needed a Cole Stephens goal 15 minutes from time to take the game into extra-time after Rugeley had scored two close-range goals.

Hibs were forced to play out the additional 30 minutes with ten men after having a player sent off for two yellow cards.

However, despite their man disadvantage, they landed the killer blow ten minutes into the first period of extra-time when Stephens rounded the last defender to coolly slot home.

The win looks set to add to Hibs’ fixture backlog, but head coach Rich Kay said the character within the team will stand them in good stead as they chase trophies on three different fronts.

He said: “It was a really entertaining cup tie, with both teams having a real go in what were very difficult conditions - the lads showed great character after going down to ten men.

“We are going great guns in three cup competitions with the added bonus of a local derby against Racing Club Warwick in the next round of the Les James.

“We are four to five games behind in the league but it is pleasing at this stage of the season we have so much to play for.”