Martin Boyle brought up his century for Hibernian as the Edinburgh club marked the week of their 150th anniversary with a memorable 2-0 victory away to 10-man Partizan Belgrade.
The Serbs had Vukasin Durdevic sent off in the 34th minute for a second bookable offence and David Gray’s side took full advantage to put themselves in command of this Conference League third qualifying round tie at the halfway stage.
Captain Boyle scored his 100th goal for the Hibees in the 40th minute before notching his second of the evening from the penalty spot midway through the second half.
If Hibs can close out the tie in the return leg at Easter Road next Thursday, they will face a Conference League play-off against the loser of the Europa League qualifier between AEK Larnaca and Legia Warsaw, with the Cypriot side leading 4-1 after the first leg.
Gray made one change to the side that started Sunday’s Premiership win at Dundee as Jamie McGrath replaced Junior Hoilett. New signing Grant Hanley was named on the bench but there was no place in the squad for Marvin Ekpiteta, with Gray revealing ahead of kick-off that the defender is exploring his options as he prepares to exit the Hibees.
The visitors signalled their intent in the fourth minute when Boyle’s lob from more than 40 yards out drifted agonisingly wide after goalkeeper Marko Milosevic raced out of his box to make a headed clearance.
The hosts spurned a couple of good chances from close range when Demba Seck blazed over and then Nikola Simic headed wide.
Amid a lively start, McGrath saw a free-kick from 30 yards out brilliantly pushed behind by Milosevic and at the other end Nemanja Trifunović had a powerful strike turned wide by Jordan Smith.
The hosts went agonisingly close in the 33rd minute when Milan Vukotic was denied by a heroic goal-line block from Rocky Bushiri.
It proved a pivotal moment as Partizan had Durdevic sent packing seconds later after being shown a second yellow card for hauling down Kieron Bowie as he tried to burst clear.
The Hibees did not take long to make their numerical advantage count as Boyle pounced at the back post to smashed home an emphatic finish from six yards out after Warren O’Hora had flicked on Jordan Obita’s corner.
Bowie, McGrath and Chris Cadden all spurned further to chances to add to the visitors’ lead in the closing minutes of the first half, and Bowie saw an effort brilliantly pushed over by Milosevic early in the second period.
Partizan started to regain a foothold and Mario Jurcevic saw a powerful low shot from 20 yards out saved by Smith before Jovan Milosevic headed straight at the Hibs keeper shortly afterwards.
But just as the hosts looked to be finding a way back in, Hibs were awarded a penalty in the 67th minute following a VAR check after Bowie was deemed to have been fouled while trying to get on the end of a cross.
Boyle duly fired home his 101st goal for the club, to leave the travelling support savouring one of their most notable away wins in Europe for decades.
