Kieron Bowie Shines in Hibernian's Conference League Play-Off
"Superlatives wouldn’t do Kieron Bowie justice," raved Hibernian legend Lewis Stevenson. "He’s going to have an amazing career."
Bowie is certainly set to receive numerous accolades after his stunning goal helped Hibernian secure a spot in the Conference League qualifying play-off.
In the 59th minute at Easter Road on Thursday, with Hibs trailing 2-0 to Partizan Belgrade and level on aggregate, Bowie halted Partizan’s momentum with a remarkable first-time shot from at least 35 yards out that struck the post before finding the back of the net.
Head coach David Gray praised the goal, stating, "I thought I’d seen a few good goals already this season. The one against Kilmarnock at the weekend was incredible – I think Kieron’s is better. Add to that the emotion and the environment where he’s done it. It was a special goal at a special time."
Bowie, who faced injuries during his first season at Easter Road, scoring six goals in 22 appearances, has made a strong start this season with three goals in six starts.
Reflecting on his stunning strike, Bowie said, "I just hit it and thankfully it took the spiderwebs off the back of the net. Moments like this, that’s why I’ve come here."
Teammate Chris Cadden echoed his admiration, stating, "It’s the best goal I’ve seen. Ridiculous. What a finish."
Hibs Overcome 'Massive Test of Character'
Hibs entered Thursday's second leg as favorites after a strong performance in Belgrade, but their two-goal lead quickly evaporated. Goalkeeper Jordan Smith struggled, conceding a long-range effort from Milan Vukotic and allowing a weak shot from Jovan Milosevic to slip through him.
Smith left the field at half-time to the dismay of the home supporters, but Gray felt the break was beneficial for the team. "For large spells of the first half, the shape was really good, we had the better chances, and then there were obviously a couple of mistakes," Gray explained. "The character was certainly tested. Half-time came at a good time – I was able to calm them down, and then it’s all about character."
Hibs demonstrated their resilience through Bowie’s inspired goal and several key saves from Smith, who redeemed himself in the second half. "I’m delighted for Jordan for his second-half performance," Gray said. "He made big saves at big times."
However, the team's character was once again put to the test. With just 30 seconds left in added time, Hibs appeared to be through with a 3-2 aggregate lead, but Partizan’s Andrej Kostic scored in the 96th minute, forcing extra time.
Unlike their previous Europa League qualifying match against Midtjylland, Hibs managed to hold on this time. "The game became stretched, we lost control at times," Gray said. "You think you’re over the line, and then you have to go again for another 30 minutes. Now that it’s all done and dusted, there will be improvements to come from it, but that’s for another night."