Hibee History: Mogga's men open up floodgates against Latvians

Ivan Sproule, left, smashes home the third goal before setting up the fourth for David Murphy

Hibs made light of defensive opponents and torrential summer rain to open up a first-leg lead in the Intertoto Cup.

The home team took 37 minutes to break down the Latvian side when Chris Killen bundled the ball home from close range.

Scott Brown smartly rounded the visitors’ goalkeeper to add a second goal early in the second half and Ivan Sproule slammed home a third goal before crossing for David Murphy to hammer in a strike and Steven Fletcher curled in an impressive late free-kick.

Despite going nap, Hibs manager Tony Mowbray said: “You can probably excuse players for the misses as it was the opening game of the season and the conditions didn’t particularly help. I am slightly disappointed we didn’t take more of the opportunities we created.”

A thunder storm made conditions difficult, with heavy rain falling and the floodlights on to the pierce the unseasonal gloom in Edinburgh.

Hibs are just ten days into their pre-season regime, while Dinaburg have played 11 league games, although they lie sixth in the eight-team Latvian top division.

Dinaburg packed their defence and Hibs were quick to pile forward, with full-backs Steven Whittaker and Murphy prominent in attack.