Hibs fans celebrated in Belgium as their side earned a goalless draw at KAA Gent in the Conference League playoff first leg. Chairman Ian Gordon put £40,000 behind the bar, and the result puts the Edinburgh club in command of the tie for the £5m league-phase bounty.

Manager David Gray hailed a "brilliant away performance" but warned "we've achieved nothing yet." Hibs backed up their mature display in North Macedonia with a defensively astute showing, securing a third consecutive clean sheet. Goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger was barely tested as the back line of Warren O'Hora, Jason Kerr and Jordan Obita stood firm.

The visitors had a golden chance when O'Hora won a penalty, but 20-year-old Owen Elding saw his spot-kick saved by Gent captain Davy Roef. Elding responded impressively, telling teammates at half-time: "sorry about the penalty boys, but we're on top so let's keep going." Gray praised the midfield duo of Josh Mulligan and Miguel Chaiwa for restricting Gent's threats.

The tie remains alive for next week's second leg at Easter Road, where Hibs will be favourites to reach the league phase for the first time in their history.