It was the first time that most supporters had seen the majority of players and they could not have failed to be impressed with the overall performance.
The match ended 1-1, but Ayr United won by 4-2 on penalties.
Many will point to it being a half strength Hibs side but given the mass changes that Ayr had gone through, it was a delighful display from the Honest Men which give cause for a
little bit more optimism for the season ahead than had been there previously.
Some of the football played by Ayr was a pleasure to watch and was many supporters felt that it was like night and day compared to what had been shown most of last season.
Hyslop , Massano , Varrielle and Cashmore amongst others all looked really useful, although Hyslop did look a little unfit early on.
At the back United looked pretty solid after that early period of Hibs pressure when Ayr were shaky and McKinstry at right back and Campbell and McLaughlin at central defence looked all at sea. And, as he has looked all his career, McGeown still looks a quality keeper. Essler also shown.
When Ayr began to play they actually began to look like a team and played some neat football, passes found their men and the players knew exactly where they were supposed to be playing and what was expected of them. Going forward, United created plenty of chances.