Goalkeeper Mark Oxley gives Hibs the perfect start in Scottish Championship

Hibernian goalkeeper Mark Oxley on Saturday went some way to justifying why many commentators have been arguing that the Scottish Championship will be more exciting and interesting than the top-flight Premiership this season.

On the opening day of the campaign in the country’s second tier, where long-term Premiership sides Hibs and Edinburgh neighbours Hearts are competing alongside the likes of Rangers and Falkirk, Hibs keeper Oxley had the home crowd on their feet at Easter Road.

Just on 19 minutes, the Englishman sent a long-range punt upfield against Livingston, which went over everybody's heads, including red-faced opposite number Darren Jamieson, and into the net. Scroll down to see video of the goal

Hibs had opened the scoring with their first goal in the Championship through Farid El Alagui a few minutes before Oxley doubled their advantage.

Later in the match, after Oxley passed out to a defender, Hibernian jokingly tweeted: “Hibernian FC Our joint top goalscorer @markoxley1 opts to pass rather than shoot on this occasion”.

Oxley’s day took a turn for the worse when Livingston’s Declan Gallacher sidefooted past him to make it 2-1 after the break, but Hibs held on for the win.

The keeper is on loan at Hibs from English Premier League side Hull City. He has previously played for Grimsby Town, Burton Albion and Oldham Athletic.

Check out the video of Oxley’s goal and his interview here: