Pat Fenlon lauded a stoic Hibs display as his new-look team claimed a place in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock.

Eoin Doyle's strike proved enough to secure a first win at Easter Road for Hibernian since September and send the Edinburgh side into the last eight of a competition they have not won in 109 years.

But it was the defensive resilience which proved most pleasing for manager Fenlon, as the often-maligned Hibernian back-line remained firm in the face of Kilmarnock's possession and probing.

Stand-in captain James McPake was imperious, and Paul Hanlon appeared to revel alongside the on-loan Coventry man.

Deadline-day arrivals Matt Doherty and Pa Kujabi were also excellent on their debuts, while the midfield and attack were defensively diligent.

It was a notable progression for the Hibernian side who had conceded 14 goals in five matches prior to this encounter and had not registered a clean sheet at home since September.

Fenlon said: "It's great to be through and I thought we showed great character and defended really well as a team.

"The players deserve the credit - they put in the shift and got the reward.

"I thought Kilmarnock had a lot of possession but most of the shots were from long range.

"From the front two right through to the goalkeeper we were determined. We got the early goal and it really gave us something to hold on to.

"James [McPake] was brilliant. I thought the whole back four were excellent, the two full-backs and Paul [Hanlon] were different class as well.

"It's my first clean sheet, and it's something we've spoken about. If you keep clean sheets then you've got a great chance of winning matches. It's something we can build on.

"We have to be solid as a team and attack when we can, and we showed that."

Kilmarnock came into the tie on the back of a League Cup semi-final against Ayr United, in which they required extra-time to break down the First Division outfit. There were similar failings visible from the visitors on Saturday.

Kilmarnock dominated possession for large periods of the match and played some aesthetically pleasing, composed football - but they lacked a cutting edge.

However Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels claimed his side "killed" the Easter Road men with their ball retention and did not deserve to lose.

He said: "I'm disappointed at the result, but not disappointed with the performance. I thought we did everything possible.

"After 15 minutes we were the dominant force. We killed them with our possession and movement. I was really pleased because we had good invention, patterns of play and attempts at goal.

"I think it's a cycle which can happen in football - sometimes the ball just won't go in for you."