After half an hour of relatively uneventful play, Gray’s men were in command thanks to two goals in three first-half minutes from Bowie, the former Fulham forward who opened his season account in impressive fashion. Only five minutes later, Finaly Roberts scored for the hosts after Jack Iredale made a mistake.

Despite their lower energy levels, the visitors appeared to be at ease. And they travel to Belgrade this week for Europa Conference League duty, with confidence restored ahead of their third qualifying round match against Partizan.

Hibs, cheered on by a large travelling support, struggled to break down their tenacious opponents in a rather disappointing opening period in terms of entertainment.

They were always in control, but it was difficult to break through the crowd of Dark Blue jerseys. However, Bowie has always appeared to be the most likely candidate.

And he was rewarded for his energetic play with an opener after 27 minutes, pouncing quickly on a cross from the left that ricocheted off a defender and spinning to finish smartly, low and hard into the far corner with that mighty left boot. Three minutes later, the big man scored his second, thanks to some brilliant build-up play from Iredale, who slipped a killer pass through for Jordan Obita to finish.

The wingback’s shot was saved by Dundee custodian Jon McCracken, but Bowie was in the right place at the right time to score the rebound.

Just as Hibs fans were beginning to dream of a big score, Dundee were given a lifeline, with Iredale’s loss of footing creating an opportunity that Robertson took well. To their credit, the visitors’ rhythm was not significantly disrupted by the loss of a goal.

And the introduction of Jamie McGrath and Josh Campbell early in the second half boosted Hibs, with the former’s corner kick deliveries creating two good chances for the latter. McCracken was up to the challenge on both occasions, stopping Campbell’s point-blank header and then making a leg save to divert the attacking midfielder’s left-footed strike.

Dundee never looked like scoring an equaliser. Despite losing some leg zip, Hibs rarely looked troubled. On to Belgrade. Your next Hibs read: Season preview: Gray’s men aim high.