Hibernian manager John Hughes conceded his side were well beaten in the 3-0 defeat by Maribor in their Europa League third round qualifier.

A double by Josip Ilicic and a Marcos Tavares strike mean Hibs have it all to do in the second leg at Easter Road.

"Maribor played the ball quicker than us. They're a good team, very sharp and quick," said Hughes.

"We played a competitive game but they outpaced us. We have to pass with purpose, not just for the sake of it."

Hughes, who opted to play Colin Nish as the lone frontman and start without Derek Riordan and Anthony Stokes, was disappointed with the goals Hibs conceded.

"The second and third goals came about through bad ball retention," he said.

"But they are a very good side, very sharp. They know what they are doing. After the third goal they were dangerous on the counter-attack.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to Hibernian's display against Maribor

"It will be very difficult in the second leg, but you never know what can happen."

Stokes said Hibs were punished for their "sloppy" passing and defensive mistakes against the Slovenians.

"We'll have to sharpen up. We didn't play anywhere near our best tonight and it wasn't good enough," he said.

The striker retained hope that Hibs could overturn the first leg deficit when the sides meet at Easter Road next Thursday.

"To a certain extent we'll have to go out all guns blazing," he added. "We have to pick ourselves up and give it a good go."

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