Hibs moved into second place in the SPL thanks to a hard fought win over Aberdeen and the weather causing Rangers game to be abandoned at half time.
Aberdeen came to Easter Road with a game plan more of stopping Hibs playing good football rather than trying to entertain themselves. Their physical approach certainly gave them the edge in the first 45 minutes but at a cost of some yellow cards that later proved to be their downfall.
Early in the second half Ross lunged in on Ian Murry to pick up a second yellow card and Aberdeen were down to ten men. Five minutes later Maguire was late with his tackle on McBride, this time the referee gave a straight red. A booking would have been enough but as Maguire was already booked the end result would remain the same.
Down to 9 men everyone expected Aberdeen to fold but to their credit they held out and even tested the Hibs goalie a couple of times.
Hibs eventually scored on 88 minutes, tough on Aberdeen but a big relief for the Hibees. A good cross was met by Nish's head and the keeper was left helpless. Miller added a second in added time, a deflection leaving the keeper blameless again.
A great three point for Hibs but we must start playing more imaginative football if we are to stay at the top end of the league.
Hearts at tynecastle on Saturday, 3 points for Hibs would mean at the end of the first quarter we would be right on the heels of the leaders. Also would be well clear of our local rivals which is always good for work banter!
The Round Ball in Ankara! Dedicated to football lovers in Ankara (Except for those who follow Osmanlispor)
I'm not making any predictions about the result for Saturday because I'm infamous in Ankara for putting the kiss of death on my expostulations !!
ReplyDeleteHowever, I will say this .... from what I've learned about the Hibs coach, I believe he will send out an attacking formation with his three strikers up front, ie, Riordan, Stokes and either Nish or Benji. Goals are also liable to come from an attack minded midfield, eg, Zemma and Miller.
Looking forward to this one and for Hibs to make a SERIOUS challenge to the Glasgow teams who think they have a God given right to win everything !
Well said James.I'm adopting an ABCOR position in relation to the Scottish title this season - ANYone But Celtic Or Rangers.And sure why not Hibernian.Its a tough ask though and wont be helped by Celtic and Rangers imminent elimination from Europe thus allowing them to concentrate on domestic affairs.I wouldnt be surprised to see Hibs keep pace for a while yet,its just a case of how long they can sustain it for.Resources may again work in the Old Firm's favour after Christmas.
ReplyDeleteKeep all this quiet by the way,coz 3 of my mates board a plane tomorrow to fly to Hamburg to support the Hoops in Thursday's Europa game (defeat!) v HSV!
Dublin Neil.
By the way Hibs fans,there was an incident at last weekend's game when an Aberdeen fan who had dressed as a sheep (in an admirable display of self deprication)somehow had his "fleece" set alight.Dont know if he suffered any but sympathy wasnt too forthcoming on the Hibs fans forums as the general consensus was, and I quote, "hope he wasnae burnt too baaaaaadly!"
ReplyDeleteDublin Neil.
Nice one Neil, Ho ho ho ha ha ha to the Hibs Fan Forums !! yessssssssssssss.
ReplyDeleteI read about that on the BBC website and was grinning like a 'Cheshire Sheep' !!
Unfortunately, the 'sheep' was taken off the train in Kirkcaldy (home of the Great Raith Rovers and Kirkcaldy Kanka). Our own Kirkcaldy Kanka Martyn will be frothing at the mouth at this insult !
Sheep Shaggers and Sheep Impersonaters should be confined to the Highlands of Scotland and should be required to obtain a Visa to enter the Kingdom of Fife and the Lothians !!!