This is how it feels (Livingston 08082020)
0
Game 2 in the league saw Hibs and me both in Livingston. Hibs to face the home team whilst I visited my brother to watch the game online. Ill be honest and say I had optimistically predicted a score draw, given Livis excellent home record, their disaster of a pitch and the wobbly bits of our winning performance last week. I couldnt have been more wrong as a fabulous performance saw Hibs run out 4-1 winners.
The early exchanges were pretty even but Hibs defended well whilst at the other end a couple of half chances were squandered due to poor decision making or weak efforts at goal. Everything changed after twenty five minutes when a super piece of play by Daryl Horgan saw him deliver a low and hard cross into the Livi six yard area. Showing his prowess at losing his marker, Kevin Nisbet was on hand to stroke the ball home from close range. In truth that had been coming as Hibs were forcing the issue by being strong and resolute at the back and controlling in midfield.
Around ten minutes later Josh Doig strode forward in midfield before laying the ball off to Horgan. The wee man jinked left and right before sending over a sumptuous cross into the middle where Nisbet leapt high above John Guthrie to send a header goalwards. McCrorie in the Livi goal got a hand to it but couldnt keep the ball out of the net, meaning Nisbets efforts had secured a two goal lead.
Our defenders continued to deny Livi a sight at goal and it was very noticeable that very few crosses were coming in from wide areas. This was due in part to the sterling work of Boyle and in particular Horgan in carrying out their defensive duties. Those crosses that did come into the box were met with Marciano collecting them or the heads of Hanlon, Porteous and McGinn heading clear. Young Josh Doig was particularly impressive for one so young and his reading of the game was excellent when denying Pittman the chance to cross with Hanlon and Porteous slightly out of position.
Half time was approaching when Hibs nabbed a third. A corner from Joe Newall was headed goalwards and as Hanlon went to make contact he was bowled over. It looked a penalty all the way but referee Euan Anderson didnt oblige. Thankfully, Hibs played to the whistle and Porteous drove the ball towards goal where it was deflected into the path of Christian Doidge who knocked the ball in from close range.
It was more than I could have hoped for in securing a 3-0 lead after 45 minutes and at the break we speculated as to how Hibs might play in the second. Jack Ross, unfairly in my view, took a fair bit of criticism following the Killie game with some suggesting hed set up the team not to concede rather than having them push on for another goal.
In the opening minute of the half, Marciano saved comfortably from Pittman before Martin Boyle really should have made it 4-0 when he passed up an excellent chance to score by trying instead to feed Nisbet and losing possession in the process.
On the hour mark, Euan Anderson decided that a push on Poplatnik by Ryan Porteous merited the awarding of a penalty kick. Two things spring to mind here. Firstly, the push looked identical to the one on Hanlon prior to our third goal and yet Paul got no penalty awarded to him. Secondly, I was a tad miffed with Porteous for making the challenge as no danger to our goal existed. Lyndon Dykes easily beat Marciano to make it 3-1 and for a short spell Livi enjoyed more possession without really causing Hibs any problems.
Hibs played out the match with relative ease and even managed a fourth goal near the end when Marvin Bartley fouled Hallberg in the 18 yard area and Kevin Nisbet stepped up to score, claiming the match ball in the process.
The players
Marciano I actually thought Rockys distribution was excellent today, especially throwing overarm to set our wide men away. His kicking was better too and you wonder if this is anything to do with the fact that hes working with a new coach.
McGinn I honestly feel that he goes under the radar at times with his fellow defenders drawing rightful praise. McGinn is a good, solid professional and he was first class today.
Porteous Ryan had a great game but I have to mention his role in the awarding of a penalty against us. Whether its youth or simply of experience that causes these daft moments I do not know but on the plus side and that one moment apart he defended exceptionally well.
Hanlon This was a real captains performance today. He was at his very best in both leading the side and in reading the play. Lyndon Dykes can be a handful but in that clash, Paul emerged streets ahead. Took a sore one from Bartley but thankfully he was able to continue.
Doig This young lad is going to be a leading light in the months and years to come. Josh plays with a maturity that others of his age may lack and his ability to get up and down the park is admirable.
Boyle Martin was hardly involved in the early parts of the game, at least in an attacking sense that is. After we scored our first he came more and more into the picture but still lapsed into not lifting his head on a couple of occasions.
Gocic I truly believe we have won a watch here. The lad was everywhere at once and proved that his game is not just about physicality. A number of excellent passes and a fair few occasions at breaking up the play resulted in a top performance.
Newall Joe is so calm in possession and makes things look easy at times. Deployed in his best position he is a real asset to the side and many of his deliveries were right on the button.
Horgan Ive been very critical of Daryl in the past but for me, today was his best performance in a Hibs shirt. Added to his two assists was a willingness to assist young Doig whilst defending.
Doidge I caught Richard Gordon stifling a laugh when describing Christians goal today. Its what Ive come to expect from Gordon but as long as the big fella is scoring I couldnt give a toss which part of his body the ball hits last. His overall play was superb both in an attacking and a defending sense so maybe Mr. Gordon could be a little more gracious in future.
Nisbet Partick released him so, by his own admission he screwed the nut and scored for fun in joining Raith Rovers. His move to Dunfermline drew remarks that the step up in grade might be too much. He scored for fun with Dunfermline. Hes joined Hibs and the same doubters queried whether he could step up. A hat trick today and an almost instant partnership with Doidge will maybe have the doubters, doubting their own words. There were a good few in contention for my man of the match but it has to go to Kevin for his goals and his all round performance.
Hallberg replaced Horgan and played a bit further forward than he has done for Hibs in the past and that was referenced by the fact it was him that Bartley felled in the box to allow Kev to claim his hat trick.
Gullan Only got a couple of minutes and had no real chance to influence the outcome.
Jack Ross Apparently his face was tripping him at the pre match press conference. At 3-0 up the camera showed a dour looking Jack Ross on the bench. Maybe that look is because he is focussed 100% on his job, rather than any other spurios suggestions.
The fans It is torture watching on TV, especially when I was only a mile or so from the ground but winning and winning well helped ease the frustration.
Euan Anderson I was baffled but not surprised at his interpretation of what constitutes a penalty but even more baffled by his leniency towards Marvin Bartley. I love big Marv but he could and should have been shown red for that challenge on Hanlon. He got a yellow and should have had a second for fouling Hallberg for the Hibs penalty.
The early exchanges were pretty even but Hibs defended well whilst at the other end a couple of half chances were squandered due to poor decision making or weak efforts at goal. Everything changed after twenty five minutes when a super piece of play by Daryl Horgan saw him deliver a low and hard cross into the Livi six yard area. Showing his prowess at losing his marker, Kevin Nisbet was on hand to stroke the ball home from close range. In truth that had been coming as Hibs were forcing the issue by being strong and resolute at the back and controlling in midfield.
Around ten minutes later Josh Doig strode forward in midfield before laying the ball off to Horgan. The wee man jinked left and right before sending over a sumptuous cross into the middle where Nisbet leapt high above John Guthrie to send a header goalwards. McCrorie in the Livi goal got a hand to it but couldnt keep the ball out of the net, meaning Nisbets efforts had secured a two goal lead.
Our defenders continued to deny Livi a sight at goal and it was very noticeable that very few crosses were coming in from wide areas. This was due in part to the sterling work of Boyle and in particular Horgan in carrying out their defensive duties. Those crosses that did come into the box were met with Marciano collecting them or the heads of Hanlon, Porteous and McGinn heading clear. Young Josh Doig was particularly impressive for one so young and his reading of the game was excellent when denying Pittman the chance to cross with Hanlon and Porteous slightly out of position.
Half time was approaching when Hibs nabbed a third. A corner from Joe Newall was headed goalwards and as Hanlon went to make contact he was bowled over. It looked a penalty all the way but referee Euan Anderson didnt oblige. Thankfully, Hibs played to the whistle and Porteous drove the ball towards goal where it was deflected into the path of Christian Doidge who knocked the ball in from close range.
It was more than I could have hoped for in securing a 3-0 lead after 45 minutes and at the break we speculated as to how Hibs might play in the second. Jack Ross, unfairly in my view, took a fair bit of criticism following the Killie game with some suggesting hed set up the team not to concede rather than having them push on for another goal.
In the opening minute of the half, Marciano saved comfortably from Pittman before Martin Boyle really should have made it 4-0 when he passed up an excellent chance to score by trying instead to feed Nisbet and losing possession in the process.
On the hour mark, Euan Anderson decided that a push on Poplatnik by Ryan Porteous merited the awarding of a penalty kick. Two things spring to mind here. Firstly, the push looked identical to the one on Hanlon prior to our third goal and yet Paul got no penalty awarded to him. Secondly, I was a tad miffed with Porteous for making the challenge as no danger to our goal existed. Lyndon Dykes easily beat Marciano to make it 3-1 and for a short spell Livi enjoyed more possession without really causing Hibs any problems.
Hibs played out the match with relative ease and even managed a fourth goal near the end when Marvin Bartley fouled Hallberg in the 18 yard area and Kevin Nisbet stepped up to score, claiming the match ball in the process.
The players
Marciano I actually thought Rockys distribution was excellent today, especially throwing overarm to set our wide men away. His kicking was better too and you wonder if this is anything to do with the fact that hes working with a new coach.
McGinn I honestly feel that he goes under the radar at times with his fellow defenders drawing rightful praise. McGinn is a good, solid professional and he was first class today.
Porteous Ryan had a great game but I have to mention his role in the awarding of a penalty against us. Whether its youth or simply of experience that causes these daft moments I do not know but on the plus side and that one moment apart he defended exceptionally well.
Hanlon This was a real captains performance today. He was at his very best in both leading the side and in reading the play. Lyndon Dykes can be a handful but in that clash, Paul emerged streets ahead. Took a sore one from Bartley but thankfully he was able to continue.
Doig This young lad is going to be a leading light in the months and years to come. Josh plays with a maturity that others of his age may lack and his ability to get up and down the park is admirable.
Boyle Martin was hardly involved in the early parts of the game, at least in an attacking sense that is. After we scored our first he came more and more into the picture but still lapsed into not lifting his head on a couple of occasions.
Gocic I truly believe we have won a watch here. The lad was everywhere at once and proved that his game is not just about physicality. A number of excellent passes and a fair few occasions at breaking up the play resulted in a top performance.
Newall Joe is so calm in possession and makes things look easy at times. Deployed in his best position he is a real asset to the side and many of his deliveries were right on the button.
Horgan Ive been very critical of Daryl in the past but for me, today was his best performance in a Hibs shirt. Added to his two assists was a willingness to assist young Doig whilst defending.
Doidge I caught Richard Gordon stifling a laugh when describing Christians goal today. Its what Ive come to expect from Gordon but as long as the big fella is scoring I couldnt give a toss which part of his body the ball hits last. His overall play was superb both in an attacking and a defending sense so maybe Mr. Gordon could be a little more gracious in future.
Nisbet Partick released him so, by his own admission he screwed the nut and scored for fun in joining Raith Rovers. His move to Dunfermline drew remarks that the step up in grade might be too much. He scored for fun with Dunfermline. Hes joined Hibs and the same doubters queried whether he could step up. A hat trick today and an almost instant partnership with Doidge will maybe have the doubters, doubting their own words. There were a good few in contention for my man of the match but it has to go to Kevin for his goals and his all round performance.
Hallberg replaced Horgan and played a bit further forward than he has done for Hibs in the past and that was referenced by the fact it was him that Bartley felled in the box to allow Kev to claim his hat trick.
Gullan Only got a couple of minutes and had no real chance to influence the outcome.
Jack Ross Apparently his face was tripping him at the pre match press conference. At 3-0 up the camera showed a dour looking Jack Ross on the bench. Maybe that look is because he is focussed 100% on his job, rather than any other spurios suggestions.
The fans It is torture watching on TV, especially when I was only a mile or so from the ground but winning and winning well helped ease the frustration.
Euan Anderson I was baffled but not surprised at his interpretation of what constitutes a penalty but even more baffled by his leniency towards Marvin Bartley. I love big Marv but he could and should have been shown red for that challenge on Hanlon. He got a yellow and should have had a second for fouling Hallberg for the Hibs penalty.