Match Review: Hibernians FC vs Hotspurs FC

• GK Billy Wyatt
• DF Matt Norman
• DF Jack Graham
• DF Jaison Kimura
• MD Xav Simpson
• MD Liam Buckley
• MD Julio Vasquez
• ST David Bolton
• ST Maxime Dacier
• ST Misra Maayan
• ST Sergio Moreno

• DF Marcus Went
• MD Will Julius
• MD Enrique Verela
• ST Daniel Martin

A Win!

The Hibs got a much-needed victory and put an end to their recent poor run of results with a solid all-round performance. Hibs’ recent run has been so underwhelming we had to resort to our caretaker manager to see if he could bring his tactical nous to keep his 100% record which he did. It wasn’t an easy feat to begin with as Enrique couldn’t make it on time after a late night of DJing (shades of Thorin) and Max showed up 5 minutes before kick-off still digesting his Spaghetti Bolognese. Even with the reshuffle, Hibs sent out a very strong XI. Hibs started off well controlling the midfield and getting the ball into Max’s feet who was causing havoc as usual (mostly just for the opposition). A well-worked move saw him go down the left wing, and cut it back to the edge of the box where Liam showed his class with a sweeping left-footed finish in the bottom corner. Hibs kept possession tidily, remaining patient and doubled the lead not soon after with Xav ignoring Maayan’s pleas for a 5 yard square ball and pinging it 40 yards cross-field through to Max who didn’t disappoint with a calm touch and finish past the keeper. Unfortunately for the Hotspurs, Ali had to come off early with a pulled hamstring (couldn’t keep up with Maayan’s electric pace) but they still pushed on creating pressure on the Hibs defence with the big man up top and willing runners. Their pressure paid off when Hibs didn’t deal with a corner and won a penalty as the ball bounced around and inevitably bounced off Jack’s arm. Jack was fuming as he flew out his parents, missus and dog just to watch the game and didn’t he let the ref know. Nothing Billy could do with a well-taken penalty and Hibs went into the break 2-1 up. Time for the player-manager to get himself on. Hotspurs continued with the pressure in the first 15 after the break with a few threatening long FKs and corners, and almost equalised with a header from 6 yards out that was brilliant kept out by Billy keeping Hibs in the game. Hibs stepped up their pressing from the front and a mistimed clearance from Hotspurs gave the ball to Max who controlled it, blocked out Bolts’ yelling to pass it and calmly slotted it in for 3-1. Not long after that, Hibs pressed on looking for that 4th which came through a well-worked goal as Will flicked it through to Bolts who played a lovely lob over the keeper much to Sergio’s dismay who made it a mission to keep him off the scoresheet. Hibs’ finished off the game with strong performances from the bench from Enrique, Dan and Marcus who helped see out the game. Dan made a strong run down the right, cut it back and the ball bobbled up for Bolts to scored his second with a beautifully timed scuffed finish. A much-needed strong performance from the Hibs and will look to build upon next week. Thanks and good luck to the Hotspurs for a fair, well-fought game as always.

• Fahmy Rahman GK
• Aaron Jones DF
• Oliver Harbord DF
• Simon Hearn DF
• Oliver Roberts DF
• Ross Lando MD
• Ali Roseburgh MD
• David Phelps MD
• Craig Farnham MD
• Ross Cumming MD
• Addy Cutts ST

• Craig Hotchkiss DF
• James Keane DF
• Sam Russell-Vick ST

Slow Start Costs Hotspurs

Hotspurs faced Hibs on saturday at 3pm, looking to try and turn things around after a difficult few games Although we pulled together a decent squad, it was once again a much changed lineup. A slow start allowed Hibs to capitalise and go 1-0 in under 5 mins, and they added a second a little later. Hotspurs finally got going as Ross C, Craig F and debutant Phelps upped the work rate in midfield, on the back of this started playing some attacking football finishing the half strong. Craig F slotting home a well deserved penalty. 2-1 at HT. Hotspurs started the second half strong continuing to pressure Hibs. However, 2 very quick defensive mix ups allowed Hibs to score 2 more and end the contest. Hopefully some long term injuries are starring to return as Hotspurs need to pick up some results before the xmas break. Thanks to Hibs for a good game.