Match Review: Hibernians FC vs German-Swiss All Stars

• GK Billy Wyatt
• DF Joe Poulton
• DF Jack Graham
• DF Jaison Kimura
• DF Matt Norman
• MD Julio Vasquez
• MD Liam Buckley
• MD Will Julius
• ST Maxime Dacier
• ST David Bolton
• ST Sergio Moreno

• DF Hayden Gray
• MD Xav Simpson
• ST Daniel Martin

Solid 2-0 win

With drizzly overcast conditions, the weather was kind to Hibs and Germans in our penultimate Cosmo League match at Turf City. For the 3rd consecutive game, Hibs were able to name a strong squad and we knew it would be needed against a much improved German side this year. Stand-in manager, Will, with the selection headache this time round but thankfully no hissy fits among the substitutes. Like the 1-1 draw earlier in the season, the pattern of play was obvious from the outset; GSAS sitting in a well-disciplined shape without possession, and trying to hit Hibs on the counter-attack with fast transitions. Despite the dominant possession, Hibs weren’t able to create too much in the first 20. A couple of chances fell to Bolts’ right foot but his timing wasn’t quite there yet. Arguably, the best chances of the first 20 fell to GSAS with the first resulting from some good link up play into our box that produced a smart save from Bill. The second chance from a rebound that Jack mopped up well off the goal line. As the game grew, however, Hibs’ dominance began to pay dividends. In fact, almost right before the HT whistle when Max’s byline cross was unfortunately played behind Sergio and the Spaniard wasn’t quite able to turn in from close range. Hibs were not to be stopped though as we started the 2nd half well, following some positive HT changes. The pressure finally told when Will’s whipped in-swinging corner was met by the towering Bolts to continue his rich vein of form. 1-0. Hibs continued to work openings, including a couple fine attempts from the edge of the box that narrowly missed the target. Then, Sergio did brilliantly to wriggle through and find space in the box on his weaker foot but, though finding the target this time, we couldn’t quite get past the keeper who saved well. At 1-0, the game is always dangerous and GSAS continued to believe. A good 10 minute spell from them forced several corners and their best chance fell to Anthony who nearly got one over on his former team-mate, Jack. However, Jack was back to his very best today and anticipated the header brilliantly, clearing again off the goal line with Bill beaten. That was to be the final scare for Hibs as a late out-swinging corner from Will found the not-so-towering Sergio (?!) at the back post who headed one home that even Bolts would be proud of. 2-0, game done. As noted by stand-in manager at FT; it was especially impressive how we controlled the final 30 mins of the match, working possession nicely across the whole team and not giving possession away needlessly. Positive signs for the remainder of the season. Man of the Match goes to the youngest player on the pitch, Liam Buckley. The usual driving runs from deep and nice touches, as well as a combative display from him (he even got a yellow card!). The older experienced heads around him clearly nurturing him well! With fellow teen Hayden also impressing from the bench, both at RB and CB, the future for Hibs looks bright! Back to 3rd, for now. Just Latini to go before the Christmas break…

• Sam Wagner GK
• Nik Wolthuis DF
• Tim Rudersdorff DF
• Erik Zenker DF
• Peter Farfeleder DF
• Matthias Bertl DF
• Luca Ritter MD
• Quirin Regensburger MD
• Anthony Wilson ST
• Mark Addy ST
• Diyar Mailepessov ST

• Gullzar Khan MD
• Mansur Babadjanov ST

2:0 Loss to HIBS After intense Saturday Night Match

Saturday night's game against HIBS started out promisingly for our Cosmo League team, with the rain continuing to fall. The team quickly got into the game and made their mark with some promising attacks. The first good chance of the game came after just 5 minutes when a nice combination down the right side led to a dangerous finish. However, the HIBS goalkeeper made an outstanding save to prevent an early goal. Despite the good start, the team began to lose their way after 15 minutes. HIBS began to see more of the ball but were unable to get dangerously close to goal. Our team continued to threaten, but could not find the finishing touch. Therefore, we went into the break 0-0. The second half started in much the same way as the first, with HIBS dominating possession but without really threatening. However, in the 54th minute they took the lead with a header from a corner to make it 1-0. Our team fought their way back into the game and had more control of the ball, but some poor passing and unnecessary turnovers in their half prevented us from creating any real pressure. The game remained intense and our team managed to create chances from counterattacks and corners, but were unable to score a decisive goal. In the 80th minute, HIBS increased their lead to 2-0 again with a header from a corner. Despite a determined final spurt and increased attacking efforts, our team was unable to reduce the deficit in the remaining minutes. Overall, the team gave a courageous performance, but mistakes and lack of concentration in passing and possession led to a negative result. The desire and commitment of the players was evident, but they need to work on their precision and concentration to win games like this in the future. Next week continues with a farewell tournament for the Turf City facility before the next league game against Vikings on December 9th. MoM Luca the terrier (farewell) DoD Augusto for no-show