matchreport - 28-Nov-09 - hibs v. rangers
Team Hibs
Author Tom Champion
line up
Leonard
Seaton
Elder
McManus
Walker
Booth
Champion
Fayers
Cheung
Wolff
Azahar

Cross
Clark
Keong
Talbot
Arnott (Not used)
Point saved…2 lost…
It was probably the youngest squad we have had out for the Hibs in the Cosmo and hopes were high before the game of a victory coming off the back of 2 excellent wins and strong performances.  Unfortunately the match cancellations in the last few weeks meant it had been almost a month since the last match though.  The game started well with the Hibs having the vast majority of the ball and territory in the early exchanges.  The wide men were pushing on and when Kaydash skipped past the full back and was brought down the ref blew up for a foul and then somehow managed to deem it outside the box when it was a clear 5 yrds inside!  Further pressure didn’t result in any clear chances for the Hibs as we failed to break down a deep sitting Rangers defence.  The defence was holding firm and dealing with any Rangers attacks with relative ease, with Chris in particular looking composed on the ball as the Hibs tried to work it out from the back.  Midway through the half though disaster stuck as Dean got caught in possession bring the ball out and the Rangers striker went clean through and finished well to put Rangers one up.This knocked the Hibs a little more than it should have and we started to rush play and stopped passing the ball as well as we had been.  

At halftime the talk was positive that we had been the better team but needed to inject some more attacks into the play.  Guy came on at fullback – yet another position for Mr Versatility!  The half started very much the same as the end of the first with Rangers having an equal balance of the play and the Hibs failing to create any clear chances.  As the rain started Ben made some wholesale changes bringing on some fresh legs in midfield and upfront.  This was the kick start Hibs needed with the midfield starting to be dominant as Kaydash, Ryan, Glenn and Boothy worked hard to close down and win the ball then launch fast attacks.  A goal looked like coming soon but 15mins later it still hadn’t arrived so, Clarky was added to the attack as a defender was sacrificed.  Glenn seemed to be everywhere and was having his best game for the Hibs Cosmo to date.  Eventually after a succession of corners and sustained pressure a deap cross was retrieved by Clarky, laid back to Ryan who dinked it into the box where Andy Talbot managed to force the ball home.  Confidence was high and the Hibs kept working hard but time was against them and unfortunately a winner couldn’t be found.

Some excellent performances from the youngsters in particular, Chris was solid and strong in defense and managed to get forward and support the attacks late on too.  But overall Man of the Match goes to Glenn for his all round game and energy.  

If we can ensure we play together regularly and gain more of an understanding of each other’s play the future is looking bright for the Hibs.

Thanks to Rangers for a game played in the right spirit, despite what turned into a very wet and slippery pitch!
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