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matchreport - 24-Oct-09 - vikings v. hibs

Team Hibs

Author Tom Champion

line up

Leonard
Elder
Tunbridge
Strother
Walker
Prentice
Corner
Champion
Rodocker
Cheung
Wolff

Kemp
O’Brien
Crellin
Arnott

Hard work pays dividends

With 17 players unavailable through injury and travels it was a tough week for the boss in securing a squad to play top of the league Vikings – who the Hibs have played more than any team so far and were yet to get anything out of them. But the benefit of having such a large player base allowed us to get a strong 15 down to weather another brutally hot Sat 3pm KO. Welcoming back Geoff - after 10 months out - plus a debut for Graham.
The first half was end to end with chances for both teams, a penalty appeal for the Hibs turned down, but no end product. The Hibs defence was standing firm with the added benefit of Geoff breaking up the play in fornt of them and adding some additional aerial presence against a typically tall Vikings team. The Hibs were keeping possession a lot better than recent weeks and the movement to support Bastian up top was excellent. Kaydash was working hard down the left but the best chances of the half both fell to Graham who did well to get his head onto an out swinging cross and got away a shot at the edge of the box 5 minutes later. Half-time 0-0.
More of the same was the order of the day at half-time and once more the talk that we needed to ensure we come out and don’t give away anything sloppy early in the half. This didn’t quite go to plan as the Vikings had a strong spell at the start of the half with the defence as always working hard and John pulling off some good saves. Hibs were looking dangerous on the break though and after a free kick was conceded on the left flank Tom stepped up to hit an in swinging shot at head height across the six yard box towards the far post. With some good attacking runs, Bastian left the header and the ball flew into the back of the net. With our noses in front the order of the day was to ensure we kept compact and retained the ball when we had it. The Vikings as expected threw everything at us and some last ditch defending was required to limit the opportunities. But the Hibs continued to make chances at the other end with Bastian having a few chances to extend the league but unfortunately not finding the back of the net. Subs came on to add fresh legs but the formation and shape was maintained. Then with 5 mins remaining an excellent move from the Vikings down the right wing saw an equally impressive finish to level the scores. Full Time 1-1 and Extra Time.
Understandably with the heat and the massive PSA pitch taking its toll extra time saw more space but heavy legs. The game was now more balanced again with the Hibs pushing forward looking to regain the lead. Good work from Gary in the centre of the pitch found Bastian who laid it onto an onrushing Tom to take the ball into the box, hold off a few challenges from the Vikings defence before managing to finish in the bottom corner for his second of the match. Half-time in Extra Time 2-1.
Final 12 mins of the game saw the Hibs keep working hard with Dean and Rod in particular still holding firm and repelling the Vikings attacks. Final whistle and a great result for the Hibs. Thanks to the Vikings for a great game.
Now need to take this confidence on and have a strong run upto Christmas in the league.
Man of the Match was a tough call this week with everyone working hard and it really was a team effort – but with 2 goals to his name it goes to Tom.