Burke

Elder (Arnott), Harvey, Zitur,        Walker (Tunbridge)

Nozawa, Wolff, Champion (Corner),   Cross (DeGeer)

 
Couch (Keong)   Clark

Great result to start the season, even though improvement is needed to ensure we compete for the entire 90mins.  It was a game of 2 halves with the Hibs looking composed and moving the ball well in the first 45 but put ourselves under pressure in the second, eventually holding on for the win.

With 20 players making themselves available for the first game of the season Tunners had to make some tough calls on selection – although Boothy’s laser eye surgery following his penalty miss in the windmill cup was an easy call to rest him whilst he adjusts the sights - but this bodes well for the rest of the season.  With a few new additions to the team, welcome Clarky and Freddie, plus the return of a few injured players the squad is looking strong and can hopefully keep the momentum from the first season in Cosmo going.

First half saw Hibs take a 2-0 lead into the break.  Good work from the forward players (including our centre back / forward James Harvey) lead to some penalty area scrambling by the defence, the ball popping through towards the empty net before Guy cruised in from the left wing, outpaced the remaining defender and made sure by drilling the ball home from 3 yards.  The second was again some good passing football switching the play before Naka took control from 16 yards out and hit one past the keeper who could only get finger tips to it, first goal for the Hibs for Naka and a great performance on the right flank.  The defence was sound and aside from the odd attack that managed to break through looked in control. 

Half-time team talk was around putting the game to bed and avoiding any early goals to give Gaulois any chance of getting back into the game.  It started well with a free kick been given on the left flank just on the corner of the 18 yrd box.  Tom stepped forwards assessed the lay of the ground in the six yard box and managed to deliver an inch perfect delivery into the rough just in front of the keeper, the slower ball and in-swinger deceived the keeper who unfortunately let it slip through the legs and the ball trickled over the line stopping dead 1 inch over the line – England bowlers would do well to get hold of a video before the final test.  3-0 and the Hibs were feeling confident. 

Unfortunately the lead was closed almost instantly as the French picked up the pace and came battling back. Some slight confusion on the left flank by the Hibs saw too much space given to the on charging full back who lofted a ball towards the centre forward, on charged Ben to attempt to ‘head’ the ball clear only for it to bounce over him by 6 feet (this didn’t stop the giant call and full heading motion) and the elbowy centre forward made ½ a yard for himself and nailed a great finish into the top corner – 3-1.  The momentum was definitely with the opposition.  With the big pitch and the first game of the season the Hibs tired, changes were made to try and get some more ‘legs’ onto the pitch.  With 20 mins to go the French got a second again an excellent finish.  The rest of the half was backs to the wall with the defense turning in some fantastic performances.  Burkey in goal pulling off some excellent saves.  Hibs were down to attacking on the break, it was on one of these when Clarky broke clear of the defense and was bearing down on goal, the Gaulois centre back decided this was too easy for him and grabbed hold of the shirt in front. Credit to Andy he kept going towing the centre back behind him but was suitably put off to miss the chance.  Odd decision from the referee not to bring it back for the foul as he obviously saw it, and duly made another odd decision to issue a yellow card to Bastian.

Hibs held on and the 3 points were secured.  The match was another close one similar to last season, but the Hibs need to lean to put these to bed.  Fantastic performances, particular mention for James W at left back, but the MOM has to go Bastian who covered every blade of the park with his usual energy and powerful runs – once he gets his shooting glasses adjusted (following Boothy…) there may be no stopping him.

Thanks for strong but fair game from the French and we look forward to the return fixture later in the season.  Aside from a few decisions the referee kept control of the game and let it flow.