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matchreport - 29-Aug-09 - hibs v. hotspurs

Team Hibs

Author Tom Champion

line up

                   Burke

Arnott (Elder)       McManus (Crellin)   Tunbridge   Walker

Booth (Couch)       Harvey           Corner        Kemp (Degeer)

           Champion (Azahar)   Wolff

Disappointment but improvement

Despite a much improved performance from the HIbs unfortunately it wasn’t enough to take victory or a share of the spoils on another scoring day on the PSA even with a 5pm KO. The final scoreline flatters Hotspurs and but for some better finishing and better refereeing this could have been a very different result.

With a clean kit this week the Hibs looked and felt much fresher than the previous week. The first 20mins of the game was end to end with some good chances at both end, the clearer of which probably falling to the Hotspurs strikers and but for some great keeping from Burkey and a fantastic goal line clearance from Matt they may well have taken the lead. However a bizarre decision from the linesman and referee saw a perfectly good goal for the Hibs ruled out for offside, even the Hotspur’s defenders couldn’t work out the decision. Hibs then hit the post with the keeper beaten before some good football saw Bastian getting his head up on the left and picking a great pass out to the on charging Boothy who despite pulling out of laser eye surgery managed to finish clinically into the far corner from 18 yrds out. Unfortunately the lead was shorted lived as a few minutes later some loose defending from the Hibs, Burkey saved but the rebound was looped into the empty net.

The rest of the half saw the HIbs play some more controlled football and the defence tighten up. Tim Kemp was causing lots of problems down the left flank and James Harvey and Gary broke up play well in front of the back four. Some excellent crosses from deep from the full backs behind the Hotspurs defence caused problems and the Hibs looked on top. That was until 5 mins before the break when Laser Boy hadn’t set his sights correctly and lunged into an unwinnable challenge in the box. A clear penalty that was dispatched to give Hotspurs a 2-1 lead at the break.

Half-time and the Hibs were upbeat despite been behind and felt that this game was still there to be won if we kept playing football and using the width of the pitch. The next 25 mins saw Hibs play some good football coming out of defence and through the midfield, unfortunately we couldn't finish in the final third of the pitch. Subs were made to bring on some fresh legs (and pace) in defence and more importantly up front. Adib instantly making an impact by breaking away from the Hotspur defence but unfortunately the finishing wasn’t quite there. Then came another turning point in the game courtesy of the linesman again – with Adib’s pace once more breaking clear of the Hotspur’s defence the linesman adjudged it to be offside somehow. Some good quick counter attacking from the Hotspurs and the game was put out of the Hibs reach with a deft finish. A final goal 10mins from time flattered the score line.

A much improved performance from the Hibs and if we can work on our finishing (and hopefully get some better refereeing decisions) and keep moving the ball out of defence through the midfield then results will start to come. Thanks to the Hotspurs for a a good competitive and fair game and for the beers down at Sahara Bar after.

James Harvey pushes for Man of the Match for the 3rd week on the bounce but this week it goes to Burke for some quality keeping.