Burke
McManus
Corner
Roberts
Tunbridge
Cheung
Champion
Wolfe
Nozawa
Talbot
Clark

Arnott
Keong
Azahar
Campbell
Harvey

Back to back 1 - 0 victories for the Hibs. It might not be as entertaining to the crowds (!) as the 8-4's of the season but winning is winning. Another solid game defensively with Burkey hardly having to make a save as the Hibs snuffed out the Nippon attacks.

With almost the same team as the previous week the form continued as the Hibs worked together to close down space across the pitch as a group. The first 30 minutes saw the Hibs come out of the blocks and control possession and play some excellent passing football but without really penetrating the Nippon defence.  The forwards were showing for the ball and holding up possession, the defence switching play well - just needed to get behind the defenders out wide a little more and get some good service into the box.  The game then opened up as the Hibs reverted to playing more hopeful balls instead of keeping the ball to feet and the Japanese grew into the game. Half time 0-0 and a huge thunder storm.

After an extended halftime to let the lightening pass over the game restarted in the pouring rain. With the pitch greased up the playing surface was excellent. The game ebbed and flowed in the second half with again few chances been made by either team. Burkey was doing an excellent job of dominating his box and sweeping up behind the defense. Hibs eventually managed to force a corner and after the ball bounced around the box Tunners fell tripped over a deflected the ball via a few other players into the goal - the jury is still out on the final goalscorer, not sure who bought the round in Muddy's after to claim it.....

With a full bench this week the subs were rolled on and the shape of the team was maintained well - thanks in particular to James Harvey for coming down but not quite making it onto the pitch, makes a big difference having a full bench of players to call upon.

Nippon had to come forward to look for the equaliser but the Hibs kept their shape and tried to maintain possession when they got it. Some good work closing down the defence and Clarky burst clear of the last defender and had a good chance to make it 2 but the keeper did well as he came out and Clarky couldn't quite get the ball out of his feet to finish the game off.

All in all a good win for the Hibs after the 2-1 defeat earlier in the season. No standout performances with it been very much a team game - but MOM this week for moving to centre back and 2 clean sheets since he has, goes to Gary Corner - shame he has to miss the end of the season to go practice with the Argentinians. Thanks to Nippon for a fair game as always and to the referees who did a great job in letting the game flow.