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Scorer:
Adam Pomaro 85th Minute
John
Leslie (9)
Leigh
Everett (8.5) Jim McPherson (9)
Rob Ruth (9.25) Leon
Ashford (8.5)
David
Drysdale (6) Adam Pomaro
(7.5) Russell Stinson (9)
Neil Henty(8)
Paul
Goodlad (8.5) Bryn Thomas (8.25)
Substitutes:
Mark Grice – not used
Al Harper – not used
Marc Archer – for Neil Henty on 60 mins (8.5)
Kevin Ford – for David Drysdale 30 mins (8.75)
Grant Ross – for Paul Goodlad 60 mins (9)
Man of
the Match: Rob Ruth
Match
View:
This was
a hard fought match played in blustery conditions that meant our passing
game wasn’t quite what it could be. We endured for long spells, with our
back four and keeper under tremendous amounts of pressure. This was
withstood well, in the second half toward the end we showed something
close to our true form with Adam Pomaro waking up to strike home a
beautiful 22 yard strike from outside their box, past their despairing
keeper sending our large support and team in to raptures.
Blow
by Blow:
The game
opened with John Leslie opting to use the wind in the first half. Our
initial passes were like rockets, that despite the pace of Paul up front,
not even Linford at his best would’ve got. The well organised Rangers
team attacked down our right flank time and time again, this weakness was
plugged with the introduction of Kevin Ford at right back and shifting
Leigh Everett into right midfield, this immediately gave the team more
balance and solidity, resulting in some attacking moves. Rangers tried and
tried but Jim and Rob were outstanding at centre, thwarting their moves
time after time. Perhaps we were lucky not to get a penalty against us,
but overall I felt we matched them in the first half.
Second
Half
Against
the wind in this half, with the rain starting to fall we struggled
initially, with more coming down our left flank, this was transformed by
Marc Archer physical presence assisting in the left midfield position,
Paul Goodlad after 60 minutes of tireless service was then replaced by
Grant Ross, who both soon clicked the HIBS up a notch. Moves a plenty then
began to develop as their forwards grew increasingly frustrated against
our stonewall defending. Adam Pomaro who by his own admission had been a
passenger carried by a strong and gutsy Stinson, then woke up, releasing
an absolute rasper from 22 yards to the top left 0-1 Brilliant. The
ensuing celebration was dumb given that Rangers then try to lob John
Leslie who was returning to goal after running ¾ the length of the
position to join in with the Party.
After
this we settled more and the one, two’s through the midfield then
created a wonderful opportunity for Russell to hammer home, unfortunately
he hit just wide. But the game was won 0-1. MAGIC!!
Going
Forward:
Leigh
Everett and David Drysdale did not tell me of their ailments, if they had
then the substitutions would’ve been different. This is not acceptable
guys, you should tell me or Adam or Dave so we can then alter things so
that we can be at our strongest.
Al and
Gricey took they’re not getting on, with quiet dignity. It is this
behaviour I expect when we still have eleven games to go and every one of
you is vital. Likewise those that were subbed, behave admirably – Thank
you. It makes the management teams job far easier dealing with men rather
than boys.
It was
good to have Kevin Ford join us, for once we were on the positive side of
his attack minded throw ins, along with a solid tackling debut.
I have
lodged a complaint regarding the behaviour of the first half lineman, this
included elbowing Paul Goodlad in the face; invading the pitch 4 times;
throwing the ball twice at Russell. This is now with the APFSCIL
committee.
Next Week
Next week
is Rangers C, a tough team against whom we lost the Cup last season. They
will be hard and physical, I think we are the best team in the league and
each result confirms my conviction.
Summary
We have
played 5 league games and won 5 league games, placing us on 15 points. We
still have Rangers C Eire and pacesetters Boro to play; we need to stay focused
one game at a time. With the commitment shown and spirit displayed I feel
we can go all the way this year. Well done to those hardy fans turning up,
we have the best team and best looking fans in the league. To Neil, Bryn,
and Scotty D nice work fella’s
Kevin
President
London Hibernian Football Team |