Jonnyboy
06-10-2018, 06:28 PM
We did today what we could and should have done to Aberdeen a couple of weeks ago. Against the Dons we missed chance after chance but on this occasion a high percentage of those chances went in and for once I found myself agreeing with Allan Preston who’s after match summary from Easter Road was that he thought Hibs could easily have had ten. Yes, that Hamilton side was woeful but Hibs at times were sparkling and the poorness of the opposition should not be allowed to overshadow a clinical and highly entertaining performance from Hibs.
Taking on board my pre match read of Hibs.net I decided I’d leave my home in Macmerry half an hour earlier than usual due to the dire warnings of traffic chaos for anyone travelling from the east side of town. Thirty minutes later I was at ER and never encountered any traffic problems at all! My journey was reflected in Hibs’ performance today in that they got through the traffic of Hamilton’s midfield and defence without any great difficulty and hit the visitors for six.
During the warm up there was a nice touch as James Keatings trotted towards the East Stand and received a worthy round of applause which he reciprocated. Meanwhile, many Hibs fans got their first look at Nelom and must surely have been impressed with his barnet.
Once the game got underway it was Hibs in command from the off and both Boyle and Kamberi might have done better with half chances. Hamilton rarely troubled the Hibs defence but around the 17th minute, indecision between Porteous and Ambrose gifted Bingham a chance to open the scoring but Bogdan was quick off his line to block the shot.
In midfield, Mallan was spraying passes around and Hyndman with both his distribution and work rate was excellent while the clever play of Mark Milligan allowed both the room to do so. Some 25 minutes in, Hibs broke the deadlock when a blocked Hyndman shot defected into Boyler’s path and the Hibs No. 10 wasted no time in shooting high into the net. Moments later Boyle broke on the right and received Kamberi’s pass but his shot across the advancing keeper whistled just wide of the post. Hamilton were rocking and Hibs doubled their advantage around ten minutes from half time when Mallan let go a fierce effort which took a slight deflection as it arrowed past Woods in the Accies goal.
It would be remiss of me to mention three of our midfield players without mentioning the fourth. Slivka played on the right of the diamond and was excellent throughout. He is so comfortable in possession and always available to help repel attacks at one end and create them at the other.
About five minutes after Mallan’s strike, Hyndman brilliantly finished off a pass from Boyle on the left by letting the ball reach his right foot before steering it into the bottom corner and giving Woods no chance to save it. It was a goal well deserved as he’d had a very impressive first half.
After the interval, Hamilton seemed to change their game plan and started trying to push forward more but in truth they offered very little and Bogdan had an easy afternoon of it. Both Kamberi and Mallan had chances to extend Hibs’ lead but both were disappointed to see their efforts fly off target. Kamberi in particular was having a difficult time of it. Given what we saw of him last season his lack of movement in this game was obvious and he’s clearly suffering confidence wise and quite probably fitness wise too.
The introduction of Daryl Horgan in place of the tiring Hyndman brought fresh impetus to our midfield and the wee fella will be having nightmares tonight about a left foot effort that very nearly reached the upper tier of the Famous Five. It should however be his involvement in our fourth goal that should occupy his thoughts after he drew a couple of defenders towards him before squaring for Mallan to hammer home another cracker from outside the box. That goal was a thing of beauty and Woods had no chance as it dipped and swerved beyond him.
It seemed to me as though his team mates were desperate to set Flo up with a goal and in the dying embers of the game they did just that as the big Swiss striker raced into the box and fired low past Woods. His reaction after the goal was interesting as he turned to the East Stand and cupped one ear. No doubt he’d heard some of the stuff being shouted at him but he really needs to work on his ear cupping as he’s some distance behind Lenny in that regard.
Sixty seconds later a poor pass from a Hamilton defender allowed Flo to once more race into the box and as the angle narrowed he tried to square the ball to substitute Jamie Gullan but it hit off Kilgallon and rolled into the empty net.
This was a job well done and I hope the players enjoy their enforced break before heading to Celtic Park for their next outing. Mind you, we’ve that many international players on the books now that a fair few won’t get any such break.
The players
Adam – His early save was crucial as it came when the score was 0-0. Had little else to do but was commanding of high balls into the box and his distribution was spot on. Watching from the bench was fit again Rocky but I don’t think Adam deserves to be dropped given his form.
SDG – David really is the perfect captain. He leads by example and never stops working as he plies his trade up and down the right flank. Went off injured after a 50/50 clash but at least he has a couple of weeks to recover.
Efe – Once again Efe was immense and really did make it look like pipe and slippers time against Hamilton. I heard Lenny say that Efe is in the best form he’s seen for some time and I can’t argue with that.
Ryan – Another fine 90 minutes from Porteous who is clearly learning in every game. Excellent in the air and is reading the game well too. Not sure what his thirty five yard first half effort on goal was all about though!
Lewis – Another excellent performance from Lewis who never put a foot wrong in the whole game. I always struggle to understand those around me that moan when he plays the ball back the way. Would they prefer he tried something else and lost out. Retaining possession is often key and Lewis excels at that.
Slivka – As I said earlier, he played on the right side of the diamond and was excellent throughout. He is very confident in possession, can pick a pass and looked every bit the player we all want him to be.
Mark – What a player this guy is. Glides around midfield, breaking up play from the opposition and importantly in my view, talks all the time and I’m sure the likes of Porteous, Hyndman and Mallan all benefit from that.
Emerson – I thought he was superb today. Always looking for the ball, played a few telling passes and today I was delighted to see him up his game physically on a couple of occasions. His goal looked so simple but it was actually very skilfully taken.
Stevie – Has scored nine goals this season already and every one from outside the box. The laddie just oozes class and the good news is that coaching will make him even better. Got the man of the match award today, from the sponsors.
Boyler – Australia’s gain could be Scotland’s loss in my opinion. I’ve heard fans of other clubs expressing astonishment that McLeish hasn’t at least brought him into his squad. Today he took his goal well, might have had another two and had at least one assist.
Flo – You know what, I feel heart sorry for Flo as he is clearly lacking in confidence, bad news for a striker and doesn’t look 100% fit. Today he was caught in possession a few times but to his credit he kept on going and took his goal very well. That goal will boost the confidence and the break will give his body a rest.
Daryl – Buzzed around and worked very hard whilst offering an assist for Mallan’s second goal. I like him best in a central role and he looked at home there today.
Jamie Gullan – Hammer scores goals for fun in the Development team and might have gotten a first team goal today but Flo’s pass was knocked in by a defender as Jamie waited to pounce.
Nelom – Wasn’t really on the pitch for that long but took up the left back berth with Lewis moved into midfield.
Lenny – Rightly happy with his charges and made that very plain in his after match interview.
My man of the match – I had three or four in the frame and really it could have been any of them but once again, Efe rises to the top.
The ref – Pretty anonymous which equates to a decent performance but it was an easy game to ref in truth.
The fans – Two ‘singing sections’ giving it laldy but I was surprised at 4-0 and cruising at just how quiet it was. It was a nice touch clapping Keatings when he came off the bench.
Taking on board my pre match read of Hibs.net I decided I’d leave my home in Macmerry half an hour earlier than usual due to the dire warnings of traffic chaos for anyone travelling from the east side of town. Thirty minutes later I was at ER and never encountered any traffic problems at all! My journey was reflected in Hibs’ performance today in that they got through the traffic of Hamilton’s midfield and defence without any great difficulty and hit the visitors for six.
During the warm up there was a nice touch as James Keatings trotted towards the East Stand and received a worthy round of applause which he reciprocated. Meanwhile, many Hibs fans got their first look at Nelom and must surely have been impressed with his barnet.
Once the game got underway it was Hibs in command from the off and both Boyle and Kamberi might have done better with half chances. Hamilton rarely troubled the Hibs defence but around the 17th minute, indecision between Porteous and Ambrose gifted Bingham a chance to open the scoring but Bogdan was quick off his line to block the shot.
In midfield, Mallan was spraying passes around and Hyndman with both his distribution and work rate was excellent while the clever play of Mark Milligan allowed both the room to do so. Some 25 minutes in, Hibs broke the deadlock when a blocked Hyndman shot defected into Boyler’s path and the Hibs No. 10 wasted no time in shooting high into the net. Moments later Boyle broke on the right and received Kamberi’s pass but his shot across the advancing keeper whistled just wide of the post. Hamilton were rocking and Hibs doubled their advantage around ten minutes from half time when Mallan let go a fierce effort which took a slight deflection as it arrowed past Woods in the Accies goal.
It would be remiss of me to mention three of our midfield players without mentioning the fourth. Slivka played on the right of the diamond and was excellent throughout. He is so comfortable in possession and always available to help repel attacks at one end and create them at the other.
About five minutes after Mallan’s strike, Hyndman brilliantly finished off a pass from Boyle on the left by letting the ball reach his right foot before steering it into the bottom corner and giving Woods no chance to save it. It was a goal well deserved as he’d had a very impressive first half.
After the interval, Hamilton seemed to change their game plan and started trying to push forward more but in truth they offered very little and Bogdan had an easy afternoon of it. Both Kamberi and Mallan had chances to extend Hibs’ lead but both were disappointed to see their efforts fly off target. Kamberi in particular was having a difficult time of it. Given what we saw of him last season his lack of movement in this game was obvious and he’s clearly suffering confidence wise and quite probably fitness wise too.
The introduction of Daryl Horgan in place of the tiring Hyndman brought fresh impetus to our midfield and the wee fella will be having nightmares tonight about a left foot effort that very nearly reached the upper tier of the Famous Five. It should however be his involvement in our fourth goal that should occupy his thoughts after he drew a couple of defenders towards him before squaring for Mallan to hammer home another cracker from outside the box. That goal was a thing of beauty and Woods had no chance as it dipped and swerved beyond him.
It seemed to me as though his team mates were desperate to set Flo up with a goal and in the dying embers of the game they did just that as the big Swiss striker raced into the box and fired low past Woods. His reaction after the goal was interesting as he turned to the East Stand and cupped one ear. No doubt he’d heard some of the stuff being shouted at him but he really needs to work on his ear cupping as he’s some distance behind Lenny in that regard.
Sixty seconds later a poor pass from a Hamilton defender allowed Flo to once more race into the box and as the angle narrowed he tried to square the ball to substitute Jamie Gullan but it hit off Kilgallon and rolled into the empty net.
This was a job well done and I hope the players enjoy their enforced break before heading to Celtic Park for their next outing. Mind you, we’ve that many international players on the books now that a fair few won’t get any such break.
The players
Adam – His early save was crucial as it came when the score was 0-0. Had little else to do but was commanding of high balls into the box and his distribution was spot on. Watching from the bench was fit again Rocky but I don’t think Adam deserves to be dropped given his form.
SDG – David really is the perfect captain. He leads by example and never stops working as he plies his trade up and down the right flank. Went off injured after a 50/50 clash but at least he has a couple of weeks to recover.
Efe – Once again Efe was immense and really did make it look like pipe and slippers time against Hamilton. I heard Lenny say that Efe is in the best form he’s seen for some time and I can’t argue with that.
Ryan – Another fine 90 minutes from Porteous who is clearly learning in every game. Excellent in the air and is reading the game well too. Not sure what his thirty five yard first half effort on goal was all about though!
Lewis – Another excellent performance from Lewis who never put a foot wrong in the whole game. I always struggle to understand those around me that moan when he plays the ball back the way. Would they prefer he tried something else and lost out. Retaining possession is often key and Lewis excels at that.
Slivka – As I said earlier, he played on the right side of the diamond and was excellent throughout. He is very confident in possession, can pick a pass and looked every bit the player we all want him to be.
Mark – What a player this guy is. Glides around midfield, breaking up play from the opposition and importantly in my view, talks all the time and I’m sure the likes of Porteous, Hyndman and Mallan all benefit from that.
Emerson – I thought he was superb today. Always looking for the ball, played a few telling passes and today I was delighted to see him up his game physically on a couple of occasions. His goal looked so simple but it was actually very skilfully taken.
Stevie – Has scored nine goals this season already and every one from outside the box. The laddie just oozes class and the good news is that coaching will make him even better. Got the man of the match award today, from the sponsors.
Boyler – Australia’s gain could be Scotland’s loss in my opinion. I’ve heard fans of other clubs expressing astonishment that McLeish hasn’t at least brought him into his squad. Today he took his goal well, might have had another two and had at least one assist.
Flo – You know what, I feel heart sorry for Flo as he is clearly lacking in confidence, bad news for a striker and doesn’t look 100% fit. Today he was caught in possession a few times but to his credit he kept on going and took his goal very well. That goal will boost the confidence and the break will give his body a rest.
Daryl – Buzzed around and worked very hard whilst offering an assist for Mallan’s second goal. I like him best in a central role and he looked at home there today.
Jamie Gullan – Hammer scores goals for fun in the Development team and might have gotten a first team goal today but Flo’s pass was knocked in by a defender as Jamie waited to pounce.
Nelom – Wasn’t really on the pitch for that long but took up the left back berth with Lewis moved into midfield.
Lenny – Rightly happy with his charges and made that very plain in his after match interview.
My man of the match – I had three or four in the frame and really it could have been any of them but once again, Efe rises to the top.
The ref – Pretty anonymous which equates to a decent performance but it was an easy game to ref in truth.
The fans – Two ‘singing sections’ giving it laldy but I was surprised at 4-0 and cruising at just how quiet it was. It was a nice touch clapping Keatings when he came off the bench.