This is how it feels (BSC Glasgow 09 02 20)

[Jonnyboy]

Today it was a matter of job done even though it wasn’t pretty at times. The conditions were horrific and made the whole game a bit of a farce at times but we’re still in the cup and have been rewarded with a quarter final tie at Easter Road against Inverness Caley.

It would be easy to lambast the team for making such a hard job of beating the Lowland League part timers but the inescapable fact is that even the best of players would struggle in such conditions. Whenever the ball was punted into the air it became a lottery in trying to gauge its flight and defenders on both sides had their work cut out. Having said that there were too many occasions when the Hibs rearguard played the ball across the face of our box, inviting unnecessary pressure.

There was no sign of Scott Allan today, perhaps his absence being one of the couple that Jack Ross alluded to in his pre match interview. With Jackson also absent and Ross maybe reluctant to risk McGregor on the synthetic surface, Hibs set up with three at the back in the shape of McGinn, Hanlon and Stevenson although Whittaker was sitting deep and ready to slot in when BSC had possession. On the matter of the playing surface I’ve said many times before that I’m not a fan but credit to Alloa for replacing their rubber pellets effort with what seemed a very good surface (still firmly of the view that football should be played on grass though).

In a brisk start to the game, BSC’s McNab was booked for a crude tackle on Horgan and I feared that this was just a sign of what was to come but credit to BSC, they played decent football and crunching tackles were few and far between. With passes and crosses invariably being over hit due to the strong wind there were few real chances of note but around the ten minute mark a glorious through ball from Boyle found McNulty racing into the box. Marc took a touch and slipped past his marker before shooting low past Marshall in the BSC goal.

Minutes later, Doidge was foiled by a fine Marshall block and when the ball fell to Docherty he too saw his effort blocked and cleared. At the other end, Horgan of all people popped up deep inside the Hibs box to clear the danger as McNab lurked nearby. Next, a poor headed clearance by Hanlon allowed Orr to fire in a low effort which Marciano dived to his right to save low down.

On the half hour, a determined Greg Docherty won the ball on the wide left before looking up and spotting McNulty in the box. The pass was perfect and McNulty wasted no time in shooting the ball high into the net. I felt that Hibs took their foot off the gas at this point and the hosts made them pay when centre back Smith outmuscled Stevenson in the jump and headed home at the far post with Marciano stranded. With a good five minutes of the half left, Hibs were all over the place in terms of getting and retaining possession of the ball but BSC were unable to capitalise.

Hibs were out sharp following the break but for the first fifteen minutes they struggled with the flight of the ball and BSC grew in confidence. Hibs did get a couple of shots away but Marshall saved both quite easily before Hanlon was short with a pass to Stevenson and had to rely on Marciano blocking a shot from Orr.

With around twenty minutes left, Hibs eased the growing concern amongst the travelling support when Docherty won the ball near the half way line, looked up and struck a fabulous ball over the top of the BSC defenders and right onto the foot of McNulty who calmly stroked the ball beyond Marshall to make it 3-1.

Hibs now settled into a good pattern of play and BSC looked a beaten side. Doidge should have made it 4-1 but after rounding the keeper he hit the side netting from a sharp angle. Fraser Murray who had replaced Horgan earlier, glided down the left side and picked out McNulty in the box but the hat trick hero was crowded out before he could get a shot away.

With around ten minutes left, Gullan replaced Omeonga and within a few minutes of arriving he’d forced Marshall into a fine save and then combined with McNulty to set up Docherty for the fourth goal.

As I’ve said earlier, it wasn’t pretty but given the horrendous conditions I’m just glad there were no banana skins on the playing surface.

The players

Marciano – Rocky didn’t really have a lot to do if truth be told. He had no chance with the goal but was sharp enough to read the danger when Hanlon’s pass put Orr in possession.

McGinn – A solid performance but like others he struggled at times with the conditions. I do like him though and I think he is going about making the right back position his own.

Hanlon – Slack passes at the back and aimless passes forward were too much in evidence today. Paul is better than that and when the wind isn’t blowing a gale he’ll go on to confirm that in the weeks ahead.

Stevenson – It has to be said that his poor effort at the BSC goal is a black mark but there were also a couple of times that his reading of the play resulted in important tackles being made.

Whittaker – Steven sat deep and slotted into the three when danger threatened. Overall, I thought he had a solid game, again.

Boyle – Other than the super pass for the first goal, Martin wasn’t as involved as I’d like him to have been.

Omeonga – Non stop running and some great challenges but the wee man was often to be found watching the ball sail over his head.

Docherty – Two assists and a goal is a good haul in anybody’s book. Marry that to his athleticism and pace and you’ve got a player I’d like to see at Hibs long term. Greg came very close to winning my man of the match award.

Horgan – Took a dull one inside the first five minutes but got up and got on with it. Frustratingly, he gets into decent positions but his final ball is wayward more often than not.

McNulty – Marc got the full ninety minutes and that will undoubtedly help his match fitness level. All three goals were well taken and it’s difficult to ignore a hat trick performance when giving him man of the match. As I said, Docherty ran him close but Marc just edged it.

Doidge – A bit of a mixed bag today, as he seemed to struggle as much as anyone with the flight of the ball. Having rounded the keeper he should really have scored or perhaps even picked out his unmarked team mate in the six yard box.

Murray – Fraser got half an hour and did pretty well, especially after he moved over to the right. I’m pretty sure it was him that started the move for the fourth goal.

Hallberg – Replaced Omeonga and did ok without setting the heather on fire.

Gullan – Jamie brought out a fine save by Marshall and was instrumental in setting up Docherty for the fourth goal.

Jack Ross – I’m not sure if he will be entirely happy but given that we got through to the next round he can be satisfied at that.

The fans – A decent support, many of whom got soaked as well as battered by the wind.

Alan Newlands – The ref got a couple of things wrong but otherwise was rarely seen, which is the sign of a good performance.

[Cod Boy]

Rocky had a brilliant save in first half

[Hibbyradge]

Rocky had a brilliant save in first half

Yes he did. Full stretch, low to his right.

I also thought Horgan did very well for us defensively.

[BILLYHIBS]

Brilliant

Many thanks for posting Jonnyboy

I was impressed by how quickly Gullan got his shot away almost taking the goalie by surprise and his cutback for Docherty’s goal

[04Sauzee]

Yes he did. Full stretch, low to his right.

I also thought Horgan did very well for us defensively.

The best Horgan has ever done for us defensively.

[CMurdoch]

The key today was passing the ball along the ground and any attempt to deviate from that was doomed.
The most useful aspect of today was McNulty getting 90 minutes competitive football and the confidence that will come from scoring goals again.
Everything else that happened was about getting the job done and avoiding injuries.
We now move onto Wednesday nights important league match.

Does anyone know what Newell's injury is or was he just rested?
He is a massively important player for us now.

[Unseen work]

Couple of things for me

Whittikar - Since he’s came back into the team he’s been one of if not our best player imo. Reads the game so well, wins the ball back and has been good on the ball. Really happy with his contribution and if he was a new signing he would rightly be getting a lot of plaudits.

McNulty - Took his three goals really well and should really have had a fourth when he tried to chip the goalie. 90 minutes will do him the world of good as he looks to be very heavy at the moment, got a good few KG’s to shred.

Docherty - Said when we signed him he’s a player and he’s proving it. Brilliant to see him stand up the opposition and just run at them, bags of pace, strength and power. Would love to get him permanently but feel we will be miles off money wise.

Horgan - Worked hard defensively but he’s up against lowland league opposition and I’m not sure he beat his man once. Games like this I expect him to be turning them inside out and creating chances. When he did find himself in good areas he was wasteful.

Gullan - Been wanting him to get a chance for a while and he proved why today. Very sharp, can use both feet and has the skill, pace and power to get away from the opposition defenders. I’d start him Wednesday.

All that matters is we won and got through to the next round so I’m delighted. It was a tricky game with the conditions, need to dust ourselves off and get ready for a massive game midweek.

[greenlex]

McNulty played very well on top of his goals. Well deserved MOTM.
BBC have possession at 50/50. Find that very hard to believe.

[B.H.F.C]

Thought Gullan and Murray both added a bit urgency to our play.

Horgan needs to start offering more of a threat. The left hand side is proving to be a wee bit of an issue IMO.

Most important thing today was winning. Second most important thing, IMO, was McNulty getting up and running, and he did that.

No silly bookings was also important.

[Lancs Harp]

McNulty played very well on top of his goals. Well deserved MOTM.
BBC have possession at 50/50. Find that very hard to believe.

Dont know if the stats all come from the same place but Sky Sports and Flashscores app also reported 50/50 possession. I too found a little surprising.

[MWHIBBIES]

Really didn't see Docherty as anything special today. Good last 25 minutes but otherwise nothing special IMO.

[number9dream]

McNulty played very well on top of his goals. Well deserved MOTM.
BBC have possession at 50/50. Find that very hard to believe.


It just means the Opta stats haven't worked or they haven't bothered doing them.
Opta offer a pretty terrible service north of the border.

All about getting through today with the minimum of fuss. Good to see the new arrivals impressing.

[Allant1981]

Really didn't see Docherty as anything special today. Good last 25 minutes but otherwise nothing special IMO.

Didnt look interested at all for most of the game

[Peevemor]

Didnt look interested at all for most of the gameNonsense. 2 assists and a goal. I'll take that sort of non interest any time.

[Kojock]

The only stat that matters is Hibs won and now play ICT at home in the next round GGTTH

[Allant1981]

Nonsense. 2 assists and a goal. I'll take that sort of non interest any time.

So you think he had a good game?

[Robbo6-2]

Daryl Horgan seriously how many chances does this guy need.

Hes not good enough. All he is doing is blocking the pathway for Gullan or Murray.

Murray has too start on Wednesday

[Lago]

Didnt look interested at all for most of the game
Yip a passenger 😂

[BILLYHIBS]

Really didn't see Docherty as anything special today. Good last 25 minutes but otherwise nothing special IMO.

Seemed to me to be affected more than most by the conditions

Wayward passes and nothing coming off for him but kept trying to drive us forward nonetheless

At one point he was thumping the plastic turf in frustration as he was halted in his tracks in the opponents box second half

Superb through ball for McNultys third goal to seal the deal and a sublimely taken goal from Jamie’s cutback to put the cherry on top of the cake

Another ninety minutes under his belt to add to the thirty eight minutes of last week

Whats not to like?

:dunno:

[B.H.F.C]

Daryl Horgan seriously how many chances does this guy need.

Hes not good enough. All he is doing is blocking the pathway for Gullan or Murray.

Murray has too start on Wednesday

I’d start one of them, ahead of Horgan, on Wednesday. The position on the left is a bit of a problem for us at the moment IMO so I’d give one of them a chance.

[SideBurns]

Nonsense. 2 assists and a goal. I'll take that sort of non interest any time.

Was involved in virtually every good move forward. Can't understand why anyone would think he looked disinterested, appeared exactly the opposite to me! Would love to sign him, but think the Huns will take him back.

[Golden Bear]

Didnt look interested at all for most of the game

Unbelievable!

[Peevemor]

Seemed to me to be affected more than most by the conditions

Wayward passes and nothing coming off for him but kept trying to drive us forward nonetheless

At one point he was thumping the plastic turf in frustration as he was halted in his tracks in the opponents box second half

Superb through ball for McNultys goal to seal the deal and a sublimely taken goal from Jamie’s cutback to put the cherry on top of the cake

Another ninety minutes under his belt to add to the thirty eight minutes of last week

Whats not to like?

:dunno:Exactly. When did Hibs supporters start expecting perfection from every player? Do people realise how difficult it is to play football in conditions like today's?

[04Sauzee]

Didnt look interested at all for most of the game

That's not even close to being true.

[Allant1981]

Unbelievable!

He had a couple of good runs in the first half and when they tored he came back into it but he should have been all over that midfield today but wasnt, done well with the 2 assists and his goal but he should have been much more dominant

[The 90+2]

I thought Docherty tried to play football and got himself on the ball and about the pitch as much as he could. He will improve with games too. Horgan I thought was brutal.

[Peevemor]

So you think he had a good game?Yes and I hope he'll do even better in future. I also think that you post nonsense on here fairly often.

[B.H.F.C]

Docherty was getting really frustrated in the first half at us not passing the ball forward enough. That’s a good thing because, for me, we’re far too ponderous on the ball at times, with all our defenders being required to touch the ball before it goes forward.

[Allant1981]

Exactly. When did Hibs supporters start expecting perfection from every player? Do people realise how difficult it is to play football in conditions like today's?

We were playing a lowland league team who matched us for a lot of the game and if not for poor finishing could have went 2-2, I expected much better from professional full time players, and the conditions were not that bad believe me, they will all have played in worse

[Allant1981]

Yes and I hope he'll do even better in future. I also think that you post nonsense on here fairly often.

As do you believe me

[brog]

Excellent as ever John. Just a few comments. Rocky's excellent save came initially from PH's sclaffed clearance but Paul McGinn was at least equally culpable in not clearing the ball. I like PMcG but he had a couple of strange moments today. I also like Greg D but I thought he blew hot & cold today. It was summed up for me by his brilliant run in the 1st half to give us a 3 on 2 but he then hit a horrendous pass. His pass for the killer goal was excellent however & I'd be very surprised if we're not already planning for a longer future at ER for him.

[The 90+2]

We were playing a lowland league team who matched us for a lot of the game and if not for poor finishing could have went 2-2, I expected much better from professional full time players, and the conditions were not that bad believe me, they will all have played in worse

Celtic didn’t really cover themselves in glory against Partimers today or Aberdeen against Dumbarton. They set up to stop us playing and quite rightly so, our job was to break them down and create chances for our forwards, GD done this.

[Peevemor]

As do you believe meI take comfort from this.

[Brightside]

Was involved in virtually every good move forward. Can't understand why anyone would think he looked disinterested, appeared exactly the opposite to me! Would love to sign him, but think the Huns will take him back.

I dont know what some of the people watch that comment on here. I can only imagine its the rangers connection that is making people come out with this stuff. Him and Sparky were the best players on the park today.

[Allant1981]

Celtic didn’t really cover themselves in glory against Partimers today or Aberdeen against Dumbarton. They set up to stop us playing and quite rightly so, our job was to break them down and create chances for our forwards, GD done this.

Didnt think they set up up to stop us playing, think we were just poor in patches

[Peevemor]

We were playing a lowland league team who matched us for a lot of the game and if not for poor finishing could have went 2-2, I expected much better from professional full time players, and the conditions were not that bad believe me, they will all have played in worse

Fair enough. Jack Ross said post-match that the conditions were among the worst he's encountered, but I'll believe you instead.

[greenlex]

Didnt think they set up up to stop us playing, think we were just poor in patches
They rarely pressed us at all in our half if at all. Not once did they try and stop our defenders building from the back. They had a rigid two banks of four. You think they were expansive and going for it?

[Kato]

the conditions were not that bad believe me,

No, I won't thanks very much.

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[Allant1981]

No, I won't thanks very much.

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Just as well I wasnt asking you

[scoopyboy]

Daryl Horgan seriously how many chances does this guy need.

Hes not good enough. All he is doing is blocking the pathway for Gullan or Murray.

Murray has too start on Wednesday

I would like to see Murray start as well.

Not for the same reasons as most on here though.

I'm not convinced he's as good as a lot folk on here think, but to be fair to him he needs to get game time to show what he can do.

Two and a half years ago I thought during a League Cup section he was ready but being honest I don't think he's any better. Would love to be wrong on this one but I think unless he becomes a first team regular soon he will be on his way out.

[Allant1981]

Fair enough. Jack Ross said post-match that the conditions were among the worst he's encountered, but I'll believe you instead.

Do yourself a favour and stick me on ignore as you're boring me now

[Kato]

Just as well I wasnt asking youI doubt there's anyone falling for that tbh.

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[Peevemor]

Do yourself a favour and stick me on ignore as you're boring me now

You don't understand how the ignore function works either. You're having a 'mare here aren't you?

[The 90+2]

They rarely pressed us at all in our half if at all. Not once did they try and stop our defenders building from the back. They had a rigid two banks of four. You think they were expansive and going for it?
Our midfield had very little time on the ball from the first minute. They also probably worked out we rarely create anything playing out from defenders.

[Robbo6-2]

I would like to see Murray start as well.

Not for the same reasons as most on here though.

I'm not convinced he's as good as a lot folk on here think, but to be fair to him he needs to get game time to show what he can do.

Two and a half years ago I thought during a League Cup section he was ready but being honest I don't think he's any better. Would love to be wrong on this one but I think unless he becomes a first team regular soon he will be on his way out.

When has Murray actually been given a fair crack of 6 or 7 games on the spin?

[AlbertK86]

Didnt look interested at all for most of the game

Two very good assists and gave 100% all game from where I stood.

Anybody questioning him not being interested should’ve seen the unadulterated delight and passion on his face when he scored the goal.

Was absolutely delighted with himself.

Going to be a great acquisition for us


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[Billy Whizz]

Two very good assists and gave 100% all game from where I stood.

Anybody questioning him not being interested should’ve seen the unadulterated delight and passion on his face when he scored the goal.

Was absolutely delighted with himself.

Going to be a great acquisition for us


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

He’s the box to box midfielder we’ve been looking for
Probably his 1st 90 mins this season. Well done Greg

[greenlex]

Our midfield had very little time on the ball from the first minute. They also probably worked out we rarely create anything playing out from defenders. I rest my case then.

[jacomo]

The key today was passing the ball along the ground and any attempt to deviate from that was doomed.
The most useful aspect of today was McNulty getting 90 minutes competitive football and the confidence that will come from scoring goals again.
Everything else that happened was about getting the job done and avoiding injuries.
We now move onto Wednesday nights important league match.

Does anyone know what Newell's injury is or was he just rested?
He is a massively important player for us now.


The problem is that the ball doesn’t roll properly on these plastic pitches either.

Horrible conditions today, we went ahead after 10 mins and never lost the lead. Conceding the goal was obviously poor but overall few complaints.

Well done Hibs.

[EI255]

Remember when Celtic could only beat Whitehill Welfare 3-0 at Easter Rd? Conditions were perfect. It's all about getting through. Nothing else really matters.

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[EI255]

Didnt look interested at all for most of the gameAccording to the radio pundits he was excellent today. Funny how people see things differently.

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[The 90+2]

I rest my case then.

👍

[Allant1981]

According to the radio pundits he was excellent today. Funny how people see things differently.

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For the parts he was in the game he done well, apart from the shocker of a pass to boyle right enough, I was just expecting more and obviously only myself and one other on this thread thought he wasnt that great. No big deal that others dont agree with me

[Smartie]

I was cynical about the Docherty signing but he's been outstanding in the game and a half he's played.

There is absolutely no shortage of desire (if anything he looks like one of our most determined and committed players already), he looks very interested (something I wondered if he would) and no shortage of ability either.

Based on what I've seen so far Rangers should be hanging onto him, he's a very good player.

[B.H.F.C]

For the parts he was in the game he done well, apart from the shocker of a pass to boyle right enough, I was just expecting more and obviously only myself and one other on this thread thought he wasnt that great. No big deal that others dont agree with me

I don’t completely disagree with you on his performance. I don’t think it was down to lack of interest or anything like that though.

He got a couple of assists and a goal so can’t complain but there were a lot of slack passes, particularly in the first part of the second half. That was us in general though and maybe the weather influenced it.

[Deejk107]

Fantastic write up as always, can't believe some people on here slating Doherty when he carried Omeonga and Horgan on his back for the entirety of their time on the park. The latter especially disappointing with his inability to literally do anything but lose the ball.

Was slated in the match thread for it but I dont think Lewis solely deserves blame for the goal as Marciano was rooted on his line for the cross as always. Easy work for a competent goalkeeper, something we've lacked for my entire life supporting hibs. Delighted we're through but I would only give Doherty and McNulty pass marks. Compare the performance today to the performance a couple years ago at Bonnyrigg and it speaks volumes, much better is needed, seen a lot of people talk about the wind etc but there's a very simple solution, keep the ball on the deck.

[Allant1981]

I don’t completely disagree with you on his performance. I don’t think it was down to lack of interest or anything like that though.

He got a couple of assists and a goal so can’t complain but there were a lot of slack passes, particularly in the first part of the second half. That was us in general though and maybe the weather influenced it.

Probably not and I was maybe a bit harsh with my choice of words when I said not interested, should have said not as good as I thought he would be, especially considering the opposition

[hibsboy69]

Didnt look interested at all for most of the game

A parody post.........surely ?!

[Carheenlea]

Just look at how pleased Docherty was with his first goal for Hibs - that’ll clear up any doubts over his interest today.

[Hibbyradge]

Do yourself a favour and stick me on ignore as you're boring me now

Shouldn't that work the other way round?

:dunno:

[Frankhfc]

Probably not and I was maybe a bit harsh with my choice of words when I said not interested, should have said not as good as I thought he would be, especially considering the opposition

Glad that you've toned down on Docherty as it didn't look as if any player wasn't interested and that they were all battling to play any type football given the conditions and that BSC weren't as easy a touch as many predicted. We did very well to come away scoring four goals and I thought the team put in a good shift despite the elements.

Mon the Hibs

:flag:

[Allant1981]

Shouldn't that work the other way round?

:dunno:

He is, I wasnt the one giving people pelters because of their opinion was I.

[MWHIBBIES]

Fantastic write up as always, can't believe some people on here slating Doherty when he carried Omeonga and Horgan on his back for the entirety of their time on the park. The latter especially disappointing with his inability to literally do anything but lose the ball.

Was slated in the match thread for it but I dont think Lewis solely deserves blame for the goal as Marciano was rooted on his line for the cross as always. Easy work for a competent goalkeeper, something we've lacked for my entire life supporting hibs. Delighted we're through but I would only give Doherty and McNulty pass marks. Compare the performance today to the performance a couple years ago at Bonnyrigg and it speaks volumes, much better is needed, seen a lot of people talk about the wind etc but there's a very simple solution, keep the ball on the deck.

We currently have 2 competent goalkeepers. You're not going to see better here. They make mistakes but they're as good as their jobs as any outfield player we've got.

[number9dream]

Good for McNulty to get 90 minutes and three goals and to get used to playing with Doidge.
Now the question is how do we fit those two in the side with Allan and Boyle?
The Diamond doesn't really suit Boyle and there's no room for Allan in a flat 4-4-2 (not sure Horgan is up to a regular start on the left either)
Will it be 3-5-2 on Wednesday? I'm definitely not in a hurry to see McGinn and Stevenson used in more central positions again, so we could do with Jackson and McGregor getting back to full fitness.
But then where does Newell fit in? And Hallberg has rapidly gone from a first pick to out of the picture.
Mostly good problems to have. It will be interesting to see how we set up against Ross County...

[Paloschi]

Interesting Reporting Scotland summary of the game.

‘Despite many chances BSC could only pull 1 goal back’

‘Meanwhile Celtic eased past Clyde’

Clyde had more attempts on goal than BSC

[Peevemor]

He is, I wasnt the one giving people pelters because of their opinion was I.


"Didnt look interested at all for most of the game"

Is that an opinion? Looks more like a statement of fact to me.

In either case it's a total waste of bandwidth (in my opinion, and that of a few others it would seeem).

[PeeJay]

Good report as ever. For me it was job done in a game we (the players) couldn't really win for obvious reasons. Conditions were poor, and we played some good stuff at times, they also gave a decent account of themselves. Don't think a lower league club like BSC should be wandering so easily through our defence, but then why not, everybody else does ... :greengrin

[500miles]

I thought we looked like we were trying to use the game as a training exercise. Don't fly into tackles, don't get hurt, keep ticking over, you've got a game at the weekend.

Thought we should have started Gullan and Murray, who looked like they were trying to make more of an impression when they came on.

[Since452]

I think Barcelona would have struggled to look good yesterday

[Peevemor]

I thought we looked like we were trying to use the game as a training exercise. Don't fly into tackles, don't get hurt, keep ticking over, you've got a game at the weekend.

That's the impression I got, though not a training exercise - just very disciplined/nothing daft.


Thought we should have started Gullan and Murray, who looked like they were trying to make more of an impression when they came on.


For me it was better to make sure the job was done before bringiong them on.

[Hibbyradge]

If we're going to ignore the effect of the extreme conditions, then no-one, apart from McNulty, played well.

The fact that the wind held passes up, blew the ball beyond the strikers and, for their goal, blew it beyond our defence, would all be irrelevant.

Analysing players' performances after that match can only lead to negative conclusions.

Enjoy the win and move on to Wednesday. Plenty more opportunity to lay into our players then.

[Since452]

If we're going to ignore the effect of the extreme conditions, then no-one, apart from McNulty, played well.

The fact that the wind held passes up, blew the ball beyond the strikers and, for their goal, blew it beyond our defence, would all be irrelevant.

Analysing players' performances after that match can only lead to negative conclusions.

Enjoy the win and move on to Wednesday. Plenty more opportunity to lay into our players then.

Totally agree. Job done. We move on

[Golden Bear]

If we're going to ignore the effect of the extreme conditions, then no-one, apart from McNulty, played well.

The fact that the wind held passes up, blew the ball beyond the strikers and, for their goal, blew it beyond our defence, would all be irrelevant.

Analysing players' performances after that match can only lead to negative conclusions.

Enjoy the win and move on to Wednesday. Plenty more opportunity to lay into our players then.

Aye, but but but --------------------- what aboot that glorious chance McNulty passed up when he tried to lob the keeper? Call him a striker?, yer surely having a laugh. It looked to me as if he wasn't trying a leg.

It's a disgrace I tell ye.


:greengrin

[southern hibby]

I thought Jack Ross made the game hard for us defensively. Now I’ve never claimed to have done any coaching badges etc etc but I’ve always been under the impression that if you have a back three then it’s three CH’s and your two wing backs come back from midfield to help out to make a back five when defending.

So I’m either mistaken or he’s trying something I’ve not seen or even thought about by using one CH and two wing backs in a back three. Yes I understand we won and yes I understand the standard of the opposition but I just can’t work out why he did this.

One other thing I’ve been very critical about throw ins and not practising them and how many we seem to give the ball back to opposing teams when we win one and how many times our defenders take them, however we scored yesterday from a move started by a throw in ( by Horgan ) and looked much more urgent taking them. Maybe we’ve been practising or maybe it’s just a one off, I’m hoping we’ve been practising ( fingers crossed ).

GGTTH

[KingPat4]

It's easy to blame the conditions but I thought Marciano was at fault at their goal. Lewis would have needed a jetpack to reach that ball.

Defence continues to worry me.

[Hermit Crab]

It's easy to blame the conditions but I thought Marciano was at fault at their goal. Lewis would have needed a jetpack to reach that ball.

Defence continues to worry me.


LS was easily bullied by their attacker but why the F is trying to mark a guy twice the size of him in the first place??? As for Marciano he definitely could have done better. I felt he was too far towards his near post as the header went in the centre of the goal. A poor one to concede. Agree with you, defence is a real concern. We were really lucky only to concede one yesterday.

[Smartie]

LS was easily bullied by their attacker but why the F is trying to mark a guy twice the size of him in the first place??? As for Marciano he definitely could have done better. I felt he was too far towards his near post as the header went in the centre of the goal. A poor one to concede. Agree with you, defence is a real concern. We were really lucky only to concede one yesterday.

Our line-up left us short of big lads to defend set pieces. Lewis will often punch above his weight aerially - this time he was beaten but he often does well in these situations.

[brog]

I thought Jack Ross made the game hard for us defensively. Now I’ve never claimed to have done any coaching badges etc etc but I’ve always been under the impression that if you have a back three then it’s three CH’s and your two wing backs come back from midfield to help out to make a back five when defending.

So I’m either mistaken or he’s trying something I’ve not seen or even thought about by using one CH and two wing backs in a back three. Yes I understand we won and yes I understand the standard of the opposition but I just can’t work out why he did this.

One other thing I’ve been very critical about throw ins and not practising them and how many we seem to give the ball back to opposing teams when we win one and how many times our defenders take them, however we scored yesterday from a move started by a throw in ( by Horgan ) and looked much more urgent taking them. Maybe we’ve been practising or maybe it’s just a one off, I’m hoping we’ve been practising ( fingers crossed ).

GGTTH

I thought much the same when I saw the line up, though I'm not sure I would describe McGinn & Lew as wingbacks, more conventional full backs. NL actually played Lew in a back 3 twice, at Ibrox where it worked & at Celtc, where it definitely didn't. I think if it had been 2 0 at h/t we would have stayed with that shape but the goal meant he moved Whitty to a back 4. As a result we didn't have so much midfield possession but shored up at the back. Was an unusual 352 formation but we're in next round & that's all that matters.

[Smartie]

I thought much the same when I saw the line up, though I'm not sure I would describe McGinn & Lew as wingbacks, more conventional full backs. NL actually played Lew in a back 3 twice, at Ibrox where it worked & at Celtc, where it definitely didn't. I think if it had been 2 0 at h/t we would have stayed with that shape but the goal meant he moved Whitty to a back 4. As a result we didn't have so much midfield possession but shored up at the back. Was an unusual 352 formation but we're in next round & that's all that matters.

I thought it was a crap formation, close to being a good one and we improved once the obvious change was made.

The most important thing is that we got away with it.

Since the winter break I’ve not really been impressed with Ross’ tactics and the way we’ve started games but I do actually like the fact that he seems to be adaptable, open to experimentation and able to change a game to salvage an improved result.

He should get a reasonable amount of leeway this season, but my biggest bugbear is the 451 at home which doesn’t suit our players and too often sees us take too long in games to get started. He needs to either find a starting team who can play this way or do something different.

And he won’t be getting much leeway next season, when he’s had a couple of transfer windows to make his mark on the squad.

[cmcd]

Today it was a matter of job done even though it wasn’t pretty at times. The conditions were horrific and made the whole game a bit of a farce at times but we’re still in the cup and have been rewarded with a quarter final tie at Easter Road against Inverness Caley.

It would be easy to lambast the team for making such a hard job of beating the Lowland League part timers but the inescapable fact is that even the best of players would struggle in such conditions. Whenever the ball was punted into the air it became a lottery in trying to gauge its flight and defenders on both sides had their work cut out. Having said that there were too many occasions when the Hibs rearguard played the ball across the face of our box, inviting unnecessary pressure.

There was no sign of Scott Allan today, perhaps his absence being one of the couple that Jack Ross alluded to in his pre match interview. With Jackson also absent and Ross maybe reluctant to risk McGregor on the synthetic surface, Hibs set up with three at the back in the shape of McGinn, Hanlon and Stevenson although Whittaker was sitting deep and ready to slot in when BSC had possession. On the matter of the playing surface I’ve said many times before that I’m not a fan but credit to Alloa for replacing their rubber pellets effort with what seemed a very good surface (still firmly of the view that football should be played on grass though).

In a brisk start to the game, BSC’s McNab was booked for a crude tackle on Horgan and I feared that this was just a sign of what was to come but credit to BSC, they played decent football and crunching tackles were few and far between. With passes and crosses invariably being over hit due to the strong wind there were few real chances of note but around the ten minute mark a glorious through ball from Boyle found McNulty racing into the box. Marc took a touch and slipped past his marker before shooting low past Marshall in the BSC goal.

Minutes later, Doidge was foiled by a fine Marshall block and when the ball fell to Docherty he too saw his effort blocked and cleared. At the other end, Horgan of all people popped up deep inside the Hibs box to clear the danger as McNab lurked nearby. Next, a poor headed clearance by Hanlon allowed Orr to fire in a low effort which Marciano dived to his right to save low down.

On the half hour, a determined Greg Docherty won the ball on the wide left before looking up and spotting McNulty in the box. The pass was perfect and McNulty wasted no time in shooting the ball high into the net. I felt that Hibs took their foot off the gas at this point and the hosts made them pay when centre back Smith outmuscled Stevenson in the jump and headed home at the far post with Marciano stranded. With a good five minutes of the half left, Hibs were all over the place in terms of getting and retaining possession of the ball but BSC were unable to capitalise.

Hibs were out sharp following the break but for the first fifteen minutes they struggled with the flight of the ball and BSC grew in confidence. Hibs did get a couple of shots away but Marshall saved both quite easily before Hanlon was short with a pass to Stevenson and had to rely on Marciano blocking a shot from Orr.

With around twenty minutes left, Hibs eased the growing concern amongst the travelling support when Docherty won the ball near the half way line, looked up and struck a fabulous ball over the top of the BSC defenders and right onto the foot of McNulty who calmly stroked the ball beyond Marshall to make it 3-1.

Hibs now settled into a good pattern of play and BSC looked a beaten side. Doidge should have made it 4-1 but after rounding the keeper he hit the side netting from a sharp angle. Fraser Murray who had replaced Horgan earlier, glided down the left side and picked out McNulty in the box but the hat trick hero was crowded out before he could get a shot away.

With around ten minutes left, Gullan replaced Omeonga and within a few minutes of arriving he’d forced Marshall into a fine save and then combined with McNulty to set up Docherty for the fourth goal.

As I’ve said earlier, it wasn’t pretty but given the horrendous conditions I’m just glad there were no banana skins on the playing surface.

The players

Marciano – Rocky didn’t really have a lot to do if truth be told. He had no chance with the goal but was sharp enough to read the danger when Hanlon’s pass put Orr in possession.

McGinn – A solid performance but like others he struggled at times with the conditions. I do like him though and I think he is going about making the right back position his own.

Hanlon – Slack passes at the back and aimless passes forward were too much in evidence today. Paul is better than that and when the wind isn’t blowing a gale he’ll go on to confirm that in the weeks ahead.

Stevenson – It has to be said that his poor effort at the BSC goal is a black mark but there were also a couple of times that his reading of the play resulted in important tackles being made.

Whittaker – Steven sat deep and slotted into the three when danger threatened. Overall, I thought he had a solid game, again.

Boyle – Other than the super pass for the first goal, Martin wasn’t as involved as I’d like him to have been.

Omeonga – Non stop running and some great challenges but the wee man was often to be found watching the ball sail over his head.

Docherty – Two assists and a goal is a good haul in anybody’s book. Marry that to his athleticism and pace and you’ve got a player I’d like to see at Hibs long term. Greg came very close to winning my man of the match award.

Horgan – Took a dull one inside the first five minutes but got up and got on with it. Frustratingly, he gets into decent positions but his final ball is wayward more often than not.

McNulty – Marc got the full ninety minutes and that will undoubtedly help his match fitness level. All three goals were well taken and it’s difficult to ignore a hat trick performance when giving him man of the match. As I said, Docherty ran him close but Marc just edged it.

Doidge – A bit of a mixed bag today, as he seemed to struggle as much as anyone with the flight of the ball. Having rounded the keeper he should really have scored or perhaps even picked out his unmarked team mate in the six yard box.

Murray – Fraser got half an hour and did pretty well, especially after he moved over to the right. I’m pretty sure it was him that started the move for the fourth goal.

Hallberg – Replaced Omeonga and did ok without setting the heather on fire.

Gullan – Jamie brought out a fine save by Marshall and was instrumental in setting up Docherty for the fourth goal.

Jack Ross – I’m not sure if he will be entirely happy but given that we got through to the next round he can be satisfied at that.

The fans – A decent support, many of whom got soaked as well as battered by the wind.

Alan Newlands – The ref got a couple of things wrong but otherwise was rarely seen, which is the sign of a good performance.

Agree with most but disagree with comment on Stevenson at the goal . 5ft 9inch Stevenson against a giant . No way he could get to the ball . For me Hanlon Whittaker or McGinn should have been at the back post .

[Iggy Pope]

I thought Jack Ross made the game hard for us defensively. Now I’ve never claimed to have done any coaching badges etc etc but I’ve always been under the impression that if you have a back three then it’s three CH’s and your two wing backs come back from midfield to help out to make a back five when defending.

So I’m either mistaken or he’s trying something I’ve not seen or even thought about by using one CH and two wing backs in a back three. Yes I understand we won and yes I understand the standard of the opposition but I just can’t work out why he did this.

One other thing I’ve been very critical about throw ins and not practising them and how many we seem to give the ball back to opposing teams when we win one and how many times our defenders take them, however we scored yesterday from a move started by a throw in ( by Horgan ) and looked much more urgent taking them. Maybe we’ve been practising or maybe it’s just a one off, I’m hoping we’ve been practising ( fingers crossed ).

GGTTH

I’m not Horgan’s biggest fan but he is alert beyond those means at throw ins. Urgency at throw ins has to surely start. When Gray moves to take a throw in I’m convinced we remain mesmerised, mystified even, by that beautiful, magical Berwick upon Tweed of his.

[JimBHibees]

I dont know what some of the people watch that comment on here. I can only imagine its the rangers connection that is making people come out with this stuff. Him and Sparky were the best players on the park today.

Best players by a mile. Some peoples eyes are painted on I think.