Jonnyboy
12-09-2020, 07:01 PM
St. Mirren Park was the venue for yet another game with no fans present. Of course that meant we all had to rely on internet based TV coverage and I don’t know about you but the stream we had via St. Mirren’s platform was pretty patchy at times and even froze for a minute or two early in the first half. Thankfully, none of the important and sometimes entertaining parts were enjoyed as Hibs cruised to a 3-0 win.
With Scott Allan out injured it looked to me at least as though Stevie Mallan would get the nod but in fact it was Jamie Murphy that filled the jersey as Hibs set up with a standard 4-4-2 formation. I want to say up front that the balance in midfield looked far better with this formation and I guess some might say we were more effective with Scotty out. There may be an element of truth in that thought but it’s far too simplistic to stop any analysis there. My view is that the return of Gogic was key to our performance and on a day where five or six players might have earned my man of the match award it was Gogic that topped my list. The man was everywhere he needed to be to break up St. Mirren’s play and certainly qualifies for the cliché that he covered every blade of grass.
In terms of the game, the opening exchanges involved both teams testing the other out. A stunning through ball from Murphy gave Boyle the opportunity of a shot on goal but Martin hesitated slightly and a defender did enough to remove the danger to his goal.
Hibs were taking control of the game and opened the scoring around the quarter hour mark. Boyle and McGinn combined well to allow the latter to hit a low ball into the six yard area. On loan goalkeeper Zlamal made a hash of trying to get down to it and was on the deck when Nisbet made contact, his effort resulting in the ball going through the keeper’s legs and into the net.
The goal helped to settle Hibs and anything the hosts threw at them was easily dealt with by resolute defending. We’d only played another three minutes when Hibs doubled their lead. A fine crossfield ball found Boyle on the right, allowing him to hit the touchline before picking out Newell with a cut back to the eighteen yard line. Joe hit the effort in his stride and basically passed the ball into the net to the right of Zlamal. It was an excellent goal and what struck me most about it was Boyle lifting his head to see Newell’s availability. Martin is often guilty of not lifting his head but he got it spot on this time.
Stung into action, St Mirren pressed forward and only a double save from Marciano stopped them pulling a goal back. The first of those saw a spectacular dive to his right; referred to in commentary as a ‘television save’ whilst the second, just moments later was a fine stop from a point blank header.
You need a bit of luck in games and Hibs got some as half time approached. A corner on St. Mirren’s right was headed clear but only back to the taker who delivered another cross into the area. As he jumped for it the ball clearly struck the hand of Ryan Porteous but thankfully both referee Willie Collum and his assistant missed it. Perhaps they should visit their sponsor in the near future.
The second half saw the hosts trying to use the ball to better effect but when defending, every player in a Hibs jersey earned their corn and on the hour mark, Hibs struck again. A cross from Newell reached the far post and with the Hearts loanee in goals flapping at it and missing, Boyle jumped and the ball struck off his shoulder and went into the net. Given that a 2-0 lead can cause players to become a tad nervous the third goal effectively killed the game. Jim Goodwin made a host of changes but none of the players that came off the bench looked like they were going to make a positive difference.
A 3-0 finishing scoreline; a fourth consecutive away win and a seventh league game in which Hibs have not conceded a goal from open play. Importantly though was the fact that we played a whole lot better than we have done in recent games. The balance of the side looked just right and the willing work rate from all involved, together with taking chances in front of goal were obviously contributory factors.
Next week we face the toughest test so far when the Rangers come to Easter Road. A team that hasn’t conceded from open play against a team that hasn’t conceded at all.
The players
Marciano – Rocky had a relatively easy time of it today and made the saves you’d expect him to make. I have to say though that he seemed more confident than usual in coming for crosses into his box.
McGinn – I recall when Paul signed a fair few on here were ‘underwhelmed’ but the lad has proved to be a very valuable asset to us. He does the basics very well and his movement up and down the line was very noticeable today.
Porteous – The lad Obika is a handful for any defenders, just ask Hearts, but Ryan handled him really well today. There was a helping of luck of course with the missed hand ball but he was strong throughout the ninety and I hope his painful injury at the final whistle is not too serious.
Hanlon – Like Ryan, Paul handled Obika and latterly Erwin very well. Once again his reading of the play was first class and both he and Ryan are forming a formidable partnership.
Doig – It’s astonishing, to me at least, that Josh turns in performances like today on a pretty regular basis. For one so young he shows great maturity both in possession and out of it.
Boyle – It’s strange because during the game I thought he wasn’t as involved as I’d like him to be but given that he made one goal and scored another ……… I’ll settle for that level of involvement in every game.
Gogic – On the evidence so far, Gogic might just be our best signing of the most recent recruitments. He is a spoiler but he’s also much more than that. Great tackler, great energy, great movement and a great header of the ball he offers the perfect foil to those in our side who like to create.
Newell – Joe’s not always been at it this season so far but he was outstanding today. The lad is creative, energetic and willing to do the dirty stuff whilst his role today was helped enormously by having Gogic alongside him.
Murphy – Our first real chance to see what he can offer and I for one am happy with his input. He is a really good passer of the ball, can see the runs of others and use them to good effect and contrary to popular belief he has a good turn of pace.
Nisbet – Playing in a two suits Kevin down to the ground and he was in the right place at the right time to put us in front. It wasn’t a stunner but without his reading of the situation it wouldn’t have been a goal at all.
Doidge – For such a big guy he gets around well and seems to have limitless energy. His link up play was mostly good today and his strength in the air caused St Mirren’s centre backs a lot of problems.
Gullan – I really like the look of this laddie. I enjoyed watching him a few times at Raith and I truly believe he will go on to be a good player for Hibs.
Wright – Drey replaced a tiring Jamie Murphy and slotted seamlessly into the wide left of midfield role. Hibs pretty much had the points won when he came on but he contributed well to us seeing out the game.
Mallan – As I said earlier I had thought Stevie might start the game but he only got the last few minutes and so it’s difficult to highlight anything really of note.
Shanley – Much the same as my comments re Mallan in terms of his contribution today but I know Jack Ross has high hopes for Ryan and I expect him to be in and around the match day squad more often than not.
Jack Ross – I’ve no doubt he will have been delighted with both the performance and the result and rightly so in my opinion.
Willie Collum – His face should be the same colour as the top he wore today after missing that clear cut penalty.
With Scott Allan out injured it looked to me at least as though Stevie Mallan would get the nod but in fact it was Jamie Murphy that filled the jersey as Hibs set up with a standard 4-4-2 formation. I want to say up front that the balance in midfield looked far better with this formation and I guess some might say we were more effective with Scotty out. There may be an element of truth in that thought but it’s far too simplistic to stop any analysis there. My view is that the return of Gogic was key to our performance and on a day where five or six players might have earned my man of the match award it was Gogic that topped my list. The man was everywhere he needed to be to break up St. Mirren’s play and certainly qualifies for the cliché that he covered every blade of grass.
In terms of the game, the opening exchanges involved both teams testing the other out. A stunning through ball from Murphy gave Boyle the opportunity of a shot on goal but Martin hesitated slightly and a defender did enough to remove the danger to his goal.
Hibs were taking control of the game and opened the scoring around the quarter hour mark. Boyle and McGinn combined well to allow the latter to hit a low ball into the six yard area. On loan goalkeeper Zlamal made a hash of trying to get down to it and was on the deck when Nisbet made contact, his effort resulting in the ball going through the keeper’s legs and into the net.
The goal helped to settle Hibs and anything the hosts threw at them was easily dealt with by resolute defending. We’d only played another three minutes when Hibs doubled their lead. A fine crossfield ball found Boyle on the right, allowing him to hit the touchline before picking out Newell with a cut back to the eighteen yard line. Joe hit the effort in his stride and basically passed the ball into the net to the right of Zlamal. It was an excellent goal and what struck me most about it was Boyle lifting his head to see Newell’s availability. Martin is often guilty of not lifting his head but he got it spot on this time.
Stung into action, St Mirren pressed forward and only a double save from Marciano stopped them pulling a goal back. The first of those saw a spectacular dive to his right; referred to in commentary as a ‘television save’ whilst the second, just moments later was a fine stop from a point blank header.
You need a bit of luck in games and Hibs got some as half time approached. A corner on St. Mirren’s right was headed clear but only back to the taker who delivered another cross into the area. As he jumped for it the ball clearly struck the hand of Ryan Porteous but thankfully both referee Willie Collum and his assistant missed it. Perhaps they should visit their sponsor in the near future.
The second half saw the hosts trying to use the ball to better effect but when defending, every player in a Hibs jersey earned their corn and on the hour mark, Hibs struck again. A cross from Newell reached the far post and with the Hearts loanee in goals flapping at it and missing, Boyle jumped and the ball struck off his shoulder and went into the net. Given that a 2-0 lead can cause players to become a tad nervous the third goal effectively killed the game. Jim Goodwin made a host of changes but none of the players that came off the bench looked like they were going to make a positive difference.
A 3-0 finishing scoreline; a fourth consecutive away win and a seventh league game in which Hibs have not conceded a goal from open play. Importantly though was the fact that we played a whole lot better than we have done in recent games. The balance of the side looked just right and the willing work rate from all involved, together with taking chances in front of goal were obviously contributory factors.
Next week we face the toughest test so far when the Rangers come to Easter Road. A team that hasn’t conceded from open play against a team that hasn’t conceded at all.
The players
Marciano – Rocky had a relatively easy time of it today and made the saves you’d expect him to make. I have to say though that he seemed more confident than usual in coming for crosses into his box.
McGinn – I recall when Paul signed a fair few on here were ‘underwhelmed’ but the lad has proved to be a very valuable asset to us. He does the basics very well and his movement up and down the line was very noticeable today.
Porteous – The lad Obika is a handful for any defenders, just ask Hearts, but Ryan handled him really well today. There was a helping of luck of course with the missed hand ball but he was strong throughout the ninety and I hope his painful injury at the final whistle is not too serious.
Hanlon – Like Ryan, Paul handled Obika and latterly Erwin very well. Once again his reading of the play was first class and both he and Ryan are forming a formidable partnership.
Doig – It’s astonishing, to me at least, that Josh turns in performances like today on a pretty regular basis. For one so young he shows great maturity both in possession and out of it.
Boyle – It’s strange because during the game I thought he wasn’t as involved as I’d like him to be but given that he made one goal and scored another ……… I’ll settle for that level of involvement in every game.
Gogic – On the evidence so far, Gogic might just be our best signing of the most recent recruitments. He is a spoiler but he’s also much more than that. Great tackler, great energy, great movement and a great header of the ball he offers the perfect foil to those in our side who like to create.
Newell – Joe’s not always been at it this season so far but he was outstanding today. The lad is creative, energetic and willing to do the dirty stuff whilst his role today was helped enormously by having Gogic alongside him.
Murphy – Our first real chance to see what he can offer and I for one am happy with his input. He is a really good passer of the ball, can see the runs of others and use them to good effect and contrary to popular belief he has a good turn of pace.
Nisbet – Playing in a two suits Kevin down to the ground and he was in the right place at the right time to put us in front. It wasn’t a stunner but without his reading of the situation it wouldn’t have been a goal at all.
Doidge – For such a big guy he gets around well and seems to have limitless energy. His link up play was mostly good today and his strength in the air caused St Mirren’s centre backs a lot of problems.
Gullan – I really like the look of this laddie. I enjoyed watching him a few times at Raith and I truly believe he will go on to be a good player for Hibs.
Wright – Drey replaced a tiring Jamie Murphy and slotted seamlessly into the wide left of midfield role. Hibs pretty much had the points won when he came on but he contributed well to us seeing out the game.
Mallan – As I said earlier I had thought Stevie might start the game but he only got the last few minutes and so it’s difficult to highlight anything really of note.
Shanley – Much the same as my comments re Mallan in terms of his contribution today but I know Jack Ross has high hopes for Ryan and I expect him to be in and around the match day squad more often than not.
Jack Ross – I’ve no doubt he will have been delighted with both the performance and the result and rightly so in my opinion.
Willie Collum – His face should be the same colour as the top he wore today after missing that clear cut penalty.