This is how it feels (Livingston 20 03 21)

[Jonnyboy]

Just the one change for Hibs when they faced Livi this afternoon with Kevin Nisbet replacing Chris Cadden. There was a bit of speculation as to what the format might be but the eleven selected pointed fairly and squarely at a 3-5-2 with Boyle wide right instead of up front as he had been in the last few games.

I’ve never hidden my dislike of synthetic playing surfaces and the ninety minutes today reinforced that dislike. Livi have the advantage in that it’s their home but to be honest I felt both sides struggled today with the ball bouncing awkwardly and not running true. This is Scotland’s top division and to my mind, a grass surface should be mandatory.

It was quite blustery at kick off time and Hibs started the brighter with two quick corners but Livi quickly found their feet and started to pretty much dominate possession. Soon it was Livi winning corners and a header from Emmanuel-Thomas drifted wide. Next to try his luck was Craig Sibbald but Rocky was well placed to save the effort. At the other end, Boyle was picked out by a Newell pass, but the Hibs No. 10 dragged his low right footed effort wide of the far post.

Two quick fire efforts from the hosts saw Emmanuel-Thomas and Sibbald suffer differing outcomes in that the first was wayward and the second brought out a fantastic save by Marciano. A snap shot from Nisbet drifted agonisingly wide after Doidge had set up the chance but as the half hour mark approached a hopeful punt into the Hibs box was allowed to bounce before Porteous attempted to head the ball back to his keeper only to see Sibbald nip in and score from close range. It was a schoolboy error from the big fella who should simply have hooked the ball clear.

Hibs tried to react quickly and positively as Irvine set up Newell to have a left footed effort, but the ball was struck too close to McCrorie who saved easily. Livi seemed to smell blood and went in search of a second goal with Emmanuel-Thomas and Guthrie bringing out saves from Marciano.

With around five minutes to go until the break, Hibs equalised through Christian Doidge. A long ball down the Livi left looked to be under the control of Devlin but Josh Doig nipped in and steered the ball to Doidge who took a touch and fired home from around ten yards. Top marks to Josh for not giving up on the ball and huge sighs of relief from Christian now that his goal drought is over. The break arrived with honours even and that equaliser would have changed Jack Ross’ pep talk I’m sure.

Whatever was said, Hibs improved from around the hour mark and began to dictate play. A low ball across the six yard box was scrambled clear as Hibs buzzed around the Livi goal. Thunderous strikes from both Gogic and Doig were blocked on their way to the target before Boyle saw another effort blocked. John Guthrie got a header away at the other end before Paul Hanlon was found by Doig and made a fine mazy run into the box only to have the ball nicked off his toes as he shaped to shoot.

Hibs were very much in the ascendency at this point and Newell jinked past one man on the edge of the box before seeing his left footed effort on goal charged down. Soon after, Kevin Nisbet escaped his marker and sent a low left footed drive towards McCrorie’s far post only for the ball to trickle just wide of the target. McGinn was next to try his luck having been set up by Gogic but the Livi defence stood firm again.

As the clock ticked down it was noticeable that Livi took every opportunity to slow proceedings down with McCrorie the main culprit in time wasting. It kinda worked for him because it stopped Hibs building up a head of steam for the closing stages. Hibs won a couple of late corners but couldn’t capitalise and the last action worthy of note was a fierce drive from Doig being blocked by the shins of Guthrie.

A share of the spoils was probably fair overall, and it was a point gained in the race for third, Aberdeen having gone down to Dundee Utd at Tannadice. Hibs enjoy a seven point gap with five to play and it would take an unbelievable set of results to deny us that third place. My thoughts on each players performance will tend to be based largely on the second half performance as with the exception of one or two, the players were pretty awful in that first half.

The players

Marciano – A fine first half save and a couple of important ventures off his line to grab at a high ball into the area. He got a hand to the ball for the goal conceded but it would be harsh of me to say he should have done better.

McGinn – Paul defended stoutly and got forward well at times to support Boyler. Alan Forrest is a clever wee player but rarely got the better of McGinn, especially in the second half.

Porteous – A shocking error of judgement by Ryan cost us a goal and there was a couple of other instances of poor clearances but, bizarrely, that apart he did OK, especially up against the battering ram of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.

Hanlon – Struggled in the first half but improved greatly in the second. I’m loving his forays forward in support of the attack and he was unlucky not to get himself a goal but for a last ditch challenge.

Boyle – Marin has been very productive over the last wee while when playing through the middle and he was kinda out of it a bit in the first half. He did though come on to a good game in the second and sent in a couple of delightful crosses that deserved to be finished off.

Gogic – Alex, for me, was one player who did have a decent first half. He’s not silky and looks really awkward at times with the ball at his feet but his ability to disrupt the forward play of opponents is valuable, and often under appreciated. Given that he also had a good second half, he’s my man of the match today.

Irvine – Jackson never really got going and to me he seemed to be the player most affected by that horrific playing surface. One or two nice touches but I’m struggling to recall any major contribution.

Newell – After twenty five minutes I was all for taking him off as he’d failed to feature much at all. It got better for him after that, and I thought he finished the game well.

Doig – Relatively quiet for the first half hour but proved his weight in gold by refusing to give up on the ball that Devlin was trying to see out of play. His dogged determination was rewarded by us scoring an equaliser at a crucial point in the game and I thought he had a more than decent second half.

Nisbet – Getting called up to the Scotland squad and finding the net last time out seems to have transformed him back into the player we enjoyed earlier in the season. He was one of the few today that didn’t seem to struggle with that surface.

Doidge – At last, the drought is over and hopefully big Christian will finish the season on a goal scoring high. As usual he worked his socks off and is a real bonus to us in defending set pieces.

Jack Ross – No substitutions made today which is a rarity for Hibs and indeed for football in general. After that poor first half I thought he’d freshen things up but fair play to him as he stuck to his guns.

Referee – If there was ever a book to sum him up it would be from the Mister Men collection and he’d be Mr. Fussy. Let’s just say he likes to get full value from the whistle he carries does Nick Walsh.

[truehibernian]

As usual, good summary JB :aok:

The mistake by Ryan was both inexplicable and inexcusable, but after he'd made that error he didn't let his head drop. Newell frustrates me, clearly a very technically gifted player but often slows play and needs an extra touch that isn't required. Nisbet impressed and looks to have had an injection of enthusiasm with the call up - thought he played well.

I've watched Livi a few times and they are hard working and industrious. Have to say, if we were ever looking for a third striker or someone who offers something different in a physical sense, I like the look of Emmanuel-Thomas. Little bit limited when it comes to pace, but tell you what he lets the centre halves know they are in for a battle and surprisingly good close control for a big fella.

Always liked Scott Pittman too, not an area we need to really strengthen, but he would be a very good addition for next season and Europe.

[Iggy Pope]

I thought the ref had a good, and by that I mean uneventful 90 mins really. Could’ve book Doidge for persistent fouling first half but resisted.
Might’ve looked a bit longer at the incident when the LB clattered into Boyle already on a yellow (and took a sore eye for his bother), but other than that I can’t say I noticed him. Usually a good thing.

[Seveno]

I thought the ref had a good, and by that I mean uneventful 90 mins really. Could’ve book Doidge for persistent fouling first half but resisted.
Might’ve looked a bit longer at the incident when the LB clattered into Boyle already on a yellow (and took a sore eye for his bother), but other than that I can’t say I noticed him. Usually a good thing.

I thought that was a clear yellow card. I wonder if Walsh decided to as he had already been booked?

[Iggy Pope]

I thought that was a clear yellow card. I wonder if Walsh decided to as he had already been booked?

Me too. He was hanging about when the fellah was getting treatment (for what I thought was a feigned head knock) and I thought maybe the 2nd yellow was coming. Maybe the keeker the lad ended up with swayed his judgement a bit, even if it shouldn’t. Changed my mind about his injury!

[147lothian]

:aok: Always a good read

[Bridge hibs]

Just the one change for Hibs when they faced Livi this afternoon with Kevin Nisbet replacing Chris Cadden. There was a bit of speculation as to what the format might be but the eleven selected pointed fairly and squarely at a 3-5-2 with Boyle wide right instead of up front as he had been in the last few games.

I’ve never hidden my dislike of synthetic playing surfaces and the ninety minutes today reinforced that dislike. Livi have the advantage in that it’s their home but to be honest I felt both sides struggled today with the ball bouncing awkwardly and not running true. This is Scotland’s top division and to my mind, a grass surface should be mandatory.

It was quite blustery at kick off time and Hibs started the brighter with two quick corners but Livi quickly found their feet and started to pretty much dominate possession. Soon it was Livi winning corners and a header from Emmanuel-Thomas drifted wide. Next to try his luck was Craig Sibbald but Rocky was well placed to save the effort. At the other end, Boyle was picked out by a Newell pass, but the Hibs No. 10 dragged his low right footed effort wide of the far post.

Two quick fire efforts from the hosts saw Emmanuel-Thomas and Sibbald suffer differing outcomes in that the first was wayward and the second brought out a fantastic save by Marciano. A snap shot from Nisbet drifted agonisingly wide after Doidge had set up the chance but as the half hour mark approached a hopeful punt into the Hibs box was allowed to bounce before Porteous attempted to head the ball back to his keeper only to see Sibbald nip in and score from close range. It was a schoolboy error from the big fella who should simply have hooked the ball clear.

Hibs tried to react quickly and positively as Irvine set up Newell to have a left footed effort, but the ball was struck too close to McCrorie who saved easily. Livi seemed to smell blood and went in search of a second goal with Emmanuel-Thomas and Guthrie bringing out saves from Marciano.

With around five minutes to go until the break, Hibs equalised through Christian Doidge. A long ball down the Livi left looked to be under the control of Devlin but Josh Doig nipped in and steered the ball to Doidge who took a touch and fired home from around ten yards. Top marks to Josh for not giving up on the ball and huge sighs of relief from Christian now that his goal drought is over. The break arrived with honours even and that equaliser would have changed Jack Ross’ pep talk I’m sure.

Whatever was said, Hibs improved from around the hour mark and began to dictate play. A low ball across the six yard box was scrambled clear as Hibs buzzed around the Livi goal. Thunderous strikes from both Gogic and Doig were blocked on their way to the target before Boyle saw another effort blocked. John Guthrie got a header away at the other end before Paul Hanlon was found by Doig and made a fine mazy run into the box only to have the ball nicked off his toes as he shaped to shoot.

Hibs were very much in the ascendency at this point and Newell jinked past one man on the edge of the box before seeing his left footed effort on goal charged down. Soon after, Kevin Nisbet escaped his marker and sent a low left footed drive towards McCrorie’s far post only for the ball to trickle just wide of the target. McGinn was next to try his luck having been set up by Gogic but the Livi defence stood firm again.

As the clock ticked down it was noticeable that Livi took every opportunity to slow proceedings down with McCrorie the main culprit in time wasting. It kinda worked for him because it stopped Hibs building up a head of steam for the closing stages. Hibs won a couple of late corners but couldn’t capitalise and the last action worthy of note was a fierce drive from Doig being blocked by the shins of Guthrie.

A share of the spoils was probably fair overall, and it was a point gained in the race for third, Aberdeen having gone down to Dundee Utd at Tannadice. Hibs enjoy a seven point gap with five to play and it would take an unbelievable set of results to deny us that third place. My thoughts on each players performance will tend to be based largely on the second half performance as with the exception of one or two, the players were pretty awful in that first half.

The players

Marciano – A fine first half save and a couple of important ventures off his line to grab at a high ball into the area. He got a hand to the ball for the goal conceded but it would be harsh of me to say he should have done better.

McGinn – Paul defended stoutly and got forward well at times to support Boyler. Alan Forrest is a clever wee player but rarely got the better of McGinn, especially in the second half.

Porteous – A shocking error of judgement by Ryan cost us a goal and there was a couple of other instances of poor clearances but, bizarrely, that apart he did OK, especially up against the battering ram of Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.

Hanlon – Struggled in the first half but improved greatly in the second. I’m loving his forays forward in support of the attack and he was unlucky not to get himself a goal but for a last ditch challenge.

Boyle – Marin has been very productive over the last wee while when playing through the middle and he was kinda out of it a bit in the first half. He did though come on to a good game in the second and sent in a couple of delightful crosses that deserved to be finished off.

Gogic – Alex, for me, was one player who did have a decent first half. He’s not silky and looks really awkward at times with the ball at his feet but his ability to disrupt the forward play of opponents is valuable, and often under appreciated. Given that he also had a good second half, he’s my man of the match today.

Irvine – Jackson never really got going and to me he seemed to be the player most affected by that horrific playing surface. One or two nice touches but I’m struggling to recall any major contribution.

Newell – After twenty five minutes I was all for taking him off as he’d failed to feature much at all. It got better for him after that, and I thought he finished the game well.

Doig – Relatively quiet for the first half hour but proved his weight in gold by refusing to give up on the ball that Devlin was trying to see out of play. His dogged determination was rewarded by us scoring an equaliser at a crucial point in the game and I thought he had a more than decent second half.

Nisbet – Getting called up to the Scotland squad and finding the net last time out seems to have transformed him back into the player we enjoyed earlier in the season. He was one of the few today that didn’t seem to struggle with that surface.

Doidge – At last, the drought is over and hopefully big Christian will finish the season on a goal scoring high. As usual he worked his socks off and is a real bonus to us in defending set pieces.

Jack Ross – No substitutions made today which is a rarity for Hibs and indeed for football in general. After that poor first half I thought he’d freshen things up but fair play to him as he stuck to his guns.

Referee – If there was ever a book to sum him up it would be from the Mister Men collection and he’d be Mr. Fussy. Let’s just say he likes to get full value from the whistle he carries does Nick Walsh.Thanks JC, an important game today, would have thought this excellent report would have provoked more discussion

[JimBHibees]

Excellent summary. Enjoyed the game today at a very difficult venue.

[PatHead]

I thought the ref had a good, and by that I mean uneventful 90 mins really. Could’ve book Doidge for persistent fouling first half but resisted.
Might’ve looked a bit longer at the incident when the LB clattered into Boyle already on a yellow (and took a sore eye for his bother), but other than that I can’t say I noticed him. Usually a good thing.

Thought we should have had a penalty when Gogic's shot from outside the box was charged down. Look if you watch the highlights again. The referee didn't have many decisions to make today and he got two of the major ones wrong.

[marinello59]

I didn’t manage to see the game today so enjoyed reading that even more than usual. Thanks JB. :thumbsup:

[PatHead]

Thanks for the review. Excellent as usual

[Greenbeard]

Only point I'd make in addition would be that we need some "laces" shooting practice. Passing it into the net looks great but sometimes you need to give it a good lash.
PS I include Doidge in the need for shooting practice despite his goal which wasn't exactly a rocket and was hit pretty much straight at the goalie. Had that been Rocky letting in such a goal he'd be getting slated on here.
Sibbald impressed me as a tidy footballer who posed a threat.

[Forza Fred]

Good review.

Watching from my bed on the laptop I too thought Irvine had a quiet game, but there were also times when he put through a few excellent ball...however his name was not mentioned at the time, and I have long wondered if our view of things is influenced by how many times we hear a player’s name mentioned'

But I digress.

Also thought Newell was masterful in the second half, and if he could shoot as well as he controls the space, then he’d really be some player.

I get why Gogic got MOM, but always hold my breath when he attempts to tackle from behind in or around the box, and am pretty sure at some stage we’ll be punished for it.

The Aberdeen result means this is a good result, whereas if the sheep had been successful I’m pretty sure a fair amount of people would have been critical of our performance today.

[judas]

Another great match report which is very welcome and a real highlight on Hibs net. Thanks again.

Have to say though, I never found that the ball ran true on the average Scottish grass pitch. Bad weather and heavy use always ensure a lot of uneven ground and silly bounces

That said, I hate Astroturf from an environmental standpoint and particularly in peoples gardens. Pure sacrilege I think.

I would ban it for all but kids sports and even then, I would want proper and detailed review on it's health effects.

[judas]

Aye right enough, let's go back to coaching our kids from a young age on mud bath pitches, or not being able to play or train at all for half the winter due to local councils imposing council wide postponements, all because the parkie looks out his window and sees it raining. Or better still let's go back to shale pitches?

Agreed. That's why I said I'd 'ban it for all but kids sports'.

[Jim44]

Thanks for that, Jonnyboy. I didn’t see the match live but, based on comments on Hibs.net, I got the impression we had played well in the second half. However, I watched the game on Alba this evening and wasn’t impressed in the least by our second half display. Despite my honest opinion, I am really chuffed for the boys and JR in terms of the result.

[USAHibee]

Great report as always. Though Gogic was solid, Doidge worked hard but I was really impressed again by young Doig, his tireless running makes us a different beast. Hanlon was also solid, good point at a really tough venue....

[NAE NOOKIE]

Watched the game on ALBA and have to say we were fortunate to be on level terms at half time after pretty well being bossed all over the park by a team who looked far more up for it than we were. WTF Porteous was thinking with that daft header only he will know, conversely it was great play by Doige to win the ball to set up our equaliser, Doidge did well to stick it away, but it's just as well he did coz an unselfish pass to his right would have left Nisbet with what looked like a tap in.

Second half we were much improved and a bit unlucky not to get a second, the highlight was probably a great bit of play by Gigic to set up a chance that the OP didn't mention. All in all it was a real game of two halves with a draw probably a fair result, surely even Hibs cant blow a 7 point lead with a plus 14 goal difference with only 5 games to go, third looks a good, if not absolutely certain, bet.

[Forza Fred]

Watched it live on Hibs Tv

Delighted to be in third place and as long as we win games, I’m not one to whinge about ‘quality.’

I couldn’t help but think though that utter embarrassment awaits us in any future European game should we persist with the hoofball tactics we employed in the first half.

Thoughts of Malmo passed through my mind........

[B.H.F.C]

Good review.

Watching from my bed on the laptop I too thought Irvine had a quiet game, but there were also times when he put through a few excellent ball...however his name was not mentioned at the time, and I have long wondered if our view of things is influenced by how many times we hear a player’s name mentioned'

But I digress.

Also thought Newell was masterful in the second half, and if he could shoot as well as he controls the space, then he’d really be some player.

I get why Gogic got MOM, but always hold my breath when he attempts to tackle from behind in or around the box, and am pretty sure at some stage we’ll be punished for it.

The Aberdeen result means this is a good result, whereas if the sheep had been successful I’m pretty sure a fair amount of people would have been critical of our performance today.

We’ve not got the best from Irvine the last few weeks for me.

He was the most advanced of the midfield which isn’t is game and is why there isn’t any real link middle to front for me.

[Brightside]

I thought Hanlon, Doig and Gogic had great games. Midfield was better in the 2nd half. Newell and Irvine half to concentrate on working in the opponents half. We don’t need 3 DMs.

[Greenbeard]

Agreed. That's why I said I'd 'ban it for all but kids sports'.
Humble apogolies Judas. It was late and wine had been taken. No excuse for such a misread mind.

[Jim44]

Watched it live on Hibs Tv

Delighted to be in third place and as long as we win games, I’m not one to whinge about ‘quality.’

I couldn’t help but think though that utter embarrassment awaits us in any future European game should we persist with the hoofball tactics we employed in the first half.

Thoughts of Malmo passed through my mind........

I reckon I must be the ‘whinger’ then. A wee bit strong I would say. :greengrin As somebody said, it turned out to be a decent result in the context of Aberdeen’s demise. You yourself expressed misgivings about ‘hoof ball’ - that’s fair comment and I don’t think that’s whinging. In another context our performance would have been seen as pretty ordinary.

[Forza Fred]

I reckon I must be the ‘whinger’ then. A wee bit strong I would say. :greengrin As somebody said, it turned out to be a decent result in the context of Aberdeen’s demise. You yourself expressed misgivings about ‘hoof ball’ - that’s fair comment and I don’t think that’s whinging. In another context our performance would have been seen as pretty ordinary.

Whingeing mention wasn’t aimed at anyone Jim, or anyone’s post for that matter, more a self description, of me who, as long as we win, accepts a less than silky performance.

[Unseen work]

Porteous really needs to learn and quick.

Too many errors like the one yesterday that if you saw someone in your 5 a side team do you’d be embarrassed.

Firstly letting it bounce, secondly trying to be smart and head it back to the keeper from that distance when you’re surrounded by opposition players.

I thought he would have learned after being dropped and seeing Daz’ no nonsense approach but clearly not.

[JimBHibees]

Porteous really needs to learn and quick.

Too many errors like the one yesterday that if you saw someone in your 5 a side team do you’d be embarrassed.

Firstly letting it bounce, secondly trying to be smart and head it back to the keeper from that distance when you’re surrounded by opposition players.

I thought he would have learned after being dropped and seeing Daz’ no nonsense approach but clearly not.

Really poor error but think he had a decent game overall. As you say two errors there the ball was lobbed into the box from the other half and then the inexplicable header to the goalie. Two similar balls into the box in the last week not dealt with though last week down to the goalie imo.

[brog]

Haven't seen it mentioned & I've only seen incident once, but how did Doidge not get a touch on Boyle's cut back? Seemed easier to score, especially after he had broken his duck.

[Heckys Wheel]

Haven't seen it mentioned & I've only seen incident once, but how did Doidge not get a touch on Boyle's cut back? Seemed easier to score, especially after he had broken his duck.

Cliff and Tam as well as the guys in Sportscene had it down as great defending. It was a bad miss. It only reached the defender because Doidge completely missed it.

[Peevemor]

Haven't seen it mentioned & I've only seen incident once, but how did Doidge not get a touch on Boyle's cut back? Seemed easier to score, especially after he had broken his duck.I've just watched it again and I've no idea how he missed. Could he maybe have become tangled with the Livi defender who slid in with him?

[judas]

Humble apogolies Judas. It was late and wine had been taken. No excuse for such a misread mind.

Not a problem Greenbeard apology accepted 👍

[brog]

I've just watched it again and I've no idea how he missed. Could he maybe have become tangled with the Livi defender who slid in with him?

I just saw again also. I wondered if 1st defender got a touch but I think I'm being kind. Astonishing miss!!

[BILLYHIBS]

Brilliant Jonnyboy

Thanks for posting

:thumbsup:

[Forza Fred]

Haven't seen it mentioned & I've only seen incident once, but how did Doidge not get a touch on Boyle's cut back? Seemed easier to score, especially after he had broken his duck.

The way I saw it was that he did get a touch on it and it was heading into the net but the defender managed to get his leg between the ball and the goals.

Think it looks a bit clearer if viewed from behind the goals

[MB62]

Big Marv should have been Red carded after 5 SECONDS of the game starting for Elbowing Doidge in the face.
Never seen it mentioned anywhere, but it was a blatant elbow as he tries to stop Doidge going past him.

[Hibernian Verse]

As usual, good summary JB :aok:

The mistake by Ryan was both inexplicable and inexcusable, but after he'd made that error he didn't let his head drop. Newell frustrates me, clearly a very technically gifted player but often slows play and needs an extra touch that isn't required. Nisbet impressed and looks to have had an injection of enthusiasm with the call up - thought he played well.

I've watched Livi a few times and they are hard working and industrious. Have to say, if we were ever looking for a third striker or someone who offers something different in a physical sense, I like the look of Emmanuel-Thomas. Little bit limited when it comes to pace, but tell you what he lets the centre halves know they are in for a battle and surprisingly good close control for a big fella.

Always liked Scott Pittman too, not an area we need to really strengthen, but he would be a very good addition for next season and Europe.

Re: Newell, I totally understand where you're coming from as a fan. That said, I also understand why he is given the role he plays which is likely dictated by Ross.

Newell rarely loses possession and is key to our ability to retain the ball as a team. I'm not a Manager by any means but every good team has a player like this who is technically gifted and is good at shifting the ball side to side, thus shifting the opposition defence & midfield in the process hoping that they leave gaps.

[jacomo]

Re: Newell, I totally understand where you're coming from as a fan. That said, I also understand why he is given the role he plays which is likely dictated by Ross.

Newell rarely loses possession and is key to our ability to retain the ball as a team. I'm not a Manager by any means but every good team has a player like this who is technically gifted and is good at shifting the ball side to side, thus shifting the opposition defence & midfield in the process hoping that they leave gaps.


True, although in the past Hibs have entrusted that role to our deepest midfielder - like Dylan or Boozy. We’ve given up some toughness as a result but retained possession better.

Of course, players who can do that at our level are pretty rare.

[Hibernian Verse]

True, although in the past Hibs have entrusted that role to our deepest midfielder - like Dylan or Boozy. We’ve given up some toughness as a result but retained possession better.

Of course, players who can do that at our level are pretty rare.What a player he was. A real baller.

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