Jonnyboy
12-09-2021, 03:46 PM
Suffering from a healthy dose of pre Derby nerves I got a lift to my spirits when I heard who would be in our starting eleven as this was an attacking line up and not, in my view, one that would simply sit back and allow Hearts to dictate the run of play. Thankfully, Boyle was fit and all the concerns that he would miss the game were dismissed. One player that did miss out was Jake Doyle Hayes and his spot was taken by a fit again Joe Newell.
There was the usual pre game approach to the ground with dozens of Hibs fans marching and singing, past the Roseburn Bar and up to the stadium. They were both noisy and colourful and in good spirits ahead of kick off. Getting in was a bit of a pain as the police were only letting a limited number beyond their mounted officers, at a time. Still, I was in my seat before kick off as were the vast majority of Hibs fans.
In the early exchanges it became obvious that both teams wanted to attack when the opportunity presented itself. So many times, I’ve been to Tynecastle and witnessed a Hibs side looking intimidated by the occasion, but not today. Within the first couple of minutes, both Porteous and Halkett conceded free kicks and for me that was a statement of intent; there would be no bullying today.
Around seven minutes in, a fine flowing move down our right allowed Cadden to pick out Nisbet in the centre of the box but unfortunately Kevin’s first time effort was screwed wide of the goal. Hearts seemed intent on going at us straight down the middle and whilst it sometimes caused problems, we were almost at the quarter hour mark before they had a decent attempt on goal. Loanee Ben Woodburn collected a pass from Mackay-Steven and made a bit of space for himself before just clearing the bar with an effort from eighteen yards. Hearts then won a couple of corners and might have caught Hibs out if Mackay-Steven hadn’t made a total hash of his effort from the edge of the box.
The hosts were enjoying a wee bit of possession without looking overly threatening at this stage and in fact the next goalmouth action came when Craig Gordon clattered in to Martin Boyle as they contested a high ball. Referee Nick Walsh awarded a free kick against the Hibs man when in fact it was Gordon who clattered Boyle. As the half hour approached, Hearts upped the tempo a bit and a cracking effort from Mackay-Steven brought out a top drawer save from Matt Macey. Kingsley and Halkett were both denied before Nisbet shot high and wide at the other end when a square pass to the waiting Boyle might have offered more of a chance of a goal.
On thirty five minutes, Craig Gordon pulled off an outstanding one handed save to deny a rocket shot from Martin Boyle and I felt at that point, and club loyalties apart, that Gordon is by far and away the best keeper in Scotland right now.
With half time fast approaching, both Mackay-Steven and Woodburn had efforts on goal blocked before Hibs raced up the other end and Boyle brought out another fine stop from Gordon. Bizarrely, Nick Walsh gave a goal kick when even from my view from the opposite end of the park it was clearly a corner. Indeed, Gordon himself said in his post-match interview that he’d saved the effort so it would seem only Nick Walsh missed the obvious.
James Scott, who had looked quite lethargic during the first half, was replaced by Alex Gogic and two minutes into the half he found Cadden wide right with a good pass. Cadden, who had been showing well, was scythed down by Cochrane, the Hearts man earning the first booking of the game. That man Mackay-Steven was at it again soon after, but his shot was blocked by Paul McGinn. At the other end, Boyle had an effort suffer a similar outcome with Kevin Nisbet frustrated that Boyle hadn’t squared the ball with the goal gaping.
Following a Hibs corner, Hearts looked to break quickly through Mackay-Steven, but Joe Newell hauled the Hearts man down and was booked for the offence. Moments later, Craig Gordon was at it again in saving a netbound effort by Kyle Magennis. Next, we witnessed a stunning double save by Matt Macey who denied Mackay-Steven at close range. Shortly after that, Mackay-Steven, easily the biggest threat in the home side, was replaced by Josh Ginnelly, a decision that angered the home support. Still, Ginnelly brought pace to the Hearts right and Neilson probably thought his man would terrorise Josh Doig, but it was a misguided view because Ginnelly was hugely ineffective in his time on the park.
Neilson was trying everything to secure that vital first goal and both Smith and Woodburn were replaced by Taylor Moore and Barrie McKay, the former going on to hack Magennis down three times on the trot without punishment whilst the latter’s only real contribution to the proceedings was a chance to show off his Jack Grealish hairstyle.
Hearts were huffing and puffing a bit and looked to have started to run out of ideas and Hibs tried to take advantage of that with Gogic lashing a left footed effort just wide of the post and then Magennis was denied by another outstanding save from Gordon. With ten minutes left, Kevin Nisbet wheeled on a ball that was dropping over his shoulder and hammered a left footed volley just wide of Gordon’s goal. There is no doubt in my mind that if the effort had been on target even Craig Gordon wouldn’t have saved it.
The pace of the game was, unsurprisingly, slowing but both sides continued in their efforts to break the deadlock. I heard a couple of comments from around me that we had settled for a draw and yet two minutes in to time added on, Craig Gordon was twice called into action to deny first Nisbet and then Magennis. The last effort of the game is hardly worthy of mention as Ginnelly danced across the face of the Hibs eighteen yard box and struck a left footed effort some ten yards wide of the goal.
Honours even in what I thought was a decent game of football – not often the case in a Derby – and I guess you could say it was a game of two outstanding goalkeeping performances.
The players
Macey – I know he’s had his doubters and I confess he’s worried me a couple of times in games gone by, but he was outstanding today and beats one or two others who were in contention for my man of the match award.
McGinn – For me, he has come through the other side of his little rocky patch, perhaps buoyed by his recent international debut, and he was spot on today both defensively and when breaking forward.
Porteous – Other than a couple of dodgy passes out from the back, Ryan was fabulous today, particularly in defending loads of high balls in to our box. I think he frightened the life out of Woodman who was left on his erky more than once by the big fella.
Hanlon – Another who has his critics, I think even those people must agree he was tremendous today. It’s significant that Liam Boyce was kept very quiet and that was in no small part due to Paul’s defending.
Doig – I actually thought Josh was quieter than of late and didn’t really get forward as often as I’ve seen him do so in the past but, hey he still placed Ginnelly firmly in his back pocket.
Cadden – Considering he’s been out for some weeks, Chris contributed really well and the fact he lasted almost the whole ninety minutes is testimony to his regained fitness.
Magennis – Other than a wee ten minute spell or so in the second half, Kyle was the player he’s shown himself to be this season. Astonishing workrate and not shy of being physical when the need arises. Was denied a goal today only by a wonderful save from Craig Gordon.
Newell – Slotted seamlessly into his midfield role and was prominent throughout. He came close to getting my man of the match award.
Scott – Never really got going in the game, whether through injury or not it was no surprise he was replaced at half time.
Boyle – Incredibly, he wasn’t hacked down nearly as often as what’s become the norm of late. Tested Gordon a couple of times and tested the patience of both Nisbet and Magennis when he decided to shoot rather than lift his head and see the pass that might have brought a goal.
Nisbet – Not one of Kevin’s better games I thought. Seemed to choose the wrong option at times but his volley from the over the shoulder pass deserved a better outcome.
Gogic – Played well enough for the most part and stifled Haring to an extent. Two efforts at goal that weren’t too shabby!
Wright – Only got a few minutes but the encouraging thing for me is that he was cheered by the Hibs fans when he came on.
Jack Ross – A brave team selection and I’m glad he made it.
Referee – Nick Walsh offered the usual bunch of odd decisions but otherwise I thought he did ok.
There was the usual pre game approach to the ground with dozens of Hibs fans marching and singing, past the Roseburn Bar and up to the stadium. They were both noisy and colourful and in good spirits ahead of kick off. Getting in was a bit of a pain as the police were only letting a limited number beyond their mounted officers, at a time. Still, I was in my seat before kick off as were the vast majority of Hibs fans.
In the early exchanges it became obvious that both teams wanted to attack when the opportunity presented itself. So many times, I’ve been to Tynecastle and witnessed a Hibs side looking intimidated by the occasion, but not today. Within the first couple of minutes, both Porteous and Halkett conceded free kicks and for me that was a statement of intent; there would be no bullying today.
Around seven minutes in, a fine flowing move down our right allowed Cadden to pick out Nisbet in the centre of the box but unfortunately Kevin’s first time effort was screwed wide of the goal. Hearts seemed intent on going at us straight down the middle and whilst it sometimes caused problems, we were almost at the quarter hour mark before they had a decent attempt on goal. Loanee Ben Woodburn collected a pass from Mackay-Steven and made a bit of space for himself before just clearing the bar with an effort from eighteen yards. Hearts then won a couple of corners and might have caught Hibs out if Mackay-Steven hadn’t made a total hash of his effort from the edge of the box.
The hosts were enjoying a wee bit of possession without looking overly threatening at this stage and in fact the next goalmouth action came when Craig Gordon clattered in to Martin Boyle as they contested a high ball. Referee Nick Walsh awarded a free kick against the Hibs man when in fact it was Gordon who clattered Boyle. As the half hour approached, Hearts upped the tempo a bit and a cracking effort from Mackay-Steven brought out a top drawer save from Matt Macey. Kingsley and Halkett were both denied before Nisbet shot high and wide at the other end when a square pass to the waiting Boyle might have offered more of a chance of a goal.
On thirty five minutes, Craig Gordon pulled off an outstanding one handed save to deny a rocket shot from Martin Boyle and I felt at that point, and club loyalties apart, that Gordon is by far and away the best keeper in Scotland right now.
With half time fast approaching, both Mackay-Steven and Woodburn had efforts on goal blocked before Hibs raced up the other end and Boyle brought out another fine stop from Gordon. Bizarrely, Nick Walsh gave a goal kick when even from my view from the opposite end of the park it was clearly a corner. Indeed, Gordon himself said in his post-match interview that he’d saved the effort so it would seem only Nick Walsh missed the obvious.
James Scott, who had looked quite lethargic during the first half, was replaced by Alex Gogic and two minutes into the half he found Cadden wide right with a good pass. Cadden, who had been showing well, was scythed down by Cochrane, the Hearts man earning the first booking of the game. That man Mackay-Steven was at it again soon after, but his shot was blocked by Paul McGinn. At the other end, Boyle had an effort suffer a similar outcome with Kevin Nisbet frustrated that Boyle hadn’t squared the ball with the goal gaping.
Following a Hibs corner, Hearts looked to break quickly through Mackay-Steven, but Joe Newell hauled the Hearts man down and was booked for the offence. Moments later, Craig Gordon was at it again in saving a netbound effort by Kyle Magennis. Next, we witnessed a stunning double save by Matt Macey who denied Mackay-Steven at close range. Shortly after that, Mackay-Steven, easily the biggest threat in the home side, was replaced by Josh Ginnelly, a decision that angered the home support. Still, Ginnelly brought pace to the Hearts right and Neilson probably thought his man would terrorise Josh Doig, but it was a misguided view because Ginnelly was hugely ineffective in his time on the park.
Neilson was trying everything to secure that vital first goal and both Smith and Woodburn were replaced by Taylor Moore and Barrie McKay, the former going on to hack Magennis down three times on the trot without punishment whilst the latter’s only real contribution to the proceedings was a chance to show off his Jack Grealish hairstyle.
Hearts were huffing and puffing a bit and looked to have started to run out of ideas and Hibs tried to take advantage of that with Gogic lashing a left footed effort just wide of the post and then Magennis was denied by another outstanding save from Gordon. With ten minutes left, Kevin Nisbet wheeled on a ball that was dropping over his shoulder and hammered a left footed volley just wide of Gordon’s goal. There is no doubt in my mind that if the effort had been on target even Craig Gordon wouldn’t have saved it.
The pace of the game was, unsurprisingly, slowing but both sides continued in their efforts to break the deadlock. I heard a couple of comments from around me that we had settled for a draw and yet two minutes in to time added on, Craig Gordon was twice called into action to deny first Nisbet and then Magennis. The last effort of the game is hardly worthy of mention as Ginnelly danced across the face of the Hibs eighteen yard box and struck a left footed effort some ten yards wide of the goal.
Honours even in what I thought was a decent game of football – not often the case in a Derby – and I guess you could say it was a game of two outstanding goalkeeping performances.
The players
Macey – I know he’s had his doubters and I confess he’s worried me a couple of times in games gone by, but he was outstanding today and beats one or two others who were in contention for my man of the match award.
McGinn – For me, he has come through the other side of his little rocky patch, perhaps buoyed by his recent international debut, and he was spot on today both defensively and when breaking forward.
Porteous – Other than a couple of dodgy passes out from the back, Ryan was fabulous today, particularly in defending loads of high balls in to our box. I think he frightened the life out of Woodman who was left on his erky more than once by the big fella.
Hanlon – Another who has his critics, I think even those people must agree he was tremendous today. It’s significant that Liam Boyce was kept very quiet and that was in no small part due to Paul’s defending.
Doig – I actually thought Josh was quieter than of late and didn’t really get forward as often as I’ve seen him do so in the past but, hey he still placed Ginnelly firmly in his back pocket.
Cadden – Considering he’s been out for some weeks, Chris contributed really well and the fact he lasted almost the whole ninety minutes is testimony to his regained fitness.
Magennis – Other than a wee ten minute spell or so in the second half, Kyle was the player he’s shown himself to be this season. Astonishing workrate and not shy of being physical when the need arises. Was denied a goal today only by a wonderful save from Craig Gordon.
Newell – Slotted seamlessly into his midfield role and was prominent throughout. He came close to getting my man of the match award.
Scott – Never really got going in the game, whether through injury or not it was no surprise he was replaced at half time.
Boyle – Incredibly, he wasn’t hacked down nearly as often as what’s become the norm of late. Tested Gordon a couple of times and tested the patience of both Nisbet and Magennis when he decided to shoot rather than lift his head and see the pass that might have brought a goal.
Nisbet – Not one of Kevin’s better games I thought. Seemed to choose the wrong option at times but his volley from the over the shoulder pass deserved a better outcome.
Gogic – Played well enough for the most part and stifled Haring to an extent. Two efforts at goal that weren’t too shabby!
Wright – Only got a few minutes but the encouraging thing for me is that he was cheered by the Hibs fans when he came on.
Jack Ross – A brave team selection and I’m glad he made it.
Referee – Nick Walsh offered the usual bunch of odd decisions but otherwise I thought he did ok.