This is how it feels (St. Mirren 05 02 2022)

[Jonnyboy]

I’ve never been one for making dramatic statements when it comes to the fortunes of Hibernian Football Club but as I sit writing this, I have to confess to having real concerns that, as far as results on the park are concerned, we are looking like a club in freefall. After a gutsy Derby performance, I expected more of the same and instead got a performance from a side lacking shape, cohesion, direction and organisation. And yet we had the better chances to score but failed to take them and were sucker punched due to a sloppy piece of play by Doyle-Hayes.

With Joe Newell unavailable due to injury, we went with a midfield pairing of Josh Campbell and Jake Doyle-Hayes who struggled throughout against the experienced Alan Power and the livewire Connor Ronan. Kevin Dabrowski rightly retained his starting spot whilst Demetri Mitchell got in ahead of Josh Doig who was on the bench. Shaun Maloney retained the two up top with Mueller in behind.

Play was very open in the early stages, so much so that I felt nervous every time St. Mirren broke forward. At the other end, Hibs pushed on, but the final ball was a let-down, especially from Mitchell on the left who was booked early in the game for a foul challenge. Moments later, the same player fired a right footed shot that looked on target but was deflected before it reached Alnwick in the St. Mirren goal. Next up, the lively Mueller got a shot away but once again his effort was blocked.

Down the St. Mirren left, Jordan Jones was busy and offered up a couple of decent crosses but by and large I felt that Chris Cadden dealt well with the former Ranger. Efforts from Tait, Ronan and then Jones himself all failed to trouble Dabrowski before Mitchell skipped inside his marker but then hit a right footed shot high and wide of the target.

Around the twenty minute mark, Dabrowski was properly tested by a shot from Grieve, but the keeper easily saved that attempt. Five minutes later, Mueller showed remarkable resilience in probing deep into the St. Mirren box and only a last minute challenge prevented him from opening the scoring. Next, Stevenson crossed for Nisbet, but the striker headed the ball wide of the target. Cadden had been showing well on the right and a last ditch lunge by Richard Tait stopped him in his tracks as he broke through; Tait rightly being booked for the tackle.

There was little of real note happening for either side at this point in what was proving to be a disappointing first half although Connor Ronan found space to fire just wide before Doyle-Hayes was booked and both Jones and Jay Henderson had attempts at goal which made Dabrowski have to save whilst Porteous had a similar outcome with a header at the other end.

The second half began with Ewan Henderson on for an out of touch Christian Doidge and this required a little bit of a reshuffle with Mueller getting closer to Nisbet and Henderson playing in behind. Starting on the front foot, Mueller had a go from distance, but the ball was always rising. The hosts were far more aggressive at this point with Mueller, Nisbet and Henderson all coming close to breaking the deadlock. Indeed, Henderson was left shaking his head in disbelief as Alnwick foiled him with a fine save. Hibs’ next two efforts were both set up by Nisbet, but Cadden and Henderson once again found Alnwick up to the test.

Just past the hour mark, Hibs conceded when Doyle-Hayes failed to control a throw in and Connor Ronan pinched the ball, stepped inside the Hibs penalty area and fired a rocket shot high into the net. It was a crushing moment and Doyle-Hayes was disconsolate but consoled by a word from Chris Mueller whilst the rest of his team mates looked the other way. From the restart, Hibs swept down the park where Mueller set up Nisbet, but Kevin’s strike once again brought out the best in Alnwick. The pattern of play thereafter became one of Hibs looking to get level and St. Mirren defending doggedly.

With twenty minutes left, debutant Sylvester Jasper replaced an out of touch Josh Campbell and the new man soon had the home fans enthused with a couple of darting runs at Richard Tait the St. Mirren left back. Jasper and Cadden combined to win a couple of corners for Hibs but only a Ryan Porteous header caused the visitors any concern. Next, a double substitution saw Stevenson and Mitchell replaced by Doig and Scott as Shaun Maloney looked to find a way to get level and moments later, to a rousing cheer, Scott Allan replaced Jake Doyle-Hayes. At this point the disquiet in the home stands was building as Hibs persisted in their way of building slowly from the back with only minutes left on the clock. Even the news that there would be an additional five minutes brought no change in the Hibs approach, an approach that had tried and failed to break down an organised defence. As the final whistle blew, the boos rang around and in truth that was not at all surprising.

The players

Dabrowski – Kev had no chance with the goal and otherwise kept a safe goal with a few decent saves. One thing I would say is that, like Macey, he is slow to notice players breaking and looking for the throw out. Of course, it could be that he is being instructed to play out from the back.

Bushiri – Apart from a couple of shaky moments, Rocky played well enough although he sometimes gives me the fear when he dwells on the ball a little too long.

Porteous – Ryan was majestic against Hearts, fully focused and brimming with confidence. Today, I counted at least three occasions when his sloppy play could have cost us dearly but, in his defence, he finished the game strongly enough.

Stevenson – Lewis was fine and coped well with Jay Henderson and Marcus Fraser who frequently looked to make headway down their right hand side.

Cadden – Growing with every game he sent numerous crosses into the danger area. It must frustrate him, as it does me, that nobody ever seems to run across the defender at the front post. Defensively, he faced Jordan Jones and for my money he won that battle.

Doyle-Hayes – As I alluded to earlier, he struggled in central midfield and his error for the winning goal will haunt him.

Campbell – In to replace the injured Newell, Josh had a pretty torrid time of it, drawing groans from the crowd when things went wrong for him which, whilst I understand the frustration, is hardly likely to help a young player still learning the game.

Mitchell – Had a half decent first half but kinda disappeared for the second until he was replaced.

Mueller – The only Hibs player on the park making himself available at all times and combined with his willingness to run at defences marks him out as my man of the match.

Nisbet – I had a conversation with a fan before the game. He hates Nisbet and pointed out to me all the faults in Kev’s game, or at least his perception of them. I argued back that in the same ninety minutes (against Hearts) Nisbet showed the positive sides to his game. We agreed to disagree. For today, Kev had some lovely lay-offs, some good long passes, some good link up play with Mueller and Cadden. There were other things he did that were not so great. That’s why I find it both disappointing and disheartening that some on the messageboard say he is “rubbish” and has been for months. Opinions, eh.

Doidge – In contrast to Nisbet who put in a shift, big Doidge was a shadow of what we know he can be. Plays like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders which might explain why the only header he won today was in our own box. Something not right but I’ve no idea what.

Henderson – Some lovely link up play and a decent effort at goal I think he’s improving with the going.

Jasper – This little fella is going to entertain, that’s for sure. He wasn’t shy about running at defenders that towered above him and he was unlucky at one point to be dispossessed just as he was about to shoot.

Doig – I know he wasn’t on that long, but he failed to catch the eye for anything threatening to the St. Mirren back line.

Scott – His time at ER was summed up for me when he attempted to flick on with his head a ball down the line and he missed it completely.

Allan – Arrived to a massive cheer from the home stands but giving him ten minutes to influence a game is a crime. I know some say he’s finished but let me ask them this. Would you rather have Josh Campbell or Jake Doyle-Hayes trying to find holes in a visiting defence or Scott Allan. If his health means he can’t do 90 minutes get him on from the start and then replace him once he’s reached his limit.

P.S. Joe Newell – Get well soon, we need you in our midfield.

Shaun Maloney – Not read or heard his comments but I heard plenty of comments from fans leaving the ground at the end and they were almost universally critical of Maloney’s apparent stubbornness to change things when building from the back isn’t working.

Referee – Greg Aitken refereed to standard practice from refs in this country. Poorly.

[The 90+2]

Fantastic summary and one I whole-(you know) agreed with.

[Dublin07]

Brilliant summary apart from giving man of the match to 2 players on a day where none deserved it really.

[The Harp Awakes]

Difficult to see where our next goal is going to come from, let alone a league win.

There's a lot of gnashing of teeth about Maloney, but the truth is without Boyle, the quality of the players he has inherited is bang average, particularly at the top end of the park. The club had the opportunity to bring in a couple of quality, attack minded players into the 1st team in January, but they have failed to do that and instead signed players for the development squad and/or young players who are not ready for the 1st team.

I just hope we get enough points to prevent a relegation battle.

[Shrekko]

I really like these summaries but surprised to see you climbing aboard the "start Scott Allan" train. I guess it proves that nostalgia is a big part of Hibs psyche.

[hibee-boys]

I hope I never see JDH/Campbell starting as a midfield 2 for Hibs again, could not believe that they were starting after their pathetic performance against Livingston. I’m happy enough to give Maloney time but that one decision today was inexcusable, JDH bottom 6 premiership at best…….Campbell will end up at Edinburgh City like the rest of the academy duds when his contract ends. The poor lad is so out his depth I feel sorry for him.

[The 90+2]

I really like these summaries but surprised to see you climbing aboard the "start Scott Allan" train. I guess it proves that nostalgia is a big part of Hibs psyche.


Allan or Campbell and JDH? :confused:

Cadden should be in the middle of the pitch ahead of they two. Lewis also.

[hibee1875]

Allan or Campbell and JDH? :confused:

Cadden should be in the middle of the pitch ahead of they two. Lewis also.

I wonder if when Clark is fit if Cadden will be moved inside a bit.

[h1bs4life]

I really like these summaries but surprised to see you climbing aboard the "start Scott Allan" train. I guess it proves that nostalgia is a big part of Hibs psyche.


Lewis was fine if fine is continuously passing to the opposition
Doig on a whole 10 minutes but never caught the eye .
The love affair with certain players who have continuously let us down is embarrassing , maybe Shaun might be the one who finally gets rid off them although the clown previously in charge of us thought it was a good idea to give them contract extensions

[The 90+2]

I wonder if when Clark is fit if Cadden will be moved inside a bit.


That's a very sound idea tbh :aok:

[wookie70]

I wasn't at the game today but watched on HibsTV. I hoped Maloney's vision would work whilst thinking there was very much to suggest it had any hope of succeeding particularly in the early days.

So much you could be critical about regarding our manager but I think two words summarises it - James Scott. Anyone with eyes can see he has no interest whatsoever in playing for us. It is quite rare for me to dislike a Hibs players these days but I can't wait to see the back of him and by him getting minutes it just says to me Maloney hasn't got a clue. We will lose more goals knocking it about the back than we will score. Football is a simple game and Maloney seems desperate to complicate it.

Heckingbottom got one window and a new manager bounce that lasted longer than Maloney's has. It was a mistake to get rid of Heck that early, likewise Ross and I suspect we will be chucking more good money after bad in a few months time. At some point we need to allow a manager to work through a poor run and while I don't think Maloney will be a success I do hope he is afforded time to fail or succeed.

[ehf]

Very disappointing that we didn’t pick up where we left off in the derby.

We were just about OK for the first hour but hopeless after JDH sold the jerseys.

That’s two Saturdays running that we have gone behind around the 60 minute mark and just downed tools (apart from Jasper, who would be my MOTM). Worryingly redolent of the Butcher era.

When the board went up to show 5 added minutes, even the Hibs announcer didn’t bother with his usual exhortation to “get right behind the boys”. He knew it could have been 5 more days and we still wouldn’t score.

The failure to sign an experienced striker/proven finisher and at least one decent centre mid in the transfer window is utterly baffling.

[Jonnyboy]

Brilliant summary apart from giving man of the match to 2 players on a day where none deserved it really.

Well spotted. I was undecided between the two and opted for Mueller, forgetting to change the text on Cadden :greengrin

[Jonnyboy]

I really like these summaries but surprised to see you climbing aboard the "start Scott Allan" train. I guess it proves that nostalgia is a big part of Hibs psyche.

Nothing to do with nostalgia, Shrekko. I think he can still contribute


Lewis was fine if fine is continuously passing to the opposition
Doig on a whole 10 minutes but never caught the eye .
The love affair with certain players who have continuously let us down is embarrassing , maybe Shaun might be the one who finally gets rid off them although the clown previously in charge of us thought it was a good idea to give them contract extensions

That's the sort of post that's devalued by saying something that patently isn't true.

[Lang Toun hibby]

Like reading the OP comments which normally sync with my own. However the comments about Nisbet playing ok, his efforts, and putting good passes about etc is a minimum for any player never mind a "Scotland" striker. He is rank rotten and his attitude stinks and I think is affecting others. His side foot effort instead of putting his laces through it just after they scored says it all for me.

[h1bs4life]

Nothing to do with nostalgia, Shrekko. I think he can still contribute



That's the sort of post that's devalued by saying something that patently isn't true.

Certainly was true you obviously have got a soft spot for wee Leewie and he can do no wrong and don’t think much of Doig in case he is a threat to his position

[chasitup]

Like reading the OP comments which normally sync with my own. However the comments about Nisbet playing ok, his efforts, and putting good passes about etc is a minimum for any player never mind a "Scotland" striker. He is rank rotten and his attitude stinks and I think is affecting others. His side foot effort instead of putting his laces through it just after they scored says it all for me.

This does my head in too, this side foot pish he persists with. Always on the right foot too, make a yard on your left and hit the bloody thing!

[Jonnyboy]

Certainly was true you obviously have got a soft spot for wee Leewie and he can do no wrong and don’t think much of Doig in case he is a threat to his position

Sorry, but that's pish. Lewis didn't 'keep passing the ball to opponents' and I actually rate Doig highly and would have him in if Hanlon was fit and Lewis returned to the bench.

Maybe it's you that's entrenched in your views and can only concentrate on the odd pass going astray?

[B.H.F.C]

Nothing to do with nostalgia, Shrekko. I think he can still contribute



That's the sort of post that's devalued by saying something that patently isn't true.

I don’t get the whole ‘Allan can’t contribute this or that’ thing.

Mueller is a winger who we’re not playing on the wing, Allan would contribute at least as much in there. Mueller runs about a lot but that’s another game with nothing to show for it. Allan has shown, on the rare occasion he gets a decent amount of time on the pitch that he can contribute creatively.

Thought we were better second half when we changed shape and got Henderson, who is more natural in that area, on the pitch. He should have scored though but it all went to **** when we made all the subs and lost our shape completely (I don’t think 5 subs is a good thing).

[h1bs4life]

Sorry, but that's pish. Lewis didn't 'keep passing the ball to opponents' and I actually rate Doig highly and would have him in if Hanlon was fit and Lewis returned to the bench.

Maybe it's you that's entrenched in your views and can only concentrate on the odd pass going astray?

Think it is you that can’t see past certain long serving players
Was at the game and at the time thought WTF was Stevenson doing putting a throw in across his own box just watched it on Sportscene and while JDH lost possession WTF was he doing .
No mention of that

[Jonnyboy]

Think it is you that can’t see past certain long serving players
Was at the game and at the time thought WTF was Stevenson doing putting a throw in across his own box just watched it on Sportscene and while JDH lost possession WTF was he doing .
No mention of that

So a player dismally fails to control a throw in, it's the throwers fault? I see you've said 'players' Care to name the others?

Edit: I've now watched the goal and you're right about Lewis. Had I realised that at the game I'd have pointed it out in my write up. As it is, I write before looking at any highlights so my bad

2nd edit - watched it again and it was a bog standard throw in that JDH mucked up. I was being too hard on Lewis in my first edit

[Key West]

I hope I never see JDH/Campbell starting as a midfield 2 for Hibs again, could not believe that they were starting after their pathetic performance against Livingston. I’m happy enough to give Maloney time but that one decision today was inexcusable, JDH bottom 6 premiership at best…….Campbell will end up at Edinburgh City like the rest of the academy duds when his contract ends. The poor lad is so out his depth I feel sorry for him.

Garbage.

[Shrekko]

I don’t get the whole ‘Allan can’t contribute this or that’ thing.


He can contribute - but saying he should be starting is a step too far. He’s had a couple of decent starts recently but more when he’s not done enough.

He doesn’t look fit enough at the moment in any case. And before you say he needs a run of games … he’d get those if he was shining on a regular basis when he gets the chance. Same as any other player.

Our other bit part guys have looked fitter when they get brought in.

Those who think starting him would have us slicing through teams left, right and centre are being nostalgic as they’re living in the past.

[Eyrie]

Doyle-Hayes and Campbell aren't doing a good enough job for us in midfield, so there is a clear case for replacing them instead of persevering.

Allan has the ball skills that suit a possession based game. and the vision to unlock a packed defence, so there is a clear case for giving him an opportunity for three or four games to see if he can improve on what little we're getting from the two regulars.

[B.H.F.C]

He can contribute - but saying he should be starting is a step too far. He’s had a couple of decent starts recently but more when he’s not done enough.

He doesn’t look fit enough at the moment in any case. And before you say he needs a run of games … he’d get those if he was shining on a regular basis when he gets the chance. Same as any other player.

Our other bit part guys have looked fitter when they get brought in.

Those who think starting him would have us slicing through teams left, right and centre are being nostalgic as they’re living in the past.

He’s had one run of games this year and looked perfectly fit. If we had a decent, functioning midfield then I’d get him not playing. We don’t and I don’t think he’s been afforded the same opportunities as others.

Who are the fitter, bit part guys? Have they shown much quality? Don’t agree with the nostalgic argument when you look at his goal involvements to minutes on pitch

[B.H.F.C]

Doyle-Hayes and Campbell aren't doing a good enough job for us in midfield, so there is a clear case for replacing them instead of persevering.

Allan has the ball skills that suit a possession based game. and the vision to unlock a packed defence, so there is a clear case for giving him an opportunity for three or four games to see if he can improve on what little we're getting from the two regulars.

This is the point for me. I don’t for a minute think he’s going to transform us in to a great team. But the same players are being allowed to serve up the same crap repeatedly. At least they look fit though.

[BILLYHIBS]

Thanks for posting Jonnyboy

👍

[Greenbeard]

This does my head in too, this side foot pish he persists with. Always on the right foot too, make a yard on your left and hit the bloody thing!
Ditto. The contrast between Ronan's speed of thought and feet to nick the ball off JDH (credit where credit is due) and then to blooter the ball as hard as possible giving Dabrowski no chance, was in complete contrast to Nisbet's telegraphed tame attempt a few minutes later. I like him and he is definitely one of our best players but he needs to be taking more of the chances that he is getting/creating.

Doidge had one sublime touch in the first half but I am inclined to think it was an accident given how pish he was the rest of his time on the pitch.

Henderson and Jasper were positives.

Christ knows what midfield to select v The The Stickies if Newell and Magennis are still out.

[Danderhall Hibs]

Good summary JB. I saw the Porteous errors as well - he seems to get away with it from many of the fans though, agreed on the keeper - distribution is much the same as the other goalie - not seen him come for a cross yet either, Newell is a huge miss in midfield - the shouts that we’re a better team without him have surely vanished by now.

Could’ve still been playing and not scored.

[B.H.F.C]

Good summary JB. I saw the Porteous errors as well - he seems to get away with it from many of the fans though, agreed on the keeper - distribution is much the same as the other goalie - not seen him come for a cross yet either, Newell is a huge miss in midfield - the shouts that we’re a better team without him have surely vanished by now.

Could’ve still been playing and not scored.

Agree on Porteous. Don’t know if it’s lack of concentration or whatever, but he just does sone really silly things.

Disagree on Newell, not sure him playing changes the outcome. For all he was superb on Tuesday, we’ve seen plenty similar games this season with him in the team.

Agree about our inability to put the ball in the net.

[Tommy75]

I wasn't at the game today but watched on HibsTV. I hoped Maloney's vision would work whilst thinking there was very much to suggest it had any hope of succeeding particularly in the early days.

So much you could be critical about regarding our manager but I think two words summarises it - James Scott. Anyone with eyes can see he has no interest whatsoever in playing for us. It is quite rare for me to dislike a Hibs players these days but I can't wait to see the back of him and by him getting minutes it just says to me Maloney hasn't got a clue. We will lose more goals knocking it about the back than we will score. Football is a simple game and Maloney seems desperate to complicate it.

Heckingbottom got one window and a new manager bounce that lasted longer than Maloney's has. It was a mistake to get rid of Heck that early, likewise Ross and I suspect we will be chucking more good money after bad in a few months time. At some point we need to allow a manager to work through a poor run and while I don't think Maloney will be a success I do hope he is afforded time to fail or succeed.

I agree with your last sentence but we had a manager who led us to 3rd place and 2 cup finals who wasn't given a chance to work through a poor run. I don't think Hibs are particularly unique in that regard though, seems to just be modern football.

[Allant1981]

Rocky hasnt looked great the last couple of games with the ball at his feet, its like he cant actually kick the ball properly. Ive said a few times campbell is probably the worst player each week and needs dropped again, i dont see it with mitchell, doig is better all day long and if fit needs to play, JDH does nothing all game, mueller is strange, whats his actual position, not quick enough to be a winger but not an attacking CM, doidge just doesnt look the same since he came back and nisbet cant buy a goal, big changes are needed

[keep the faith]

I really like these summaries but surprised to see you climbing aboard the "start Scott Allan" train. I guess it proves that nostalgia is a big part of Hibs psyche.

Maybe it's because most of us do want to see Allan on the park. He was our best player by far, prior to his health issue. He has had very few minutes on the park since yet on the appearances of any significant length he has made a difference. Has JDH?. Has Campbell? Has Drey Wright??

Some of us are sick of the "he's finished" myth and sick of someone with his ability and passion for the club being ignored. The thing makes no sense and syinks of something more being at play here. The comments like your one there become increasingly tiresome.

[USAHibee]

Certainly was true you obviously have got a soft spot for wee Leewie and he can do no wrong and don’t think much of Doig in case he is a threat to his position

Agree, the poster can barely say anything good thing about young Doig, he literally played 9 minutes but didn't catch his eye, what's he expecting?!.strange...

[jacomo]

What instructions is Nisbet getting from the manager?

We lacked presence up front because he kept coming so deep to get the ball, at times in the second half Nisbet was back in central midfield. Is he being asked to do this or is disobeying the plan?

This is just part of my unease right now, I don’t know what it is we are trying to do.

People keep saying Maloney wants a possession-based game yet our possession stats suggest otherwise.

[Mick O'Rourke]

Keep up your sterling match reports,JB.
It cannot be that easy being a supporter to always be objective.
You obviously pen your reports very soon after a game and i dont doubt some emotions and partisanship can come through in your writings.
So keep going,pal:aok:
Even those great football writers,Stewart Brown and John Ayres,oft times let their personal feelings /bias known in their match reports. :wink:

GGTTH

[Highwayman]

I don’t always agree with you JB,but full marks to you for the time and effort you put into the preparation of your reports.They always make interesting reading.
We can huff and puff on this thread all we like and point what iffery at certain players but the bottom line is that Hibs are not scoring goals and thereby not achieving positive results.That they are not paying a heavier price is shown in the current league table where only 4 points separate 4th and 9th.A good positive run could mean securing 4th place.3rd I think is beyond them.It pains me heavily to post this but I hope Celtic give Motherwell a good pumping today.Every little helps.

[bigwheel]

Keep up your sterling match reports,JB.
It cannot be that easy being a supporter to always be objective.
You obviously pen your reports very soon after a game and i imagine some emotions and partisanship can come through in your writings.
So keep going,pal:aok:
Even Stewart Brown and John Ayres,oft times let their feelings /bias known in their match reports. :wink:

Agree. This weekly thread is constantly one of the highlights of this forum …people can disagree with a fans view , that’s fine - but let’s overall enjoy and celebrate the consistency and quality of the regular input from JB [emoji119][emoji108]

[Jonnyboy]

Agree, the poster can barely say anything good thing about young Doig, he literally played 9 minutes but didn't catch his eye, what's he expecting?!.strange...

He actually got 14 minutes and in that time, in my opinion, he never did much to catch the eye. I accept that others will disagree.

[Mick O'Rourke]

Agree. This weekly thread is constantly one of the highlights of this forum …people can disagree with a fans view , that’s fine - but let’s overall enjoy and celebrate the consistency and quality of the regular input from JB [emoji119][emoji108]

In recent times,more than once a week and in these Baltic climates, too.
Writers cramp and frostbite with frozen fingers !!

Brrrr !!:greengrin

[Key West]

For what it is worth Jonnyboy your reports are far superior to those in the newspapers, it says a lot that you can be bothered to do it in the first place, I know that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the game if I had to analyse it that much and would be fearful of making mistakes.

[Eyrie]

Agree. This weekly thread is constantly one of the highlights of this forum …people can disagree with a fans view , that’s fine - but let’s overall enjoy and celebrate the consistency and quality of the regular input from JB [emoji119][emoji108]

Agreed.

I don't read much on the main board after a loss, but "This is how it feels" is a guaranteed read every time.

[O'Rourke3]

Great write up.

My other observations

Kev D doesn't look comfortable with pass backs but that might be because defenders think he's two footed like Macey.
Rocky seems to need two touches so also gave me the fear. Centre mid missed Joe N big time. Mueller looks great but needs to consider how he helps the man on the ball. 2 or thee times he either ran In front blocking or didn't make space for a pass. Mitchell was hiding once he was booked. Jasper is the new Mickey Weir.
We don't have enough players with enough energy and ability to play out from the back. Everyone has us sussed and when we don't score, they inevitably do. We need a better plan.

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[Tarrahib]

Agreed.

I don't read much on the main board after a loss, but "This is how it feels" is a guaranteed read every time.
After a 4 hour bus trip home after a home game,i it’s time to put the kettle on and get the iPad ready to read JB’s take on the game, nearly always it is very similar to what has been going through my mind on the trip home.
Thank you JB for an honest assessment and an enjoyable read.

[NAE NOOKIE]

[QUOTE=Jonnyboy;6849632]





.

Cadden – Growing with every game he sent numerous crosses into the danger area. It must frustrate him, as it does me, that nobody ever seems to run across the defender at the front post. Defensively, he faced Jordan Jones and for my money he won that battle.











Cadden !!!

I get, I absolutely get, what you are saying JB when it comes to no Hibs player ever and I mean EVER making a run to the near post .... it's absolutely criminal from an attacking team, WTF are our coaches doing at EM when absolutely basic forward play isn't even happening in game after game, a situation that was evident all throughout Jack Ross's time and has not changed one iota since Maloney took over? No wonder we are having so much bother putting the ball in the sodding net?

But on the back of that WHY !! ....... WHY !!! ..... does Cadden continually hit his crosses low into that area, where time after time after time the ball is easily cleared by the first or second defender standing at the near side of the 6 yard box. I counted at least 4 times in the second half alone yesterday he did it. The guy has pretty well played in every Hibs game this season, FFS exactly how thick does he have to be that even now it hasn't dawned on him that hitting the ball into that area in this Hibs team is going to produce the square root of sod all. On the 4th time yesterday I absolutely lost the plot and was on my feet screaming at him to at least attempt, just once, to put some air on the ball and get it into the middle or far side of the box. I'm genuinely beginning to think the guy hasn't got the strength to kick the ball more than 10 yards.

It's doing my sodding head in !!! :grr::grr:

[Allant1981]

[QUOTE=Jonnyboy;6849632]





.

Cadden – Growing with every game he sent numerous crosses into the danger area. It must frustrate him, as it does me, that nobody ever seems to run across the defender at the front post. Defensively, he faced Jordan Jones and for my money he won that battle.











Cadden !!!

I get, I absolutely get, what you are saying JB when it comes to no Hibs player ever and I mean EVER making a run to the near post .... it's absolutely criminal from an attacking team, WTF are our coaches doing at EM when absolutely basic forward play isn't even happening in game after game, a situation that was evident all throughout Jack Ross's time and has not changed one iota since Maloney took over? No wonder we are having so much bother putting the ball in the sodding net?

But on the back of that WHY !! ....... WHY !!! ..... does Cadden continually hit his crosses low into that area, where time after time after time the ball is easily cleared by the first or second defender standing at the near side of the 6 yard box. I counted at least 4 times in the second half alone yesterday he did it. The guy has pretty well played in every Hibs game this season, FFS exactly how thick does he have to be that even now it hasn't dawned on him that hitting the ball into that area in this Hibs team is going to produce the square root of sod all. On the 4th time yesterday I absolutely lost the plot and was on my feet screaming at him to at least attempt, just once, to put some air on the ball and get it into the middle or far side of the box. I'm genuinely beginning to think the guy hasn't got the strength to kick the ball more than 10 yards.

It's doing my sodding head in !!! :grr::grr:

He put numerous crosses in that "air"

[LaMotta]

I really like these summaries but surprised to see you climbing aboard the "start Scott Allan" train. I guess it proves that nostalgia is a big part of Hibs psyche.

It's not even close to nostalgia. It's about the players we have at our disposal right now and what they are capable of.

Allan has proved numerous times this season he is far from finished and he is the most prolific player left at the club in contributing directly to goals ( excluding Nisbet).

Jonnyboy is bang on.

[LaMotta]

Maybe it's because most of us do want to see Allan on the park. He was our best player by far, prior to his health issue. He has had very few minutes on the park since yet on the appearances of any significant length he has made a difference. Has JDH?. Has Campbell? Has Drey Wright??

Some of us are sick of the "he's finished" myth and sick of someone with his ability and passion for the club being ignored. The thing makes no sense and syinks of something more being at play here. The comments like your one there become increasingly tiresome.

:top marks

[ozhibs]

Agree. This weekly thread is constantly one of the highlights of this forum …people can disagree with a fans view , that’s fine - but let’s overall enjoy and celebrate the consistency and quality of the regular input from JB [emoji119][emoji108]

Thanks JB, I agree with this , and even although I have watched the game on Hibs TV, I love to get your read on it
GGTTH

[Green_one]

Thought Jasper looked promising but half the height I was expecting

Nisbet, Mueller and Cadden all put in decent shifts

Doyle Hayes frustrates and Mitchell definitely falls away significantly in each second half. Hopefully a fitness thing

How do we get Cadden into so many great positions and end up with nothing? Is it his crossing or the position of others or both.

[CockneyRebel]

Ditto. The contrast between Ronan's speed of thought and feet to nick the ball off JDH (credit where credit is due) and then to blooter the ball as hard as possible giving Dabrowski no chance, was in complete contrast to Nisbet's telegraphed tame attempt a few minutes later. I like him and he is definitely one of our best players but he needs to be taking more of the chances that he is getting/creating.

Doidge had one sublime touch in the first half but I am inclined to think it was an accident given how pish he was the rest of his time on the pitch.

Henderson and Jasper were positives.

Christ knows what midfield to select v The The Stickies if Newell and Magennis are still out.


I noticed that as well. I was just thinking how poor he was again then he beat the defender (wide on our right near the touchline and in the final third - is this the one you mean?) cleverly with one move and touch and he was past the guy and away. I then thought he might just be getting his mojo back but he went on to disprove that hope.

[NAE NOOKIE]

[QUOTE=NAE NOOKIE;6850397]

He put numerous crosses in that "air"

Well they all must have been in the first half mate, because he didn't in the second. Whatever the case it doesn't nullify my basic point of the absolute fact that Hibs forwards just don't make near post runs, the last one I can recall doing it with any regularity is Anthony Stokes.

[ozhibs]

Maybe it's because most of us do want to see Allan on the park. He was our best player by far, prior to his health issue. He has had very few minutes on the park since yet on the appearances of any significant length he has made a difference. Has JDH?. Has Campbell? Has Drey Wright??

Some of us are sick of the "he's finished" myth and sick of someone with his ability and passion for the club being ignored. The thing makes no sense and syinks of something more being at play here. The comments like your one there become increasingly tiresome.

Scott Alan should always be ahead of Wright, Scott and even young Josh Campbell (who I have a lot of time for) the Livi and St Mirren game was crying out for his incisive passes., even the last 20 minutes of the ****bos game.
GGTTH

[Allant1981]

[QUOTE=Aldot1981;6850436]

Well they all must have been in the first half mate, because he didn't in the second. Whatever the case it doesn't nullify my basic point of the absolute fact that Hibs forwards just don't make near post runs, the last one I can recall doing it with any regularity is Anthony Stokes.

I agree 100%,they need to be making better runs bit he certainly did put in quite a few crosses that were in the air

[JimBHibees]

Well they all must have been in the first half mate, because he didn't in the second. Whatever the case it doesn't nullify my basic point of the absolute fact that Hibs forwards just don't make near post runs, the last one I can recall doing it with any regularity is Anthony Stokes.

Agree about the near post runs does my head in to be honest. It allows the near post defender to clear under no pressure.

[Baldy Foghorn]

Never will understand having every player back defending a corner. Leave 1 up it takes 1 or 2 of opposition away, we win ball nobody to pass to, and we invariably clear it, to give possession back to other team

[Greenbeard]

[QUOTE=Jonnyboy;6849632]





.

Cadden – Growing with every game he sent numerous crosses into the danger area. It must frustrate him, as it does me, that nobody ever seems to run across the defender at the front post. Defensively, he faced Jordan Jones and for my money he won that battle.











Cadden !!!

I get, I absolutely get, what you are saying JB when it comes to no Hibs player ever and I mean EVER making a run to the near post .... it's absolutely criminal from an attacking team, WTF are our coaches doing at EM when absolutely basic forward play isn't even happening in game after game, a situation that was evident all throughout Jack Ross's time and has not changed one iota since Maloney took over? No wonder we are having so much bother putting the ball in the sodding net?

But on the back of that WHY !! ....... WHY !!! ..... does Cadden continually hit his crosses low into that area, where time after time after time the ball is easily cleared by the first or second defender standing at the near side of the 6 yard box. I counted at least 4 times in the second half alone yesterday he did it. The guy has pretty well played in every Hibs game this season, FFS exactly how thick does he have to be that even now it hasn't dawned on him that hitting the ball into that area in this Hibs team is going to produce the square root of sod all. On the 4th time yesterday I absolutely lost the plot and was on my feet screaming at him to at least attempt, just once, to put some air on the ball and get it into the middle or far side of the box. I'm genuinely beginning to think the guy hasn't got the strength to kick the ball more than 10 yards.

It's doing my sodding head in !!! :grr::grr:
Aye, it has crossed my mind to whizz through a full re-rerun of the game on hibs tv and do an analysis of our crosses from open play.
How many from each side and who delivers?
Low or high?
Do they get beyond the first defender?
Do they at least reach the front post?
Who gets on the end of it?

Cannae be arsed though.

[Greenbeard]

I noticed that as well. I was just thinking how poor he was again then he beat the defender (wide on our right near the touchline and in the final third - is this the one you mean?) cleverly with one move and touch and he was past the guy and away. I then thought he might just be getting his mojo back but he went on to disprove that hope.
Think so. Just before HT. 44.30 on the clock. Had to look at the full replay on Hibs TV. The highlights missed his involvement and just showed Cadden's resultant cross.

[brog]

Like reading the OP comments which normally sync with my own. However the comments about Nisbet playing ok, his efforts, and putting good passes about etc is a minimum for any player never mind a "Scotland" striker. He is rank rotten and his attitude stinks and I think is affecting others. His side foot effort instead of putting his laces through it just after they scored says it all for me.

Total nonsense. His attitude yesterday was excellent, he put in a real shift and on another day could have scored and had 3 or 4 assists. As for the new Hibs Net myth about Nisbet never putting his foot through the ball, Gerd Muller and Jimmy Greaves scored hundreds of goals that were toe pokes or rolled in. With reference to yesterday's effort he did wonderfully well. He had little space to get shot away so hit it with minimum backlift. If he had tried to 'put his laces' through it he wouldn't have got a shot away. He was thwarted by inches by an excellent save. Josh C on Tuesday and Henderson yesterday both put their laces through the ball from about 10 yards out, neither scored!

[Jonnyboy]

Keep up your sterling match reports,JB.
It cannot be that easy being a supporter to always be objective.
You obviously pen your reports very soon after a game and i dont doubt some emotions and partisanship can come through in your writings.
So keep going,pal:aok:
Even those great football writers,Stewart Brown and John Ayres,oft times let their personal feelings /bias known in their match reports. :wink:

GGTTH


I don’t always agree with you JB,but full marks to you for the time and effort you put into the preparation of your reports.They always make interesting reading.
We can huff and puff on this thread all we like and point what iffery at certain players but the bottom line is that Hibs are not scoring goals and thereby not achieving positive results.That they are not paying a heavier price is shown in the current league table where only 4 points separate 4th and 9th.A good positive run could mean securing 4th place.3rd I think is beyond them.It pains me heavily to post this but I hope Celtic give Motherwell a good pumping today.Every little helps.


Agree. This weekly thread is constantly one of the highlights of this forum …people can disagree with a fans view , that’s fine - but let’s overall enjoy and celebrate the consistency and quality of the regular input from JB [emoji119][emoji108]


For what it is worth Jonnyboy your reports are far superior to those in the newspapers, it says a lot that you can be bothered to do it in the first place, I know that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the game if I had to analyse it that much and would be fearful of making mistakes.


Agreed.

I don't read much on the main board after a loss, but "This is how it feels" is a guaranteed read every time.


After a 4 hour bus trip home after a home game,i it’s time to put the kettle on and get the iPad ready to read JB’s take on the game, nearly always it is very similar to what has been going through my mind on the trip home.
Thank you JB for an honest assessment and an enjoyable read.


Thanks JB, I agree with this , and even although I have watched the game on Hibs TV, I love to get your read on it
GGTTH

First of all, apologies for not responding sooner. I can't multiquote when I'm using my phone but am back at my keyboard now :greengrin

I appreciate all the complimentary remarks, both generous and good to read.

This is how it feels is, first and foremost, is an opinion piece. It does include factual content but I like to add my own thoughts on what I've just watched. I accept and agree that others have different opinions and indeed I welcome reading the views of others as it adds to my view of things. Sometimes I feel the need to challenge those whose view differs from my own, which is healthy given it's an opinion piece. Occasionally, like in this offering, I read stuff that is just patently inaccurate as opposed to a different opinion and in the spirit of debate, I'll respond. Doesn't make me right, just a fan with a different opinion :greengrin

Anyway, I've prattled on far too much so thanks again for the kind remarks

PS I'm dreading what I'll have to write about in regard to Rangers away :greengrin

[Jonnyboy]

[QUOTE=Jonnyboy;6849632]





.

Cadden – Growing with every game he sent numerous crosses into the danger area. It must frustrate him, as it does me, that nobody ever seems to run across the defender at the front post. Defensively, he faced Jordan Jones and for my money he won that battle.











Cadden !!!

I get, I absolutely get, what you are saying JB when it comes to no Hibs player ever and I mean EVER making a run to the near post .... it's absolutely criminal from an attacking team, WTF are our coaches doing at EM when absolutely basic forward play isn't even happening in game after game, a situation that was evident all throughout Jack Ross's time and has not changed one iota since Maloney took over? No wonder we are having so much bother putting the ball in the sodding net?

But on the back of that WHY !! ....... WHY !!! ..... does Cadden continually hit his crosses low into that area, where time after time after time the ball is easily cleared by the first or second defender standing at the near side of the 6 yard box. I counted at least 4 times in the second half alone yesterday he did it. The guy has pretty well played in every Hibs game this season, FFS exactly how thick does he have to be that even now it hasn't dawned on him that hitting the ball into that area in this Hibs team is going to produce the square root of sod all. On the 4th time yesterday I absolutely lost the plot and was on my feet screaming at him to at least attempt, just once, to put some air on the ball and get it into the middle or far side of the box. I'm genuinely beginning to think the guy hasn't got the strength to kick the ball more than 10 yards.

It's doing my sodding head in !!! :grr::grr:

I actually think Cadden's biggest fault is not lifting his head before delivering a cross. Boyler was exactly the same in his early years and improved immeasurably after some coach or another drummed into him the need to lift his head. Maloney/Gray/Caldwell need to do the same for Cadden I reckon

[LaMotta]

Total nonsense. His attitude yesterday was excellent, he put in a real shift and on another day could have scored and had 3 or 4 assists. As for the new Hibs Net myth about Nisbet never putting his foot through the ball, Gerd Muller and Jimmy Greaves scored hundreds of goals that were toe pokes or rolled in. With reference to yesterday's effort he did wonderfully well. He had little space to get shot away so hit it with minimum backlift. If he had tried to 'put his laces' through it he wouldn't have got a shot away. He was thwarted by inches by an excellent save. Josh C on Tuesday and Henderson yesterday both put their laces through the ball from about 10 yards out, neither scored!

:agree: Read Ian Rush's book which was a good read - his advice to all budding strikers is to just look for the gap then pass the ball into the net. Certainly worked for him.:cb

[brog]

Apologies John, i forgot to say thanks as ever for the report. It's a tough and thankless gig right now!!

[TrinityHibs]

JB many thanks for your reports. The only ones I read and the only ones that reflect the game I watch.

[Smartie]

Never will understand having every player back defending a corner. Leave 1 up it takes 1 or 2 of opposition away, we win ball nobody to pass to, and we invariably clear it, to give possession back to other team

This drives me up the wall as well.

I remember the ironic cheers when Jim Duffy waved someone forward when we conceded a corner in his first game after having watched years of Miller bringing everyone back.

It just heaps pressure on you, stops you getting out and (you would expect) increases the chances of conceding.

Although - from memory, we haven’t conceded from one yet. The first time we do, I predict meltdown.

[Greenbeard]

:agree: Read Ian Rush's book which was a good read - his advice to all budding strikers is to just look for the gap then pass the ball into the net. Certainly worked for him.:cb
That's as may be but it sure ain't working for Nisbet, I think cos he telegraphs it.
Watching all the Prem goals from the weekend on BBC online, it struck me how the first six or seven shown are all blootered hard and it's the speed of the shot rather than placement that beats the goalie. The "placed" shots that hit the net are in the minority and mostly from the OF. (What does that tell you?)
I'm not saying Nisbet should lace it every time; just sometimes vary it.

[brog]

That's as may be but it sure ain't working for Nisbet, I think cos he telegraphs it.
Watching all the Prem goals from the weekend on BBC online, it struck me how the first six or seven shown are all blootered hard and it's the speed of the shot rather than placement that beats the goalie. The "placed" shots that hit the net are in the minority and mostly from the OF. (What does that tell you?)
I'm not saying Nisbet should lace it every time; just sometimes vary it.

I don't disagree with much of what you're saying but 1 week is hardly a representative sample and I'm not sure why OF goals should be regarded differently. I only saw 2nd half of game at Ibrox yesterday but 3 of those 4 goals were passed into the net. Kamara's was Ally MacLeod esque!
The main thing is however that in a crowded box it's often very difficult to find time and space to 'blooter' the ball. As i posted above I thought Nisbet's effort yesterday was a perfect example of that. If he had tried to blooter the ball at St J and Motherwell earlier this season we almost certainly would not have won those games. What we really need IMO is our midfield coming on to balls at edge of box and certainly battering those, hopefully into net! Apart from Nisbet our highest scorer on park yesterday had 2 league goals this season!

[ShadesLongThrow]

Very good and accurate report. Only thing I would add is a comment on the time wasting by St Mirren that went unpunished. Twice they blatantly kicked the ball away and the ref did nothing. The first one in particular was a definite yellow card. The second time, he just looked at the player and shrugged his shoulders as if to say "what are you doing".

[Paulie Walnuts]

I was really pissed off leaving the ground on Saturday and tbh, I thought we were brutal.

Looking back on it though, im not sure we were all that bad. Not great by any means but I think Maloney was spot on in his interview. We missed more than enough chances to win the game and JDH has had an absolute shocker at the goal. On the balance of play, we probably should have won.

A right kick in the stones the way we lost it.

[matty_f]

Never will understand having every player back defending a corner. Leave 1 up it takes 1 or 2 of opposition away, we win ball nobody to pass to, and we invariably clear it, to give possession back to other team

Totally agree.

[LaMotta]

Never will understand having every player back defending a corner. Leave 1 up it takes 1 or 2 of opposition away, we win ball nobody to pass to, and we invariably clear it, to give possession back to other team

:agree: It's far too defensive and risk averse when less than 2% of all goals are estimated to come directly from a corner:

https://sqaf.club/goals-from-corners-stats/

[brog]

Never will understand having every player back defending a corner. Leave 1 up it takes 1 or 2 of opposition away, we win ball nobody to pass to, and we invariably clear it, to give possession back to other team

I had a long and fruitless conversation making exactly those point to AM many years ago.

[Tarrahib]

I had a long and fruitless conversation making exactly those point to AM many years ago.
Pardon my ignorance,who is AM.

[Greenbeard]

I don't disagree with much of what you're saying but 1 week is hardly a representative sample and I'm not sure why OF goals should be regarded differently. I only saw 2nd half of game at Ibrox yesterday but 3 of those 4 goals were passed into the net. Kamara's was Ally MacLeod esque!
The main thing is however that in a crowded box it's often very difficult to find time and space to 'blooter' the ball. As i posted above I thought Nisbet's effort yesterday was a perfect example of that. If he had tried to blooter the ball at St J and Motherwell earlier this season we almost certainly would not have won those games. What we really need IMO is our midfield coming on to balls at edge of box and certainly battering those, hopefully into net! Apart from Nisbet our highest scorer on park yesterday had 2 league goals this season!
Ditto.

[Tarrahib]

Pardon my ignorance,who is AM.
Alex Miller? Was he a morning person?

[brog]

Pardon my ignorance,who is AM.

Sorry, Alex Miller, he was mentioned in the original post.