Jonnyboy
13-03-2022, 05:26 PM
As is always the case I looked for Hibs to make a fast start to the game but before they could even look to get going, and inside the first minute, Motherwell defender Bevis Mugabe was red carded for a truly shocking over the ball challenge on Doig and referee Willie Collum immediately brandished a red card. Listening to Motherwell boss Graham Alexander’s post match interview I couldn’t believe he complained that Collum had only reacted to Hibs players swarming around him and that the challenge was just a hard one. Collum had the card out in a flash and before any real reaction from Doig’s team mates and I reckon Alexander, a known whinger, should look at the incident again before offering such a poor response to a valid question.
Mugabe’s team mates were flying into challenges and a few minutes after the red card there should have been another when Jordan Roberts went over the ball in fouling Drey Wright but somehow, Willie Collum thought the challenge only worthy of a yellow. Shortly after that, Josh Doig was unable to continue and was replaced by Chris Mueller which meant Stevenson had to drop back into Doig’s position.
Hibs were showing well in the final third with Melkerson and Jasper’s movement causing the home defence some problems. A Hibs corner reached Drey Wright on the edge of the box and his resultant volley made Liam Kelly have to get across goal quickly to save. Moments later, Melkerson jumped with Lamie for a high ball and caught the Motherwell man in the face with his arm. The Hibs man was rightly booked, much to the disgust of those Motherwell players who surrounded Wille Collum pleading for a red. Presumably that mob mentality was acceptable to the Motherwell manager.
In the couple of minutes following that booking, Hibs were put under the cosh and struggled to clear their lines with Motherwell getting three attempts away but failing to beat Macey who had reacted brilliantly in blocking one of those efforts. Having survived, Hibs went up the other end and took the lead after the tricky Jasper evaded his marker and picked out the front post run of Elias Melkerson. The young Norwegian bulleted home a header from close range and the joy on his face as he celebrated in front of the Hibs fans was clear for all to see.
Hibs continued to enjoy good possession and Motherwell rarely troubled the visitors before Jasper had a go at doubling the lead with a shot from outside the box that flew over the bar. Both sides forced a couple of quick corners but neither could manufacture a shot on goal although Jasper did try to but screwed the effort well wide of the target. Kevin Van Veen was putting himself about but found Porteous equal to the challenge before Henderson and then Stevenson brought saves out of Kelly with shots from outside the box.
The movement of Melkerson was continuing to trouble the Motherwell defence and some eight minutes from half time that movement brought a reward as Jasper picked out Melkerson with a long raking diagonal ball that the youngster controlled with his chest before firing it past the advancing Kelly. It was a lovely move and the Hibs fans behind that goal were delirious in their celebrations. One sour note here, for me at least, was the mindless throwing of bits of broken seat onto the area behind the goal. The cretins who thought that was a fun thing to do are brainless and a shame on the thousands of good fans enjoying the game.
The half time whistle was close when Hibs dithered in the left back area with Joe Newell taking just a little bit too long to clear the ball. His attempt was blocked, and Jordan Roberts struck a shot for goal. It was poorly hit and off target, but Joe Efford threw himself at the ball and it hit off his chest before flying past Macey. Perhaps stung by this setback, Hibs rushed down the other end and both Wright and Cadden saw efforts saved before Melkerson missed a cross ball by inches or would have had his hat trick.
Earlier, I said this was a game of two halves. Hibs had played the first half with pace and purpose which, coupled with their two goals should have had them playing the same way after the interval. Instead, and for reasons that baffle me as, other than the first and last ten minutes we were slow, ponderous and lacking in forward drive, allowing ten man Motherwell to dominate possession at times.
A burst into the Motherwell box saw Jasper go down under a challenge but Willie Collum deemed it simulation and booked the Hibs man. It was at the wrong end for me and so I’ve no idea whether it was a correct call but given that there was no dispute by Jasper or his team mates I guess it was the right call. Minutes after that, Henderson went down injured and had to leave the field, his replacement being Scott Allan. Jasper was at the centre of things again when he was scythed down by Liam Donnelly who somehow avoided a yellow card.
Around the 65 minute mark, Macey collected a high ball under pressure and near his goal line. Motherwell man Ricki Lamie tried to barge Macey over the line and the big keeper pushed back at which point Lamie went down like the victim of a sniper and holding his chest. It was both comical in terms of terrible acting, and despicable in terms of blatantly trying to get an opposing player sent off. Needless to say, Alexander saw that one, through a crowded penalty box, but missed the earlier challenge on Drey Wright that happened literally right in front of him.
For the next while, Hibs were far too passive in my view. Playing it slowly across the back line and generally taking any pace out of their game. Motherwell, quite rightly, decided they would play at a quicker pace and often made headway towards the Hibs goal. It was disappointing to watch that and as I said earlier, I’d love to know why we did it. With 15 minutes left, Melkerson and Mueller were replaced by Doidge and McGregor and those changes seemed to put some verve back into the Hibs play as they went more offensive with Cadden felled by McGinlay who got a yellow card and Doidge getting a decent header away that brought a save from Kelly.
Referee Willie Collum finally realised that Ricki Lamie had committed a collection of fouls and finally booked him for a crude challenge on Doidge before getting his notebook out again when booking Scott Allan. It wasn’t clear what the yellow was for, but I’ve since learned it was for hand ball. At least Hibs were finishing the game on the front foot, winning a few corners before Willie Collum got his yellow card out again, booking Macey for time wasting. The keeper tried to explain that he was waiting for Porteous to take the goal kick, but that excuse didn’t wash. As an aside, Macey may have been troubled by the same injury that had kept him out because that had resulted in him being unable to take goal kicks.
When the final whistle blew there was a roar of approval from the Hibs fans, safe in the knowledge that yet another Hampden trip is on the cards.
The players
Macey – Wasn’t really troubled that much during the game and lost the goal to a freak circumstance.
Cadden – A workmanlike performance from Chris who found it difficult at times to get up the park to support any attacks. Had a good game though.
Porteous – Kevin Van Veen now resides in Porto’s pocket. It seems clear though that he is a target for Richard Gordon on Sportsound who accused Porto of jumping for joy when Mugabe was red carded. Sad that Gordon fixates on Hibs players. Remember him ridiculing Christian Doidge?
Doig – The victim of an horrendous challenge, Josh had an ice pack attached to his lower leg and was clearly holding on to his hip as he trudged slowly past the Hibs support on the way to the dressing room.
Wright – Often the brunt of ridicule in terms of his performances, and sometimes that criticism is fair but today, Drey was fantastic both in attack and defence. On one occasion he ran fully sixty or seventy yards, deep into Motherwell territory before delivering a cross that was diverted for a corner. There’s an obvious rival to him for this but I’m giving my man of the match award to Drey.
Campbell - I watched him closely today and a lot of the things he does are effective but not eye catching enough to be discussed. What is discussed is the occasional error or backways pass. Today, there were audible groans at the odd error whilst some around him, doing exactly the same thing escaped that criticism. It’s all pretty sad really.
Newell - How he lasted the ninety I don’t know but he was excellent throughout
Stevenson – Lewis had to quickly revert to his defensive patrol after the red card and once again he was solid. On one occasion, he was in a straight sprint race with Roberts, and both beat him to the ball and cleared the danger. Not bad for the oldie in a team that started the game with an average age of 21.5.
Henderson – I thought Ewan drifted in and out a bit and when he did get the chance to have a shot his efforts were weak. His injury is not clear so I’m unsure if he’ll be ruled out in future games.
Jasper – Magical feet, two assists and some fabulous play over the ninety. Fantastic to watch.
Melkerson – His movement is absolutely first class, and he must be a nightmare to defend against. Both goals were extremely well taken, and I reckon he has become an instant hero with the Hibs fans.
Mueller - Always keen to show for a pass and happy to run at opponents
Allan – Looked to me that he might have been unlucky to get booked for hand ball because the opponent and ball were very close to him.
McGregor – Solid as ever at the back.
Doidge – Gave Lamie something different to worry about.
Shaun Maloney – I heard his post-match interview and thought he was both honest and spot on, unlike his Motherwell counterpart.
Referee – Willie Collum was a busy man and got the red card call spot on but wasn’t so sharp on other occasions.
Mugabe’s team mates were flying into challenges and a few minutes after the red card there should have been another when Jordan Roberts went over the ball in fouling Drey Wright but somehow, Willie Collum thought the challenge only worthy of a yellow. Shortly after that, Josh Doig was unable to continue and was replaced by Chris Mueller which meant Stevenson had to drop back into Doig’s position.
Hibs were showing well in the final third with Melkerson and Jasper’s movement causing the home defence some problems. A Hibs corner reached Drey Wright on the edge of the box and his resultant volley made Liam Kelly have to get across goal quickly to save. Moments later, Melkerson jumped with Lamie for a high ball and caught the Motherwell man in the face with his arm. The Hibs man was rightly booked, much to the disgust of those Motherwell players who surrounded Wille Collum pleading for a red. Presumably that mob mentality was acceptable to the Motherwell manager.
In the couple of minutes following that booking, Hibs were put under the cosh and struggled to clear their lines with Motherwell getting three attempts away but failing to beat Macey who had reacted brilliantly in blocking one of those efforts. Having survived, Hibs went up the other end and took the lead after the tricky Jasper evaded his marker and picked out the front post run of Elias Melkerson. The young Norwegian bulleted home a header from close range and the joy on his face as he celebrated in front of the Hibs fans was clear for all to see.
Hibs continued to enjoy good possession and Motherwell rarely troubled the visitors before Jasper had a go at doubling the lead with a shot from outside the box that flew over the bar. Both sides forced a couple of quick corners but neither could manufacture a shot on goal although Jasper did try to but screwed the effort well wide of the target. Kevin Van Veen was putting himself about but found Porteous equal to the challenge before Henderson and then Stevenson brought saves out of Kelly with shots from outside the box.
The movement of Melkerson was continuing to trouble the Motherwell defence and some eight minutes from half time that movement brought a reward as Jasper picked out Melkerson with a long raking diagonal ball that the youngster controlled with his chest before firing it past the advancing Kelly. It was a lovely move and the Hibs fans behind that goal were delirious in their celebrations. One sour note here, for me at least, was the mindless throwing of bits of broken seat onto the area behind the goal. The cretins who thought that was a fun thing to do are brainless and a shame on the thousands of good fans enjoying the game.
The half time whistle was close when Hibs dithered in the left back area with Joe Newell taking just a little bit too long to clear the ball. His attempt was blocked, and Jordan Roberts struck a shot for goal. It was poorly hit and off target, but Joe Efford threw himself at the ball and it hit off his chest before flying past Macey. Perhaps stung by this setback, Hibs rushed down the other end and both Wright and Cadden saw efforts saved before Melkerson missed a cross ball by inches or would have had his hat trick.
Earlier, I said this was a game of two halves. Hibs had played the first half with pace and purpose which, coupled with their two goals should have had them playing the same way after the interval. Instead, and for reasons that baffle me as, other than the first and last ten minutes we were slow, ponderous and lacking in forward drive, allowing ten man Motherwell to dominate possession at times.
A burst into the Motherwell box saw Jasper go down under a challenge but Willie Collum deemed it simulation and booked the Hibs man. It was at the wrong end for me and so I’ve no idea whether it was a correct call but given that there was no dispute by Jasper or his team mates I guess it was the right call. Minutes after that, Henderson went down injured and had to leave the field, his replacement being Scott Allan. Jasper was at the centre of things again when he was scythed down by Liam Donnelly who somehow avoided a yellow card.
Around the 65 minute mark, Macey collected a high ball under pressure and near his goal line. Motherwell man Ricki Lamie tried to barge Macey over the line and the big keeper pushed back at which point Lamie went down like the victim of a sniper and holding his chest. It was both comical in terms of terrible acting, and despicable in terms of blatantly trying to get an opposing player sent off. Needless to say, Alexander saw that one, through a crowded penalty box, but missed the earlier challenge on Drey Wright that happened literally right in front of him.
For the next while, Hibs were far too passive in my view. Playing it slowly across the back line and generally taking any pace out of their game. Motherwell, quite rightly, decided they would play at a quicker pace and often made headway towards the Hibs goal. It was disappointing to watch that and as I said earlier, I’d love to know why we did it. With 15 minutes left, Melkerson and Mueller were replaced by Doidge and McGregor and those changes seemed to put some verve back into the Hibs play as they went more offensive with Cadden felled by McGinlay who got a yellow card and Doidge getting a decent header away that brought a save from Kelly.
Referee Willie Collum finally realised that Ricki Lamie had committed a collection of fouls and finally booked him for a crude challenge on Doidge before getting his notebook out again when booking Scott Allan. It wasn’t clear what the yellow was for, but I’ve since learned it was for hand ball. At least Hibs were finishing the game on the front foot, winning a few corners before Willie Collum got his yellow card out again, booking Macey for time wasting. The keeper tried to explain that he was waiting for Porteous to take the goal kick, but that excuse didn’t wash. As an aside, Macey may have been troubled by the same injury that had kept him out because that had resulted in him being unable to take goal kicks.
When the final whistle blew there was a roar of approval from the Hibs fans, safe in the knowledge that yet another Hampden trip is on the cards.
The players
Macey – Wasn’t really troubled that much during the game and lost the goal to a freak circumstance.
Cadden – A workmanlike performance from Chris who found it difficult at times to get up the park to support any attacks. Had a good game though.
Porteous – Kevin Van Veen now resides in Porto’s pocket. It seems clear though that he is a target for Richard Gordon on Sportsound who accused Porto of jumping for joy when Mugabe was red carded. Sad that Gordon fixates on Hibs players. Remember him ridiculing Christian Doidge?
Doig – The victim of an horrendous challenge, Josh had an ice pack attached to his lower leg and was clearly holding on to his hip as he trudged slowly past the Hibs support on the way to the dressing room.
Wright – Often the brunt of ridicule in terms of his performances, and sometimes that criticism is fair but today, Drey was fantastic both in attack and defence. On one occasion he ran fully sixty or seventy yards, deep into Motherwell territory before delivering a cross that was diverted for a corner. There’s an obvious rival to him for this but I’m giving my man of the match award to Drey.
Campbell - I watched him closely today and a lot of the things he does are effective but not eye catching enough to be discussed. What is discussed is the occasional error or backways pass. Today, there were audible groans at the odd error whilst some around him, doing exactly the same thing escaped that criticism. It’s all pretty sad really.
Newell - How he lasted the ninety I don’t know but he was excellent throughout
Stevenson – Lewis had to quickly revert to his defensive patrol after the red card and once again he was solid. On one occasion, he was in a straight sprint race with Roberts, and both beat him to the ball and cleared the danger. Not bad for the oldie in a team that started the game with an average age of 21.5.
Henderson – I thought Ewan drifted in and out a bit and when he did get the chance to have a shot his efforts were weak. His injury is not clear so I’m unsure if he’ll be ruled out in future games.
Jasper – Magical feet, two assists and some fabulous play over the ninety. Fantastic to watch.
Melkerson – His movement is absolutely first class, and he must be a nightmare to defend against. Both goals were extremely well taken, and I reckon he has become an instant hero with the Hibs fans.
Mueller - Always keen to show for a pass and happy to run at opponents
Allan – Looked to me that he might have been unlucky to get booked for hand ball because the opponent and ball were very close to him.
McGregor – Solid as ever at the back.
Doidge – Gave Lamie something different to worry about.
Shaun Maloney – I heard his post-match interview and thought he was both honest and spot on, unlike his Motherwell counterpart.
Referee – Willie Collum was a busy man and got the red card call spot on but wasn’t so sharp on other occasions.