Jonnyboy
15-05-2022, 03:41 PM
With empty seats galore around the three home stands, I suppose it could be argued that those choosing not to attend missed a four goal bonanza with the much derided James Scott bagging a hat trick. Until the first goal we were being bettered by a makeshift St. Johnstone side at least in terms of possession but the end result led to happy smiling faces as the fans trooped out at the finish.
Two changes were made to the starting eleven with Bushiri and Campbell dropping to the bench whilst Melkersen and McGregor (captain for the day) came in. I’d guess that might well be Darren’s final game in a Hibs jersey and he marked it by turning in a fine display. It was good also to see a number of youngsters, from the table topping U18’s side, on the bench.
It was expected that Saints would be leaving players out with the play-offs coming up in the coming week and that’s exactly what they did. Even so, they had the better of the early possession and in those early minutes both Gilmour and Butterfield had shots but neither troubled Matt Macey. At the other end, a delivery from Ewan Henderson was met by Darren McGregor and although the headed attempt was on target, Elliot Parish plucked it out of the air before it reached the target. It was a bit alarming at how much space the visitors were finding in midfield where Lewis Stevenson seemed to be fighting a lone battle. More than once, Stevenson had to make a telling challenge to halt the progression of the visitors and it seemed to me that his midfield team mates were not pulling their weight.
On the half hour, Cifti fed Middleton, but the latter’s strike was easily saved by Macey. Five minutes later a cracking cross by Newell found Doig at the back post but the Hibs No. 3 struck his effort wide when a goal looked certain. A series of midfield exchanges followed until ten minutes from the interval when Scott fed Clarke with the latter striking a fierce shot that was defected for a corner. Next, whilst defending a corner in his own box, Shaun Rooney managed to burst clear and was bearing down on goal with only Lewis Stevenson around to challenge him. The experience of Lewis meant he challenged for the ball at just the right time and the threat of conceding was averted.
It has to be said that we were second best for the bulk of the half but in the final minute of the half, Hibs broke the deadlock when a corner was met by Melkersen who headed the ball back into the danger area. Both Porteous and McGinn went for but it would be McGinn that applied the finishing touch as he poked the ball into the net from close range.
The hosts started the second half brightly and within a few minutes doubled their lead. There was an element of good fortune to it when McGinn’s cross into the area was missed in the air by Jamie McCart and the ball then struck James Scott on the thigh before rolling into the net. There’s been plenty of occasions this season when such a lucky break eluded Hibs and so this one was more than welcome. Ten minutes later, McGregor was booked for a foul around twenty two yards from goal allowing Glenn Middleton to try and hit the target, but his poor effort sailed over the bar. Moments later, Ryan Porteous latched on to a ball inside his own penalty area and went on a marauding run of some 60 or 70 yards before being stopped in his tracks by Shaun Rooney who was booked for the challenge. Henderson took the resultant free kick but failed to get it past the wall. Soon after, Josh Doig saw an effort flash wide with Hibs now gaining the upper hand.
After Charlie Gilmour was booked for a pretty reckless challenge on Stevenson, Hibs kept possession and a lovely cross from the right by Newell saw James Scott on hand to double his tally and increase Hibs’ lead to 3-0. Whilst there may have been an element of luck for the first one, no luck was involved this time as Scott struck the ball sweetly into the net.
With a little over 20 minutes left, Clarke was replaced by Murray Aiken who was making his first team debut and immediately drew applause from the home support as he jigged past a St Johnstone player and fed McGinn with a fine pass. The visitors were struggling to offer anything in terms of hitting the target although both Butterfield and Cifti did see chances blocked. Next, Melkersen set up Scott who was inches away from getting a hat trick as the ball flashed just wide of the post. Seconds later, Scott rifled in a shot that Parrish could only parry into the path of Melkersen, but the youngster couldn’t react quickly enough and steered his shot wide of a gaping goal. Undeterred, Melkerson soon had another chance, but this time Parrish saved.
Both sides then decided to make changes with Hibs replacing Melkersen with Robbie Hamilton whilst Liam Gordon and Liam Craig replaced Rooney and Butterfield. Oscar MacIntyre then replaced a limping Ryan Porteous and as the big defender limped off, I wondered whether we’d see him in a Hibs jersey again.
Just to remind Hibs the game wasn’t quite over yet, Middleton tested Macey with a shot, but the keeper was up to the challenge and then Murray Aiken fouled Liam Craig who reacted badly to the challenge and was in the referee’s face complaining, as usual. Soon after that, Aiken found himself at the edge of the St. Johnstone box but before he could get a shot away the ball was nicked away from him. With five minutes left, McGinn and Henderson were replaced by Alan Delferriere and Jacob Blaney and the guys arrived just in time to watch Josh Doig deliver a superb cross into the box for James Scott to steer a header into the top corner for his hat trick. I know Scott hasn’t been very popular with the fans but even the harshest of critics must have been pleased for him today.
With the game over the players and their families, together with the coaching staff walked round the pitch and I know a fair few posters on here were suggesting they had no right to do that given the season we’ve had but my view is that the event allowed the players to applaud the fans for sticking with them through trying times. I was pleased to see that the vast majority in the home stands stayed to acknowledge that.
The players – In a departure from the norm, I’m going to have a joint award today to two players who deserve that recognition.
Macey – Matt had one good save in the first half, pushing a fierce strike away to his right but otherwise it was a quiet afternoon for the big guy.
McGinn – Another goal for the likeable McGinn who played well and gave a lot of his time at the end to the young fans nearest the pitch.
McGregor – If this was indeed his final appearance, I can confidently say he finished with a fine performance.
Porteous – After a couple of ropey passes in the first half, Ryan came in to his own and that run in the second half had the whole place bouncing.
Clarke – Harry has some engine in him, and he clearly enjoys playing for this club, so I hope Arsenal don’t recall him over the summer.
Newell – Joe had a strange sort of game today in that he was posted missing in the midfield a few times but also managed to put in a few excellent crosses, one of which led to a goal.
Stevenson – If there is a blade of grass that Lewis didn’t cover today, someone will need to point it out to me. He was everywhere and totally committed from start to finish. That jockeying of Rooney is worth the man of the match award alone but it’s his overall performance that wins it for me.
Doig – Josh had a good outing, and both attacked and defended well. He’s another with a superb engine to go with his undoubted skill.
Henderson – Ewan had a quieter day today, but you could see flashes of what might be in store for us to watch in the future.
Melkersen – I feel heart sorry for the laddie as nothing went right for him and especially that glaring second half miss but good will come of him yet, I feel sure.
Scott – A hat trick and a decent all round performance means he shares my man of the match award with Lewis. Bizarre to think that the last Hibs player to score a hat trick was Martin Boyle!
Aiken – At 17 you’re still growing, and he has a way to go but for someone so young, inexperienced and slight of build he certainly didn’t shy away from anything.
MacIntyre – Showed a maturity when under pressure and helped keep that clean sheet.
Hamilton – Looked busy and eager to get involved.
Delferriere – This laddie has pace and looked more than comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Blaney – Only got around 7 or 8 minutes but looked solid in the back three.
SDG – Must have been delighted with the end result and I’m sure, like me, he enjoyed watching us play with some freedom after the second goal went in.
Referee – David Dickinson – I hardly really noticed him during the game so it could be argued he done a good job.
And finally ………….. My last TIHIF of the season. Thank you for all the feedback and I hope my utterings have helped contribute to debate.
Two changes were made to the starting eleven with Bushiri and Campbell dropping to the bench whilst Melkersen and McGregor (captain for the day) came in. I’d guess that might well be Darren’s final game in a Hibs jersey and he marked it by turning in a fine display. It was good also to see a number of youngsters, from the table topping U18’s side, on the bench.
It was expected that Saints would be leaving players out with the play-offs coming up in the coming week and that’s exactly what they did. Even so, they had the better of the early possession and in those early minutes both Gilmour and Butterfield had shots but neither troubled Matt Macey. At the other end, a delivery from Ewan Henderson was met by Darren McGregor and although the headed attempt was on target, Elliot Parish plucked it out of the air before it reached the target. It was a bit alarming at how much space the visitors were finding in midfield where Lewis Stevenson seemed to be fighting a lone battle. More than once, Stevenson had to make a telling challenge to halt the progression of the visitors and it seemed to me that his midfield team mates were not pulling their weight.
On the half hour, Cifti fed Middleton, but the latter’s strike was easily saved by Macey. Five minutes later a cracking cross by Newell found Doig at the back post but the Hibs No. 3 struck his effort wide when a goal looked certain. A series of midfield exchanges followed until ten minutes from the interval when Scott fed Clarke with the latter striking a fierce shot that was defected for a corner. Next, whilst defending a corner in his own box, Shaun Rooney managed to burst clear and was bearing down on goal with only Lewis Stevenson around to challenge him. The experience of Lewis meant he challenged for the ball at just the right time and the threat of conceding was averted.
It has to be said that we were second best for the bulk of the half but in the final minute of the half, Hibs broke the deadlock when a corner was met by Melkersen who headed the ball back into the danger area. Both Porteous and McGinn went for but it would be McGinn that applied the finishing touch as he poked the ball into the net from close range.
The hosts started the second half brightly and within a few minutes doubled their lead. There was an element of good fortune to it when McGinn’s cross into the area was missed in the air by Jamie McCart and the ball then struck James Scott on the thigh before rolling into the net. There’s been plenty of occasions this season when such a lucky break eluded Hibs and so this one was more than welcome. Ten minutes later, McGregor was booked for a foul around twenty two yards from goal allowing Glenn Middleton to try and hit the target, but his poor effort sailed over the bar. Moments later, Ryan Porteous latched on to a ball inside his own penalty area and went on a marauding run of some 60 or 70 yards before being stopped in his tracks by Shaun Rooney who was booked for the challenge. Henderson took the resultant free kick but failed to get it past the wall. Soon after, Josh Doig saw an effort flash wide with Hibs now gaining the upper hand.
After Charlie Gilmour was booked for a pretty reckless challenge on Stevenson, Hibs kept possession and a lovely cross from the right by Newell saw James Scott on hand to double his tally and increase Hibs’ lead to 3-0. Whilst there may have been an element of luck for the first one, no luck was involved this time as Scott struck the ball sweetly into the net.
With a little over 20 minutes left, Clarke was replaced by Murray Aiken who was making his first team debut and immediately drew applause from the home support as he jigged past a St Johnstone player and fed McGinn with a fine pass. The visitors were struggling to offer anything in terms of hitting the target although both Butterfield and Cifti did see chances blocked. Next, Melkersen set up Scott who was inches away from getting a hat trick as the ball flashed just wide of the post. Seconds later, Scott rifled in a shot that Parrish could only parry into the path of Melkersen, but the youngster couldn’t react quickly enough and steered his shot wide of a gaping goal. Undeterred, Melkerson soon had another chance, but this time Parrish saved.
Both sides then decided to make changes with Hibs replacing Melkersen with Robbie Hamilton whilst Liam Gordon and Liam Craig replaced Rooney and Butterfield. Oscar MacIntyre then replaced a limping Ryan Porteous and as the big defender limped off, I wondered whether we’d see him in a Hibs jersey again.
Just to remind Hibs the game wasn’t quite over yet, Middleton tested Macey with a shot, but the keeper was up to the challenge and then Murray Aiken fouled Liam Craig who reacted badly to the challenge and was in the referee’s face complaining, as usual. Soon after that, Aiken found himself at the edge of the St. Johnstone box but before he could get a shot away the ball was nicked away from him. With five minutes left, McGinn and Henderson were replaced by Alan Delferriere and Jacob Blaney and the guys arrived just in time to watch Josh Doig deliver a superb cross into the box for James Scott to steer a header into the top corner for his hat trick. I know Scott hasn’t been very popular with the fans but even the harshest of critics must have been pleased for him today.
With the game over the players and their families, together with the coaching staff walked round the pitch and I know a fair few posters on here were suggesting they had no right to do that given the season we’ve had but my view is that the event allowed the players to applaud the fans for sticking with them through trying times. I was pleased to see that the vast majority in the home stands stayed to acknowledge that.
The players – In a departure from the norm, I’m going to have a joint award today to two players who deserve that recognition.
Macey – Matt had one good save in the first half, pushing a fierce strike away to his right but otherwise it was a quiet afternoon for the big guy.
McGinn – Another goal for the likeable McGinn who played well and gave a lot of his time at the end to the young fans nearest the pitch.
McGregor – If this was indeed his final appearance, I can confidently say he finished with a fine performance.
Porteous – After a couple of ropey passes in the first half, Ryan came in to his own and that run in the second half had the whole place bouncing.
Clarke – Harry has some engine in him, and he clearly enjoys playing for this club, so I hope Arsenal don’t recall him over the summer.
Newell – Joe had a strange sort of game today in that he was posted missing in the midfield a few times but also managed to put in a few excellent crosses, one of which led to a goal.
Stevenson – If there is a blade of grass that Lewis didn’t cover today, someone will need to point it out to me. He was everywhere and totally committed from start to finish. That jockeying of Rooney is worth the man of the match award alone but it’s his overall performance that wins it for me.
Doig – Josh had a good outing, and both attacked and defended well. He’s another with a superb engine to go with his undoubted skill.
Henderson – Ewan had a quieter day today, but you could see flashes of what might be in store for us to watch in the future.
Melkersen – I feel heart sorry for the laddie as nothing went right for him and especially that glaring second half miss but good will come of him yet, I feel sure.
Scott – A hat trick and a decent all round performance means he shares my man of the match award with Lewis. Bizarre to think that the last Hibs player to score a hat trick was Martin Boyle!
Aiken – At 17 you’re still growing, and he has a way to go but for someone so young, inexperienced and slight of build he certainly didn’t shy away from anything.
MacIntyre – Showed a maturity when under pressure and helped keep that clean sheet.
Hamilton – Looked busy and eager to get involved.
Delferriere – This laddie has pace and looked more than comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Blaney – Only got around 7 or 8 minutes but looked solid in the back three.
SDG – Must have been delighted with the end result and I’m sure, like me, he enjoyed watching us play with some freedom after the second goal went in.
Referee – David Dickinson – I hardly really noticed him during the game so it could be argued he done a good job.
And finally ………….. My last TIHIF of the season. Thank you for all the feedback and I hope my utterings have helped contribute to debate.