Jonnyboy
09-07-2022, 05:53 PM
After having been glad to see the end of last season, I was suitably pumped up for this season’s opener against Clyde. On paper at least and on the limited viewing of them in Portugal I was quite excited to see these new guys in action but of course, due to delays in getting work permits, a few missed out and only David Marshall and Nohan Kenneh were in the starting eleven. Marshall had only the threat of sunburn to bother him whilst Kenneh looked solid in midfield although he tired towards the end of the ninety minutes.
As to the game, the opening exchanges showed that Hibs are going to be a team that pushes high and challenges promptly if possession is lost. It’s high energy stuff and so fitness is key if players want to keep their place in the team. I was taken back to memories John Collins’ days when Hibs hunted in packs to get the ball back which was evidenced today.
The first ten minutes saw Hibs dominate the ball but being faced with a packed Clyde defence. Even so, it seemed only a matter of time before their dominance paid off and following unsuccessful efforts from Campbell, Melkersen and Doidge, the last of those three opened the scoring from a cross from the right. Doidge arrived at the back post and under pressure he nudged the ball home.
Hibs were playing some nice stuff and the quick movement in passing of the ball in combined with clever runs off it brought goal number two. Campbell’s fine pass picked out Melkersen in the box and the Hibs man swivelled before sending a low shot past Parry to make it 2-0. Melkersen’s celebration had the look of those demonstrated by Ambrose and Mixu in times gone by.
The visitors were rocking by this time and five minutes later, a fabulous mazy run from Doyle-Hayes ended with him picking Doidge out in the box and the big striker lifted the ball over the diving Parry for a finish equal to the pass setting him up. Sixty seconds later, Doidge completed his hat trick from a Chris Cadden pass and I cannot tell you how delighted I was for the big fella who looks more mobile than he was after he came back from injury.
Ten minutes from the break, Clyde had a chance to score a goal of their own when awarded a free kick in a central position just outside the penalty box, but Cunningham went for power and smashed the ball high over the bar. The game soon settled back into its pattern with Hibs pushing forward at every opportunity and with a few minutes left of the first half, scored a fifth goal when Henderson picked out Campbell some seven or eight yards from goal. Campbell struck the ball for the far corner, but it hit a defender and flew into the net. There may be some debate as to whether it was an own goal, but the shot was on target and so I’m giving it to Josh. Prior to the half time whistle, Grant was booked for a rash tackle on Josh Campbell.
During the interval the discussion was around which players had shone the most and in truth none of them was found wanting. My own view was that Kenneh looks solid, Campbell was very good, Doyle-Hayes revelled in the freedom this new approach offers him and Melkersen will benefit hugely by having others up alongside him. The laddie’s movement will trouble far better defences than the one he faced today.
I expected changes at half time but only one was made with McClelland replacing Bushiri. Being 5-0 up it must be difficult to keep the pace in the game and to an extent, and especially in the first half of the second half, I felt our tempo dropped markedly. Having said that we were only really under pressure the once when Clyde broke away and their attacker was being pursued by Stevenson and McGeady, the latter having replaced Doyle-Hayes on the hour mark. The two Hibs man negated the threat and I found it kind of amusing that two players the wrong side of thirty were able to show a level of fitness that allowed them to pursue and close down the threat.
When McGeady came on, so too did Newell and Miller with Doidge and Campbell making way. Miller slotted in at right back and Cadden moved up one. Melkersen went close with an effort that flew just wide and then a Kenneh shot was charged down.
It was a bit like a training game now but still there were positives to pick out. McGeady will be an asset for sure; Henderson dealt much better with attempts to bump him off the ball and Dylan Tait looks like he will be in and around the squad in future.
A 5-0 win is pleasing by any measure and although it will be pointed out that it was ‘only’ Clyde, a wee look at how St. Mirren got on today against lower league opposition means whoever you are playing you have to perform to win.
The players
David Marshall – A spectator today and did not have to make a single save. Unlike his predecessor, he was quick to get things moving again when he had the ball at his feet.
Chris Cadden – Playing n a deeper role he still managed to get forward a lot and had an assist to his name.
Ryan Porteous – Strolled in the sunshine, never under threat and more than happy to get himself in to attacking areas. One or two of his long range passes were first class.
Rocky Bushiri – I’m not sure why Rocky was replaced at the interval because, other than one slight miscue he was very good. I also felt he dispelled some of the chat about his ability in the air as I reckon, he won every header.
Lewis Stevenson – Solid as a rock defensively and got up and down the line well enough.
Jake Doyle-Hayes – Given the freedom to play further forward he was like a different and better player. His use of the ball was great and his energy levels impressive.
Nohan Kenneh – After a wobbly few minutes at the start I felt he settled down and played the holding role very well.
Josh Campbell – Has his critics and I confess I’ve been amongst them in the past but like Doyle-Hayes he played with a freedom today in scoring one and assisting another.
Henderson – This is the Henderson you want to see. Clever use of the ball, willingness to get involved in the physical battle and a real eye for a pass.
Melkersen – Took his goal really well and badgered the visiting defenders throughout.
Doidge – Christian must surely get a massive boost to his confidence after today. The goals were good enough, but he showed, both in attack and defence, that he still has much to offer.
Kyle McClelland – I was massively impressed by Kyle as he looked calm, composed and ready for anything coming his way. If Porto leaves (and I hope he doesn’t) we may already have his replacement.
Aiden McGeady – I saw enough today to convince me he’ll be a big player for us this season.
Joe Newell – Got around the park well enough but showed his weakness in front of goal twice.
Lewis Miller – Perhaps nerves got to him, but he looked a tad shaky at times.
Dylan Tait – I’ve watched him a few times when he was at Raith and I felt then that he had it in him to make the step up. I still do.
Lee Johnson – Will be delighted with the first 45 but will look to make us play that way for 90.
Referee – Craig Napier – Pretty anonymous for the most part.
As to the game, the opening exchanges showed that Hibs are going to be a team that pushes high and challenges promptly if possession is lost. It’s high energy stuff and so fitness is key if players want to keep their place in the team. I was taken back to memories John Collins’ days when Hibs hunted in packs to get the ball back which was evidenced today.
The first ten minutes saw Hibs dominate the ball but being faced with a packed Clyde defence. Even so, it seemed only a matter of time before their dominance paid off and following unsuccessful efforts from Campbell, Melkersen and Doidge, the last of those three opened the scoring from a cross from the right. Doidge arrived at the back post and under pressure he nudged the ball home.
Hibs were playing some nice stuff and the quick movement in passing of the ball in combined with clever runs off it brought goal number two. Campbell’s fine pass picked out Melkersen in the box and the Hibs man swivelled before sending a low shot past Parry to make it 2-0. Melkersen’s celebration had the look of those demonstrated by Ambrose and Mixu in times gone by.
The visitors were rocking by this time and five minutes later, a fabulous mazy run from Doyle-Hayes ended with him picking Doidge out in the box and the big striker lifted the ball over the diving Parry for a finish equal to the pass setting him up. Sixty seconds later, Doidge completed his hat trick from a Chris Cadden pass and I cannot tell you how delighted I was for the big fella who looks more mobile than he was after he came back from injury.
Ten minutes from the break, Clyde had a chance to score a goal of their own when awarded a free kick in a central position just outside the penalty box, but Cunningham went for power and smashed the ball high over the bar. The game soon settled back into its pattern with Hibs pushing forward at every opportunity and with a few minutes left of the first half, scored a fifth goal when Henderson picked out Campbell some seven or eight yards from goal. Campbell struck the ball for the far corner, but it hit a defender and flew into the net. There may be some debate as to whether it was an own goal, but the shot was on target and so I’m giving it to Josh. Prior to the half time whistle, Grant was booked for a rash tackle on Josh Campbell.
During the interval the discussion was around which players had shone the most and in truth none of them was found wanting. My own view was that Kenneh looks solid, Campbell was very good, Doyle-Hayes revelled in the freedom this new approach offers him and Melkersen will benefit hugely by having others up alongside him. The laddie’s movement will trouble far better defences than the one he faced today.
I expected changes at half time but only one was made with McClelland replacing Bushiri. Being 5-0 up it must be difficult to keep the pace in the game and to an extent, and especially in the first half of the second half, I felt our tempo dropped markedly. Having said that we were only really under pressure the once when Clyde broke away and their attacker was being pursued by Stevenson and McGeady, the latter having replaced Doyle-Hayes on the hour mark. The two Hibs man negated the threat and I found it kind of amusing that two players the wrong side of thirty were able to show a level of fitness that allowed them to pursue and close down the threat.
When McGeady came on, so too did Newell and Miller with Doidge and Campbell making way. Miller slotted in at right back and Cadden moved up one. Melkersen went close with an effort that flew just wide and then a Kenneh shot was charged down.
It was a bit like a training game now but still there were positives to pick out. McGeady will be an asset for sure; Henderson dealt much better with attempts to bump him off the ball and Dylan Tait looks like he will be in and around the squad in future.
A 5-0 win is pleasing by any measure and although it will be pointed out that it was ‘only’ Clyde, a wee look at how St. Mirren got on today against lower league opposition means whoever you are playing you have to perform to win.
The players
David Marshall – A spectator today and did not have to make a single save. Unlike his predecessor, he was quick to get things moving again when he had the ball at his feet.
Chris Cadden – Playing n a deeper role he still managed to get forward a lot and had an assist to his name.
Ryan Porteous – Strolled in the sunshine, never under threat and more than happy to get himself in to attacking areas. One or two of his long range passes were first class.
Rocky Bushiri – I’m not sure why Rocky was replaced at the interval because, other than one slight miscue he was very good. I also felt he dispelled some of the chat about his ability in the air as I reckon, he won every header.
Lewis Stevenson – Solid as a rock defensively and got up and down the line well enough.
Jake Doyle-Hayes – Given the freedom to play further forward he was like a different and better player. His use of the ball was great and his energy levels impressive.
Nohan Kenneh – After a wobbly few minutes at the start I felt he settled down and played the holding role very well.
Josh Campbell – Has his critics and I confess I’ve been amongst them in the past but like Doyle-Hayes he played with a freedom today in scoring one and assisting another.
Henderson – This is the Henderson you want to see. Clever use of the ball, willingness to get involved in the physical battle and a real eye for a pass.
Melkersen – Took his goal really well and badgered the visiting defenders throughout.
Doidge – Christian must surely get a massive boost to his confidence after today. The goals were good enough, but he showed, both in attack and defence, that he still has much to offer.
Kyle McClelland – I was massively impressed by Kyle as he looked calm, composed and ready for anything coming his way. If Porto leaves (and I hope he doesn’t) we may already have his replacement.
Aiden McGeady – I saw enough today to convince me he’ll be a big player for us this season.
Joe Newell – Got around the park well enough but showed his weakness in front of goal twice.
Lewis Miller – Perhaps nerves got to him, but he looked a tad shaky at times.
Dylan Tait – I’ve watched him a few times when he was at Raith and I felt then that he had it in him to make the step up. I still do.
Lee Johnson – Will be delighted with the first 45 but will look to make us play that way for 90.
Referee – Craig Napier – Pretty anonymous for the most part.