This is how it feels (Hearts 07 08 22)

[Jonnyboy]

Had to watch on TV today as my recent run off ill health prevented me from going. It’s nothing serious, just minor things but one after another. Didn’t stop me enjoying a roller coaster of a game and jumping out of my chair in the 95th minute! It does, however, mean that this offering will be little shorter than usual.

What better news could we have asked for prior to this game than to learn of the return to Easter Road of Martin Boyle? I felt like a kid on Christmas morning when I heard the news and was further surprised and enthused to learn our No. 77 would be on the bench. There was one change from the last starting eleven when Josh Campbell replaced the suspended Jair Tavares.

Despite Robbie Neilson’s post match claims that they dominated the whole game I felt we were the better team for the first twenty minutes or so. Cadden exchanged passes with Melkersen before firing a low cross in at the front post. Youan was there but it looked as though Rowles got a toe to it and it took the sting out of the ball allowing Gordon to collect. Next, Cabraja lifted the ball over a Hearts defender into the path of Youan, but the young Hibs man elected for a shot when two team mates were in the middle. Gordon saved easily at his front post.

Another cross from Cadden flew across the six yard box but both Henderson and Melkersen failed to anticipate the delivery. Hibs were enjoying better possession, but Hearts almost broke the deadlock, when a Shankland effort was diverted wide by Bushiri. It seemed the visitors had now woken up and on the 22 minutes mark they opened the scoring. McKay lofted a pass into the path of Shankland whose first touch looked very like it came off his arm. Play continued though and the Hearts man poked the ball through the legs of the oncoming Marshall. It felt like a sucker punch to me and reinforced my view that even when we are on top in a Derby, we are always likely to concede. It looked to me as though Kenneh had lost his man, but it also looked to me as though neither of our centre backs were in the penalty box.

With Hibs looking a little shell shocked, Hearts took the chance to up their possession stats and Boyce came close with a header before Forrest tried his luck from distance, but the ball sailed high over the bar. At the other end, Newell’s free kick was headed back across goal by Kenneh but was cleared before anyone in a green jersey could react. Newell himself then hit a drive but on his weaker right foot the ball drifted harmlessly wide.

With half time approaching, Craig Gordon pulled off a wonder save when Youan headed the ball goalwards only to see the Hearts keeper get a strong wrist to the effort and clear the danger. At the interval I reflected on the fact that both sides were giving it a go and that Hibs held the edge on possession but of course were a goal down. I also reflected on the quite abysmal performance of John Beaton. All we ask for as fans, is consistency but it was notable that during the game he booked two Hibs players for tackles from behind but incredibly missed the same challenge by Shankland on Campbell. Beaton didn’t even see that as a free kick!

Neither side made changes at half time and Hibs were more than a little fortunate when Shankland raced free but before he could get his shot away, Ryan Porteous nicked the ball off of his toes. Ryan and his fellow defenders were all over the place just moments later, but David Marshall outstandingly denied both Shankland and McKay from close range. Melkersen couldn’t seem to get himself involved and was replaced by Doidge and then Campbell, as a result of the challenge by Shankland mentioned earlier, was unable to continue which occasioned the return of Martin Boyle to Easter Road. His arrival brought out a thunderous cheer as well, it seemed to me, to give the team a lift after a dodgy fifteen minutes or so.

Neilson seemed content to let his players sit in and try to hit us on the break. A reasonable tactic but I’m not sure what the Hearts fans would have made of eleven men camped no further than 35 yards from their goal. They did manage a couple of breakaway’s giving Atkinson and Grant views of our goal, but Marshall looked untroubled with either effort.

For the last fifteen minutes of normal time, Hibs took the game to Hearts with Neilson’s men often resorting to St. Johnstone’s time wasting tactics. They also fell over if a Hibs player got near and of course Beaton was only too happy to award free kicks. Doyle-Hayes, who had replaced Kenneh, looked happy in a midfield role that allowed Henderson and Newell more freedom before the game entered time added on. Five minutes was the call by Beaton and Robbie was not a happy camper. Maybe if his players hadn’t wasted so much time, eh?

I thought our chance was gone when Rocky rose like a salmon at the back post but headed over with the goal wide open. It would “take a miracle now” according to Sky Sports commentator Ian Crocker and in the last minute of the five that miracle was duly delivered. Youan’s speed took him past his marker and the young striker cut the ball back to the waiting Martin Boyle who steered it past Gordon to set ER alight. The scenes in the stands looked epic and I so wish I’d been there to join them.

The players

Marshall – Two or three fine saves when called upon and it was obvious that his positive vocal encouragement to his back four was working well.

Cadden – Once again he delivered some wicked crosses into the box, but none were converted by his leaden footed team mates.

Bushiri – I though Rocky was excellent although where he’d disappeared too for their goal remains a mystery to me.

Porteous – In the first half there were too many misdirected passes, but he was a real stalwart in the second.

Cabraja – Up and down the line willingly he was unlucky to be booked for a challenge that only brought yellows to Hibs players.

Henderson – Looked lost today and clearly struggled with the physical part of the game.

Kenneh – Other than losing his man for the goal I reckon that’s his best Hibs performance yet.

Newell – Had a better second half than first but I wish he would stop giving away stupid free kicks when we are chasing the game.

Campbell – Acquitted himself well and got about the pitch with energy.

Melkersen – Anonymous for some bizarre reason and I wasn’t surprised when he was hooked.

Youan – Hugely enthusiastic but sometimes needs to see a pass to a team mate who is better placed. Kudos to him for his assist for the goal.

Doidge – Big Christian just doesn’t look sharp enough although he gave Halkett and Rowles something different to worry over.

Boyle – What can I say, he’s our Starman and he was definitely my man of the match Starman today.

Doyle-Hayes – provided some solidity at the end of the game in the event that Hearts broke forward.

Lee Johnson – His post-match interview summed it up for me. We are still growing and will get better.

Referee – John Beaton is just one of a long list of sub-standard Scottish referees.

[The Harp Awakes]

Good summary again JB.

Beaton hates Hibs. The yellow for Cabraja was a shocking decision - Boyce was leaning into him but he still managed to win the ball cleanly. Barely a foul and never a yellow.

The scenes at the end were crazy and the noise at the goal was deafening.

[Hibrandenburg]

Pretty much how I saw it JB. Gute Besserung!

[Hibees1973]

Thanks Jonny, hope you feel better soon.

When Beaton is the ref in a Hibs game, it's like starting the game one goal behind.

[LewysGot2]

Sorry you weren't able to be there. It was one of those days where you had to be there. The buzz of excitement as news of the team lines filtered through the support. The sheer volume of noise at the introduction of the Star Man and then that finish. Privilege to be there and privileged to have our boy back.

Smiled all the way home, often in the direction of dejected dafties. What a day!

[147lothian]

Thanks JB always the best thread on dotnet, get well soon.

[Bostonhibby]

Cheers JB, not much to disagree with there, get better soon.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Leith Green]

Had to watch on TV today as my recent run off ill health prevented me from going. It’s nothing serious, just minor things but one after another. Didn’t stop me enjoying a roller coaster of a game and jumping out of my chair in the 95th minute! It does, however, mean that this offering will be little shorter than usual.

What better news could we have asked for prior to this game than to learn of the return to Easter Road of Martin Boyle? I felt like a kid on Christmas morning when I heard the news and was further surprised and enthused to learn our No. 77 would be on the bench. There was one change from the last starting eleven when Josh Campbell replaced the suspended Jair Tavares.

Despite Robbie Neilson’s post match claims that they dominated the whole game I felt we were the better team for the first twenty minutes or so. Cadden exchanged passes with Melkersen before firing a low cross in at the front post. Youan was there but it looked as though Rowles got a toe to it and it took the sting out of the ball allowing Gordon to collect. Next, Cabraja lifted the ball over a Hearts defender into the path of Youan, but the young Hibs man elected for a shot when two team mates were in the middle. Gordon saved easily at his front post.

Another cross from Cadden flew across the six yard box but both Henderson and Melkersen failed to anticipate the delivery. Hibs were enjoying better possession, but Hearts almost broke the deadlock, when a Shankland effort was diverted wide by Bushiri. It seemed the visitors had now woken up and on the 22 minutes mark they opened the scoring. McKay lofted a pass into the path of Shankland whose first touch looked very like it came off his arm. Play continued though and the Hearts man poked the ball through the legs of the oncoming Marshall. It felt like a sucker punch to me and reinforced my view that even when we are on top in a Derby, we are always likely to concede. It looked to me as though Kenneh had lost his man, but it also looked to me as though neither of our centre backs were in the penalty box.

With Hibs looking a little shell shocked, Hearts took the chance to up their possession stats and Boyce came close with a header before Forrest tried his luck from distance, but the ball sailed high over the bar. At the other end, Newell’s free kick was headed back across goal by Kenneh but was cleared before anyone in a green jersey could react. Newell himself then hit a drive but on his weaker right foot the ball drifted harmlessly wide.

With half time approaching, Craig Gordon pulled off a wonder save when Youan headed the ball goalwards only to see the Hearts keeper get a strong wrist to the effort and clear the danger. At the interval I reflected on the fact that both sides were giving it a go and that Hibs held the edge on possession but of course were a goal down. I also reflected on the quite abysmal performance of John Beaton. All we ask for as fans, is consistency but it was notable that during the game he booked two Hibs players for tackles from behind but incredibly missed the same challenge by Shankland on Campbell. Beaton didn’t even see that as a free kick!

Neither side made changes at half time and Hibs were more than a little fortunate when Shankland raced free but before he could get his shot away, Ryan Porteous nicked the ball off of his toes. Ryan and his fellow defenders were all over the place just moments later, but David Marshall outstandingly denied both Shankland and McKay from close range. Melkersen couldn’t seem to get himself involved and was replaced by Doidge and then Campbell, as a result of the challenge by Shankland mentioned earlier, was unable to continue which occasioned the return of Martin Boyle to Easter Road. His arrival brought out a thunderous cheer as well, it seemed to me, to give the team a lift after a dodgy fifteen minutes or so.

Neilson seemed content to let his players sit in and try to hit us on the break. A reasonable tactic but I’m not sure what the Hearts fans would have made of eleven men camped no further than 35 yards from their goal. They did manage a couple of breakaway’s giving Atkinson and Grant views of our goal, but Marshall looked untroubled with either effort.

For the last fifteen minutes of normal time, Hibs took the game to Hearts with Neilson’s men often resorting to St. Johnstone’s time wasting tactics. They also fell over if a Hibs player got near and of course Beaton was only too happy to award free kicks. Doyle-Hayes, who had replaced Kenneh, looked happy in a midfield role that allowed Henderson and Newell more freedom before the game entered time added on. Five minutes was the call by Beaton and Robbie was not a happy camper. Maybe if his players hadn’t wasted so much time, eh?

I thought our chance was gone when Rocky rose like a salmon at the back post but headed over with the goal wide open. It would “take a miracle now” according to Sky Sports commentator Ian Crocker and in the last minute of the five that miracle was duly delivered. Youan’s speed took him past his marker and the young striker cut the ball back to the waiting Martin Boyle who steered it past Gordon to set ER alight. The scenes in the stands looked epic and I so wish I’d been there to join them.

The players

Marshall – Two or three fine saves when called upon and it was obvious that his positive vocal encouragement to his back four was working well.

Cadden – Once again he delivered some wicked crosses into the box, but none were converted by his leaden footed team mates.

Bushiri – I though Rocky was excellent although where he’d disappeared too for their goal remains a mystery to me.

Porteous – In the first half there were too many misdirected passes, but he was a real stalwart in the second.

Cabraja – Up and down the line willingly he was unlucky to be booked for a challenge that only brought yellows to Hibs players.

Henderson – Looked lost today and clearly struggled with the physical part of the game.

Kenneh – Other than losing his man for the goal I reckon that’s his best Hibs performance yet.

Newell – Had a better second half than first but I wish he would stop giving away stupid free kicks when we are chasing the game.

Campbell – Acquitted himself well and got about the pitch with energy.

Melkersen – Anonymous for some bizarre reason and I wasn’t surprised when he was hooked.

Youan – Hugely enthusiastic but sometimes needs to see a pass to a team mate who is better placed. Kudos to him for his assist for the goal.

Doidge – Big Christian just doesn’t look sharp enough although he gave Halkett and Rowles something different to worry over.

Boyle – What can I say, he’s our Starman and he was definitely my man of the match Starman today.

Doyle-Hayes – provided some solidity at the end of the game in the event that Hearts broke forward.

Lee Johnson – His post-match interview summed it up for me. We are still growing and will get better.

Referee – John Beaton is just one of a long list of sub-standard Scottish referees.


I thought Porteous was mainly at fault for their goal. He came charging out from a central position to close down barry mackay when theres already a Hibs player out there. Mackay dinked the ball over and Porteous should have been in a position to challenge for the ball. Also feel Kennah could have done better when the ball was played in

[Billy Whizz]

I think with Melkerson, why are we asking a young lad to play wide, he’s a central striker. We either play him through the centre in a 2, or not at all. He must be getting pretty frustrated. Feel sorry for him

[Captain Emerald]

Thanks John. Your match reports are pretty much the only items I trust on here :greengrin

I hope your health improves quickly.
G.

[DaveF]

I think with Melkerson, why are we asking a young lad to play wide, he’s a central striker. We either play him through the centre in a 2, or not at all. He must be getting pretty frustrated. Feel sorry for him

Agree. He is pretty much an empty jersey out there and could have been the guy on the end of those good whipped in crosses if played centrally.

[Tyler Durden]

I think with Melkerson, why are we asking a young lad to play wide, he’s a central striker. We either play him through the centre in a 2, or not at all. He must be getting pretty frustrated. Feel sorry for him

We’re not going to play a central 2. He’s playing to develop and do a job for the team. Similar to the likes of what Steven Fletcher did at the same age until he was ready to play as a 9.

Wasn’t great today but could easily have come away with an assist

[Tyler Durden]

I thought Porteous was mainly at fault for their goal. He came charging out from a central position to close down barry mackay when theres already a Hibs player out there. Mackay dinked the ball over and Porteous should have been in a position to challenge for the ball. Also feel Kennah could have done better when the ball was played in

I think Porteous had a bit of a shocker and was at fault for many of their chances. Doesn’t look comfortable on the left at all.

Youan was one of the few to take credit for me, thought Cadden and Campbell were also really poor

[Eaststand]

Great match report as always.
Hope your health improves soon JB

GGTTH

[makaveli1875]

Good summary and I’m glad I’m not the only 1 who thought Rocky and Campbell did ok .

[Moulin Yarns]

Cannae believe you were watching the same game as most of the people on the match update thread.


Thank goodness for some even handedness

[whiskyhibby]

Had to watch on TV today as my recent run off ill health prevented me from going. It’s nothing serious, just minor things but one after another. Didn’t stop me enjoying a roller coaster of a game and jumping out of my chair in the 95th minute! It does, however, mean that this offering will be little shorter than usual.

What better news could we have asked for prior to this game than to learn of the return to Easter Road of Martin Boyle? I felt like a kid on Christmas morning when I heard the news and was further surprised and enthused to learn our No. 77 would be on the bench. There was one change from the last starting eleven when Josh Campbell replaced the suspended Jair Tavares.

Despite Robbie Neilson’s post match claims that they dominated the whole game I felt we were the better team for the first twenty minutes or so. Cadden exchanged passes with Melkersen before firing a low cross in at the front post. Youan was there but it looked as though Rowles got a toe to it and it took the sting out of the ball allowing Gordon to collect. Next, Cabraja lifted the ball over a Hearts defender into the path of Youan, but the young Hibs man elected for a shot when two team mates were in the middle. Gordon saved easily at his front post.

Another cross from Cadden flew across the six yard box but both Henderson and Melkersen failed to anticipate the delivery. Hibs were enjoying better possession, but Hearts almost broke the deadlock, when a Shankland effort was diverted wide by Bushiri. It seemed the visitors had now woken up and on the 22 minutes mark they opened the scoring. McKay lofted a pass into the path of Shankland whose first touch looked very like it came off his arm. Play continued though and the Hearts man poked the ball through the legs of the oncoming Marshall. It felt like a sucker punch to me and reinforced my view that even when we are on top in a Derby, we are always likely to concede. It looked to me as though Kenneh had lost his man, but it also looked to me as though neither of our centre backs were in the penalty box.

With Hibs looking a little shell shocked, Hearts took the chance to up their possession stats and Boyce came close with a header before Forrest tried his luck from distance, but the ball sailed high over the bar. At the other end, Newell’s free kick was headed back across goal by Kenneh but was cleared before anyone in a green jersey could react. Newell himself then hit a drive but on his weaker right foot the ball drifted harmlessly wide.

With half time approaching, Craig Gordon pulled off a wonder save when Youan headed the ball goalwards only to see the Hearts keeper get a strong wrist to the effort and clear the danger. At the interval I reflected on the fact that both sides were giving it a go and that Hibs held the edge on possession but of course were a goal down. I also reflected on the quite abysmal performance of John Beaton. All we ask for as fans, is consistency but it was notable that during the game he booked two Hibs players for tackles from behind but incredibly missed the same challenge by Shankland on Campbell. Beaton didn’t even see that as a free kick!

Neither side made changes at half time and Hibs were more than a little fortunate when Shankland raced free but before he could get his shot away, Ryan Porteous nicked the ball off of his toes. Ryan and his fellow defenders were all over the place just moments later, but David Marshall outstandingly denied both Shankland and McKay from close range. Melkersen couldn’t seem to get himself involved and was replaced by Doidge and then Campbell, as a result of the challenge by Shankland mentioned earlier, was unable to continue which occasioned the return of Martin Boyle to Easter Road. His arrival brought out a thunderous cheer as well, it seemed to me, to give the team a lift after a dodgy fifteen minutes or so.

Neilson seemed content to let his players sit in and try to hit us on the break. A reasonable tactic but I’m not sure what the Hearts fans would have made of eleven men camped no further than 35 yards from their goal. They did manage a couple of breakaway’s giving Atkinson and Grant views of our goal, but Marshall looked untroubled with either effort.

For the last fifteen minutes of normal time, Hibs took the game to Hearts with Neilson’s men often resorting to St. Johnstone’s time wasting tactics. They also fell over if a Hibs player got near and of course Beaton was only too happy to award free kicks. Doyle-Hayes, who had replaced Kenneh, looked happy in a midfield role that allowed Henderson and Newell more freedom before the game entered time added on. Five minutes was the call by Beaton and Robbie was not a happy camper. Maybe if his players hadn’t wasted so much time, eh?

I thought our chance was gone when Rocky rose like a salmon at the back post but headed over with the goal wide open. It would “take a miracle now” according to Sky Sports commentator Ian Crocker and in the last minute of the five that miracle was duly delivered. Youan’s speed took him past his marker and the young striker cut the ball back to the waiting Martin Boyle who steered it past Gordon to set ER alight. The scenes in the stands looked epic and I so wish I’d been there to join them.

The players

Marshall – Two or three fine saves when called upon and it was obvious that his positive vocal encouragement to his back four was working well.

Cadden – Once again he delivered some wicked crosses into the box, but none were converted by his leaden footed team mates.

Bushiri – I though Rocky was excellent although where he’d disappeared too for their goal remains a mystery to me.

Porteous – In the first half there were too many misdirected passes, but he was a real stalwart in the second.

Cabraja – Up and down the line willingly he was unlucky to be booked for a challenge that only brought yellows to Hibs players.

Henderson – Looked lost today and clearly struggled with the physical part of the game.

Kenneh – Other than losing his man for the goal I reckon that’s his best Hibs performance yet.

Newell – Had a better second half than first but I wish he would stop giving away stupid free kicks when we are chasing the game.

Campbell – Acquitted himself well and got about the pitch with energy.

Melkersen – Anonymous for some bizarre reason and I wasn’t surprised when he was hooked.

Youan – Hugely enthusiastic but sometimes needs to see a pass to a team mate who is better placed. Kudos to him for his assist for the goal.

Doidge – Big Christian just doesn’t look sharp enough although he gave Halkett and Rowles something different to worry over.

Boyle – What can I say, he’s our Starman and he was definitely my man of the match Starman today.

Doyle-Hayes – provided some solidity at the end of the game in the event that Hearts broke forward.

Lee Johnson – His post-match interview summed it up for me. We are still growing and will get better.

Referee – John Beaton is just one of a long list of sub-standard Scottish referees.


Great summary as always, Beaton is a ****ing cheating ********, who needs to be called out by the Hibs management team

[NAE NOOKIE]

Pretty fair summing up.

For me even at 0 - 1 down at half time I thought we were well in the game and I was pretty confident we would have chances in the second half. The first 10 to 15 minutes of that second half was a bit of a car crash and we were all over the place with Gordon Marshall to thank for a superb double save that stopped us going two down.

With so many new players in the team and the likes of Henderson being played out of position I actually thought we did a good job of sticking with it. There wasn't a played with the exception of Marshall who didn't make an individual mistake today and it was pretty clear not everybody was on the same wavelength as well.

In the end we were up against a settled Hearts team and that was the difference between the two teams so far as I could see. The Hearts fans will be raging that Neilson instead of looking to push home the advantage against a rattled Hibs in the second half seemed to be happy to watch his players start to time waste with half an hour to go and stay down as if shot at the slightest contact ... that approach lead to the 5 minutes of injury time that gave Martin Boyle the chance to do what he does.

That felt like a win today and you just cant exaggerate the brilliant feeling that last minute equaliser gave us as you could audibly hear all the bubbles bursting in the away end.

If there was anything that brought the day down it was reading the matchday thread when I got home. Nobody is denying that for spells in that game we didn't play well, nobody is denying that players made mistakes with some poor passes, poor positioning and the like .... but for F sake, some of the hysteria in the pages leading up to Boyle's goal was mind boggling ... absolutely all of the mitigating factors of a team with all the disadvantages Hearts didn't have to contend with today were utterly ignored as poster after poster absolutely trashed individual players and the team performance in general.

I would recommend anybody who want's to retain any sense of positivity about the games to come and anybody who plays for Hibs with the exception of David Marshall and Martin Boyle to give it a massive body swerve.

[loanheadhibby]

Pretty fair summing up.

For me even at 0 - 1 down at half time I thought we were well in the game and I was pretty confident we would have chances in the second half. The first 10 to 15 minutes of that second half was a bit of a car crash and we were all over the place with Gordon Marshall to thank for a superb double save that stopped us going two down.

With so many new players in the team and the likes of Henderson being played out of position I actually thought we did a good job of sticking with it. There wasn't a played with the exception of Marshall who didn't make an individual mistake today and it was pretty clear not everybody was on the same wavelength as well.

In the end we were up against a settled Hearts team and that was the difference between the two teams so far as I could see. The Hearts fans will be raging that Neilson instead of looking to push home the advantage against a rattled Hibs in the second half seemed to be happy to watch his players start to time waste with half an hour to go and stay down as if shot at the slightest contact ... that approach lead to the 5 minutes of injury time that gave Martin Boyle the chance to do what he does.

That felt like a win today and you just cant exaggerate the brilliant feeling that last minute equaliser gave us as you could audibly hear all the bubbles bursting in the away end.

If there was anything that brought the day down it was reading the matchday thread when I got home. Nobody is denying that for spells in that game we didn't play well, nobody is denying that players made mistakes with some poor passes, poor positioning and the like .... but for F sake, some of the hysteria in the pages leading up to Boyle's goal was mind boggling ... absolutely all of the mitigating factors of a team with all the disadvantages Hearts didn't have to contend with today were utterly ignored as poster after poster absolutely trashed individual players and the team performance in general.

I would recommend anybody who want's to retain any sense of positivity about the games to come and anybody who plays for Hibs with the exception of David Marshall and Martin Boyle to give it a massive body swerve.

I agree with most of what you say but we were pretty poor today.
You would never have known we were the home team.
Fantastic to get the goal but hope it doesn't paper over the cracks.
I'm sure it won't with LJ but we badly need an upgrade in the middle if the park.
Campbell can't play and Newell and JDH don't contribute enough.

[Jonnyboy]

Pretty fair summing up.

For me even at 0 - 1 down at half time I thought we were well in the game and I was pretty confident we would have chances in the second half. The first 10 to 15 minutes of that second half was a bit of a car crash and we were all over the place with Gordon Marshall to thank for a superb double save that stopped us going two down.

With so many new players in the team and the likes of Henderson being played out of position I actually thought we did a good job of sticking with it. There wasn't a played with the exception of Marshall who didn't make an individual mistake today and it was pretty clear not everybody was on the same wavelength as well.

In the end we were up against a settled Hearts team and that was the difference between the two teams so far as I could see. The Hearts fans will be raging that Neilson instead of looking to push home the advantage against a rattled Hibs in the second half seemed to be happy to watch his players start to time waste with half an hour to go and stay down as if shot at the slightest contact ... that approach lead to the 5 minutes of injury time that gave Martin Boyle the chance to do what he does.

That felt like a win today and you just cant exaggerate the brilliant feeling that last minute equaliser gave us as you could audibly hear all the bubbles bursting in the away end.

If there was anything that brought the day down it was reading the matchday thread when I got home. Nobody is denying that for spells in that game we didn't play well, nobody is denying that players made mistakes with some poor passes, poor positioning and the like .... but for F sake, some of the hysteria in the pages leading up to Boyle's goal was mind boggling ... absolutely all of the mitigating factors of a team with all the disadvantages Hearts didn't have to contend with today were utterly ignored as poster after poster absolutely trashed individual players and the team performance in general.

I would recommend anybody who want's to retain any sense of positivity about the games to come and anybody who plays for Hibs with the exception of David Marshall and Martin Boyle to give it a massive body swerve.

That's why I never read it :agree:

[wookie70]

Glad to see you thought the same about Campbell as I did. I think he was one of our best players. Newell was quiet in the first half but he played pretty well in the second. Henderson reminds me so much of Scott Allan. He will have games where he will be brilliant and a match winner but he was terrible today, lacked bottle and was a man short. He will be like that 5 out of 6 games and I couldn't understand he he stayed on for the full game. Melkerson didn't figure much either but his movement and work rate are terrific. He is totally wasted out wide imo and he could end up a bit like Nisbet where he needs someone near him to play off.

[Ronniekirk]

I think with Melkerson, why are we asking a young lad to play wide, he’s a central striker. We either play him through the centre in a 2, or not at all. He must be getting pretty frustrated. Feel sorry for him

Agree Billy We saw briefly what he could do on his debut ,when given service

[easty]

I think with Melkerson, why are we asking a young lad to play wide, he’s a central striker. We either play him through the centre in a 2, or not at all. He must be getting pretty frustrated. Feel sorry for him

I agree to an extent, but he’s young enough with enough natural potential to develop into a good wide forward in my opinion.

Nae point giving him 60 yard punts to deal with all day though. Get the midfield involved more.

If we played more football it’d suit all of our attacking players.

That all said…I don’t see Melkerson as a wide player, I think he’s a potentially very good striker.

[Criswell]

It Feels pretty good TBH. To snatch a draw at the very death is pay-back time for a few we have suffered against them. Happy to send them home gutted!

[ozhibs]

Cannae believe you were watching the same game as most of the people on the match update thread.


Thank goodness for some even handedness

😂😂😂😂😂 definitely there are no half measures
GGTTH

[Unseen work]

First half I thought we were good and never deserved to be behind, second half we started very poor before finding our way in the game.

What annoys me is this Hearts love in, you’d think they created all the chances and you’d never know of any controversial decisions.

Shankland goal - handball?
Tackle on Campbell - if that’s Porto it’s a red or a yellow that’s shown all over every sports media outlet in the country

Chances;

Youan’s header
Kennehs half volley
Rockys header
Boyle after his sublime touch
Henderson and Cabraja flashed two great crosses across goal

Lots of positives to take from that for me though, still plenty to work on though and another couple of quality additions needed.

Was really disappointed in Henderson today, wasn’t involved at all and when he was his quality was really poor by his standards. I thought so far this season he looked a lot stronger and aggressive but that seemed to abandon him today.

[Since452]

Kris Boyd was bang on. Apart from the first 30 mins and the last 30 mins Hearts completely dominated that game.

[BILLYHIBS]

Get well soon Jonnyboy

Great work as always

[BT58]

Hope your feeling better, we deserved at least a draw. Can we get Newell off taking the corners. Everyone straight in Gordons hands. We could have a very good partnership up front with Youan and Boyle.
Thanks JB.
B

[Tambo]

I think with Melkerson, why are we asking a young lad to play wide, he’s a central striker. We either play him through the centre in a 2, or not at all. He must be getting pretty frustrated. Feel sorry for him

There was an article about a month ago about how frustrated he was last season saying he was making runs just the fun of it and never receiving the ball.

Seems happy at the moment but do agree he seems more of a central player than out wide.

[hibeejeebies]

Always enjoy your summaries JB.

Hope you're back at Easter Road soon 👍🏻

[PeeJay]

Good report as ever! Watched the full game today on Hibs TV catch-up and thought we had blown it until that last sublime moment! Draw seemed a fair result to me, we squandered too many opportunities.

Thought Newell had a great game myself apart from "giving away silly fouls" as you say. Too many of our players seemed to give away cheap free kicks and they really should be more "street savvy" when playing against Hearts and a poor referee on the day.

Lots of defensive lapses and poor decision-making up front, yet couldn't help feeling there is a good team in there somewhere, we played some good football and didn't give up. They will be hurting about losing that last-second goal.

Looked like a great atmosphere in the ground, pity about the poor behaviour by our fans though, throwing objects at the young Hearts player Cochrane (I think) - no place for that in football and certainly not at ER.

[Hibby Bairn]

I thought Josh C had a fine first half. Him and Cadden linked up well together several times.

Hearts young player Cochrane looks a very good player.