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Venue: Barn Elms
Probably our best
performance to date this season saw a comfortable victory against a
team we seem to have the measure of ( that's 5 victories in a
year). On a very heavy pitch again, our commitment was first
class from the outset and a change of shape to the team was adapted to
easily. We changed to a 3-5-2 with Jim at sweeper and Al
and Kevin playing the wide midfield positions with Leigh moving back
inside. The idea being to push Norwich back as they play with a
sweeper but more in a 5-3-2 system.
Our positive attitude was
rewarded immediately. Kevin's long throw was headed firstly up and
then on by Russell and David made no mistake from 3 inches. This
settled us and our determination in the challenge ensured we
stayed firmly on top. Nearly all the headers and tackles were
won by Hibs players and Norwich were finding it difficult to get out
of their own half.
Goal number 2 duly arrived
on the quarter hour when Russell clipped the ball forward, Adam
flicked on and David ran through unchallenged to slot home again.
The least we deserved. Kevin opened his account for us soon
afterwards volleying home a corner and our switch to a back three was
working slightly better than Leeds' the day before. A
miscued punch by John from a Norwich corner allowed them to pull a
goal back but Grant re-established our 3 goal cushion before half time
volleying home brilliantly following another long throw from Kevin.
Other chances were wasted and Leigh celebrated a 'goal' that didn't
end up between the posts - comical stuff. 4-1 at half time.
The second period,
whilst not as emphatic as the first, saw Hibs well on top and showing
no desire to let Norwich off the hook. Even though Norwich had
changed formation due to losing their sweeper to injury, we decided to
stay the way we were and Jim showed the flexibility of the system as
he began to assist our attacks more frequently. We
played as well as the conditions would allow using our pace and
strength up front to get in behind their full-backs. Eventually
our pressure lead to a fifth - Rob heading in his first for the club
from Adam's inswinging corner.
Graeme, Gricey and Neil all played the final half hour with the same
attitude and ability as those who started and means competition for
places is intense. We now have more than 1 option in each
position. John pulled off a couple of good saves low down but
generally our defence were well on top. A fine breakaway goal
from Norwich a couple of minutes from the end reduced the deficit but
it was very much Hibs afternoon.
Well that is it until next
year as Sunday's game against Rangers has been postponed so we can
enjoy Kev's birthday and as a few players are injured or away.
We couldn't have a better record thus far - 7 wins out of 7 (
goals for 30, goals against 9) and easily clear at the top. If everyone
sticks together we could set new records this season. That must
be the aim. It will need everyone to show the same attitude
after the break as before it though. Finally, I'm sure everyone
joins me in wishing Bryn and Tony full recoveries from their injuries
and hopefully Bryn should be back sooner rather than later.
Team : John Leslie, Kevin
Ford, Rob Ruth, Jim McPherson, Leon Ashford, Al Harper, Leigh Everett,
Adam Pomaro, Russell Stinson, David Drysdale, Grant Ross. Subs:
Graeme Thompson, Mark Grice, Neil Henty
MOM: Kevin Ford
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