Hibs Archives - Page 3 of 5

Hibernian 3 Clydebank 0: Player ratings from Easter Road

A good afternoon for Rudi Molotnikov as Adam Hodge suffered a difficult opening half hour. Hibernian Jordan Smith Had almost nothing to do bar a few passes under little pressure. 6 Lewis Miller An assist from his right hand side seemed but his good runs were let down by a lack of accuracy in the final third. 6 Jack Iredale Long ball created goal. Was given acres of space on the ball to help start attacks. 7 Rocky Bushiri Up against Mulcahy and muscled him off the ball more than once. Looking increasingly confident with the ball too. Brought off at half time as Gray looked to try something else. 7 Warren O’Hora Did well to keep finding Miller and like his fellow defenders, had far too much time on the ball. Fairly easy outing. 7 Rudi Molotnikov An encouraging performance from the eighteen year old who has had to fight his way back into the side. Confident on the ball and brought energy to a side flatlining in the first half. Despite a few efforts off target, eventually found the net. 8 Dylan Levitt Has had to fight for place in the squad but was too loose in possession and was brought off after an underwhelming outing. 6 Hyeokku Kwon Recycled the ball well but the side needed a little bit more bravery from the midfielder on the ball in the first half. Brought off with the job done. 6 Junior Hoilett Good work to collect Iredale’s ball and grab an assist. Needed to be more accurate with attempts on goal but overall solid. 7 Martin Boyle Another goal for the man who can’t stop scoring now with six from his last three. Doesn’t always look busy but appears when it matters. Floated cross saw him assist Molotnikov. 8 Mykola Kuharevich Another who is returning to the squad but was hardly involved and was hooked at break. Looks an awkward fit for this side. 4 SUBSTITUTES: Chris Cadden (for Bushiri 46′) Immediate impact with pass to Boyle for cross 7; Josh Campbell (for Kuharevich 46′) Brought some attacking impetus to stagnating midfield 7; Luke Amos (for Levitt 63′) Tidy in possession without needing to do too much 6; Kieron Bowie (for Boyle 63′) Return from difficult injury spell. Couple of flashes on the ball 6; Liam Gillie (for Kwon 72′) One wayward cross but overall solid outing for his debut at just sixteen 6. Clydebank Andrew Leishman Made a good save but was easily beaten for each of the goals. 5 James Grant Strong in his duel with Miller and had to defend a very busy left hand side. 6 David Syme Let Boyle ghost past him far too easily for the first goal and had some arguments with McHugh about passing the ball out from the back. 5 Oisin McHugh Struggling to get ball away playing out back. Did well to make Kurharevich look invisible but ultimately should have done more to prevent floating cross for third. 5 Adam Hodge Huge mistake allowed goal after ninety seconds. Later booked after jumping into Kwon. Difficult evening ended in the 35th minute after a hamstring niggle. 4 Nicky Low The pivot looked to control the midfield but was nullified by Hoilett and had litte impact until he fired a shot well over. 5 Dean Cairns Overwhelmed in midfield. Forced to defend deep. Made save off line. Should have stuck with Molotnikov for second. 5 Craig Truesdale Frustrations at game passing him by lead to pushing Miller in back. 5 Nicky Little Had little time or space to work on the ball. More work defensively than anything else. 5 Lee Gallacher struggled to get the better of O’Hora. Lack of players going forward meant no one to work off. 5 Ciaran Mulcahy Came up against Bushiri and was dominated. The striker was caught offside far too many times. 4 SUBSTITUTES: Christopher McGowan (for Hodge 36′) Good block to deny Molotnikov and Hoilett but let Boyle cross for third 5; Daniel Mackenzie (for Truesdale 68′) n/a; Kier Samson (for Mulcahy 68′) n/a; Liam McGonigle (for Gallacher 78′) n/a; Jamie Darroch (McHugh 78′) n/a.

January 19, 2025

Boyle double bursts Clydebank bubble

Martin Boyle’s remarkable form continued with two goals and an assist as Hibernian saw off sixth tier Clydebank to progress to the 5th Round of the Scottish Cup. Opening the scoring just two minutes into the first half, Junior Hoilett fired a ball across to Boyle after Adam Hodge made a meal of Jack Iredale’s long pass. Hibs would come again just minutes after the break when Boyle’s cross was lofted over the head of Clydebank keeper Andrew Leishman to allow eighteen year old Rudi Molotnikov to fire home. With his sixth goal in just three games, Boyle made sure the game was dead and buried with over half an hour left to play after subsitute Christopher McGowan’s block landed somewhat fortuitously at his feet. Despite the frenetic opening, David Gray’s side featuring five changes laboured in the first half, struggling to trouble Leishman. Molotnikov saw three of his efforts miss the target after some good footwork to find space. Faring no better with his first attempt on goal, Kwon Hyeok-Kyu blasted a shot well over the bar as the side struggled to find a second. With his side’s only attempt of the afternoon, Nicky Low’s effort was blasted well above an unperturbed Jordan Smith. However after flying out the traps, Hibs found a way through Clydebank, whose run of four wins in the competition comes to an end. The Martin Boyle Show has stellar supporting cast Writing this section of Hibernian games has almost come to feel like a copy paste of the last such is the impact Martin Boyle has had in recent weeks. Six goals in three games is made all the more remarkable considering the fact that he had managed just three in nineteen appearances prior. So instead the limelight will be shifted onto another impressive and no less deserving performer from the evening, Rudi Molotnikov. Having seemingly cemented his place in the side at just eighteen years, Molotnikov has overcome injuries and a spell on the bench to get an opportunity to shine tonight. Fair to say he did just that, a goal and a man of the match performance to boot is testament to his mentality as much as his ability, which he used to great effect to torment Clydebank’s defenders. Result aside, David Gray will be pleased by a performance that shows the depth the squad is building ahead of an arduous challenge to secure the top six and now a cup run to think about. Fans and players alike enjoy spirited performance No doubt Darvel’s David versus Goliath exploit against Aberdeen has raised the bar for the underdogs but it was always going to take a miracle for a sixth tier side to travel to Scotland’s form team of 2025 and grab a result. Undone by two goals conceded ninety seconds after the first and second half whistles blew, Clydebank can take a fair bit of pride in the way they regrouped and frustrated Hibs following the opener. Having not played since the middle of December, it is little wonder they seemed to lack the sharpness of their opponents who had three games under their belt in January alone. None of that seemed to dishearten their supporters who continued to back their team until the end, having started in the early hours of the day. Filling the away end far more emphatically than many a Premiership side, the fans and their players left Easter Road with their heads held high. Despite a cup run that ends with their fifth game, the West Dunbartonshire side will now regroup and continue their push for promotion to the Lowland League as they sit top of the West of Scotland Premier Division. What the manager’s said: Hibernian boss David Gray: “Firstly it’s job done. That was the challenge make sure you get into the next round. “I thought we started the game really well, scoring in the first minute or so. Full credit to Clydebank from that point, to lose a goal from the first minute of the game it could have been easy for them to throw the towel in but they kept going. “We knew it was going to be a challenge. It was their cup final today.” Clydebank boss Gordon Moffat: “We take pride in that performance but probably a lesson in the levels of performance. “The timing of the goals was frustrating for me as a manager. “I would have liked to have seen us do a wee bit more when we did get in the final third we just lacked that wee bit at times. “[The fans] were brilliant. My only regret is that we didn’t give them that moment, that goal. Over the piece they were fantastic.” Attendance: 11,406 Line-ups: Hibernian (3-4-1-2): J. Smith, J. Iredale, R. Bushiri (C. Cadden 46’), W. O’Hora, R. Molotnikov, D. Levitt (L. Amos 63′), Kwon Hyeok-Kyu (L. Gillie 72′), L. Miller, J. Hoilett, M. Kuharevich (J. Campbell 46’), M. Boyle (c) (K. Bowie 63′) Substitutes: L. Amos, K. Bowie, J. Bursik, C. Cadden, J. Campbell, D. Gayle, L. Gillie, N. Triantis Clydebank (4-2-3-1): A. Leishman, O. McHugh (J. Darroch 78′), J. Grant, D. Syme, A. Hodge (C. McGowan 36’), N. Low, D. Cairns, C. Truesdale (D. MacKenzie 68′), N. Little (c), L. Gallacher (L. McGonigle 78′), C. Mulcahy (K. Samson 68′) Substitutes: J. Darroch, J. Gibb, C. Keaney, D. Mackenzie, L. McGonigle, C. McGowan, B. McLernan, K. Samson Referee: Duncan Nicolson

January 18, 2025

Hibernian 3-1 Motherwell: Player ratings from Easter Road

Nectar Triantis ran the show as Stephen O’Donnell struggled wearing the armband. Hibernian (3-4-1-2) Jordan Smith Little do before being beaten by the free kick. 6 Jack Iredale Looked untroubled until his needless foul outside the box allowed Motherwell back into the game. 6 Rocky Bushiri Confident on the ball and strong in the tackle. Enjoyed a relatively quiet night. On his way to cult hero status in Leith. 7 Warren O’Hara Like his partners at the back was solid at the back and kept a close eye on Maswanhise, keeping the forward who was brought on to shake things up quiet. 7 Nicky Cadden The talisman took an early knock to the face leaving a bit of blood. Brought off before he could really make an impact. n/a Dylan Levitt Solid on return to the team. Looks to be doing the things asked of him by the manager. Clearly blowing by the time he was brought off on the hour mark. 7 Nectar Triantis Couple of wayward passes but ran the game from the middle of the park. Strong interception followed by a lovely finish capped off a fine evening. 8 Chris Cadden Found space down the right early but nobody to meet the crosses. Won his duels with Sparrow. 7 Josh Campbell Pulled up his shorts in anger after wasting a good attacking opportunity. Like the other two, kept things simple which was what the game required. 7 Dwight Gayle Looks every bit the experienced player his CV suggests but frustrated by like of chances created for him. No doubt he will know the three points come first. 6 Martin Boyle (capt) Good position for opener with a cool, calm and collected penalty for the second. A player reborn in recent weeks now with four goals from his last two games. 8 SUBSTITUTES: Jordan Obita (for N. Cadden 19′) Difficult job in replacing Cadden but did very well. Assist for the first and defended resolutely in unfamiliar role 8; Lewis Miller (for C. Cadden 62′) Strong in the air and combined well with Hoilett 7; Junior Hoilett (for Gayle 62′) Kept Motherwell defenders on back foot to see out game 7; Hyeokku Kwon (for Levitt 62′) Brought the energy required maintain control of the game without having too much work to do 7; Nathan Moriah-Welsh (for J. Campbell 77′) Had little time to make an impact but no errors is all you can ask for at that stage 6; Motherwell (3-5-1-1) Archie Mair Not an ideal debut but as was not at fault for any of the goals. Will hope for a more positive outing after the first 24 hours of his time at the club. 6 Shane Blaney The yellow card he earned showed just how on the ropes Motherwell were before the break. 5 Kofi Balmer Hardly a frenetic game but struggled when it counted. 5 Paul McGinn Composed presence until head injury forced him off early on. 6 Ewan Wilson Sloppy in possession and at fault for the second goal. Hooked at the break. 4 Kai Andrews Added a bit of dynamism on the ball but like teammates, lacked bravery going forward. 5 Andy Halliday Game passed him by. Taken off with Wilson at half-time. 4 Tom Sparrow A few runs down the left but was easily contained. Looked more dangerous when cutting in but did not try it enough. 5 Stephen O’Donnell Captain in the absence of Lennon Miller. Did not step up to the plate. Gave away penalty that killed the game and had little to no impact going forward. 4 Tony Watt Not the most potent goalscorer but tries to use physicality to occupy defenders. Should have done better with the two headers he put over the bar. 5 Jack Vale Not much you can do when starved of the ball but ended the game with a straight red as the game had seconds to go. Punishing an already threadbare squad even further. 4 SUBSTITUTES: Dan Casey (for McGinn 33′) Struggled to command the backline in place of captain 5; Tawanda Maswanhise (for Halliday 46′) Showed flashes of what has made him one of the side’s best but couldn’t get into gear 5; Marvin Kaleta (for E. Wilson 46′) Had a half to make an impact but hardly saw the ball 5; Callum Slattery (for Sparrow 70′) Fantastic free-kick and had some impetus going forward at least 7; Moses Ebiye (for Watt 70′) No league goal since September and didn’t look like to end the drought tonight 5.

January 12, 2025

Quickfire double sees Hibs join defeated Motherwell in top half

A Martin Boyle double saw Hibs come away with the all important three points, sending David Gray’s side into the top six as Motherwell left the capital with just one win in seven. Boyle continued his fine form to open the scoring, finishing a pass into the box by substitute Jordan Obita, who entered the fray early on after Nicky Cadden’s knock to the head. Just minutes later Ewen Wilson was caught in possession by Nectar Triantis, the Australian bursting clear and firing a low shot past Archie Mair, whose signing was announced less than an hour before kick off. Time crept on as the home side looked to see out the win but Jack Iredale’s silly foul just outside the box allowed Motherwell back into the game, substitute Callum Slattery firing in an excellent free kick. Motherwell made sure this was little more than consolation as Stephen O’Donnell gave away a cheap penalty whcih Boyle duly converted for his fourth goal in two games. Hibernian did well to see out the game but in truth Motherwell offered little threat going forward. Tony Watt had a couple of headed chances on either side of half of the break but could do little more than send the chances over the bar. Nectar Triantis came close to getting his second as the ball met him at the far post but Mair put enough pressure on the midfielder to force a shot into the stands. Motherwell’s frustrations continued to bubble and eventually Jack Vale earned himself a straight red for a foul on Boyle with seconds to go. Hibs march on with one eye on Europe Just over a month ago, the chat around Easter Road was about how the side would cope with relegation. Now, Europe is talk of the town as Hibs powered into the top half. And why not? The side have always looked to two good for the bottom places, let down by what was perceived as mental fragility that looks distant memory. Martin Boyle has four in two games but more than numbers, the striker has become a leadership figure and his tireless running an embodiment of Gray’s desire to not let his side take their foot off the gas. Speaking in the post match conference, the manager was unequivocal, they will focus on chasing the next team down rather than look to far ahead. That will not however, stop the fans from dreaming of booking a trip to continent come next season. Lack of spark kills Motherwell’s chances Despite the single victory in seven, Motherwell remain four points clear of the bottom half. Helped in the past by their ability to eek out victories by single goal margins and more recently by their opponents fumbling the bag in their own attempts to push up the table, Motherwell might need to find a solution fast if they are to prevent a slow drift in the rankings. Without the titanic Aston Oxborough in goal and missing the creativity of Lennon Miller, the side lack to guaranteed points the two bring. Their lack of bravery going forward was exposed in the continued absence of their captain, Tony Watt and Jack Vale waited in vain for the ball to progress its way up the park towards them. Stuart Kettlewell spoke of the fatigue, both mental and physical setting into the side as the congested fixture list wore heavy on the side featuring six changes from their draw in Kilmarnock. With a Cup game coming next week, Kettlewell will need to dig deep to find the solutions for what he called the most difficult period of managerial career thus far. What the managers said: Hibs boss David Gray: “The return, one defeat in the last ten games, is fantastic. A hell of lot of work’s gone into it. “Probably didn’t create as many chances as I would have liked but controlled the game. “We’ve given ourselves a real opportunity to push on, tasked before the game to try and get into that top six. We’ve still got ten games to go before that’s settled we need to make sure we keep picking up points quickly and make sure we’re in it.” Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell: “I think it’s a case of three individual errors cost us. “That’s my biggest frustration, the mental fatigue as well as physical that started to set in. “To give that penalty away at that stage quite clearly gives Hibs a lift that they needed and it gives them a platform they needed just to see the game out.” Attendance: 15,829 Line up: Hibernian (3-4-1-2): J. Smith, J. Iredale, R. Bushiri, W. O’Hora, N. Cadden (J. Obita 19’), D. Levitt (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu 62’), N. Triantis, C. Cadden (L. Miller 62’), J. Campbell, D. Gayle (J. Hoilett 62’), M. Boyle (c) Subsitutes: R. Molotnikov, L. Amos, J. Bursik, J. Hoilett, Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, H. McKirdy, L. Miller, N. Moriah-Welsh, J. Obita Motherwell (3-5-1-1): A. Mair, S. Blaney, P. McGinn (c) (D. Casey 33’), K. Balmer, E. Wilson (M. Kaleta 46’), T. Sparrow (C. Slattery 70’), A. Halliday (T. Maswanhise 46’), K. Andrews, S. O’Donnell, T. Watt (M. Ebiye 70’), J. Vale Substitutes: D. Casey, M. Connelly, M. Ebiye, M. Kaleta, J. Koutrombis, T. Maswanhise, S. Nicholson, C. Slattery, D. Zdravkovski Referee: Colin Steven

January 11, 2025

Igamane hat-trick not enough as resilient Hibs earn point

Venue: Easter Road Date: 05/01/25 Time: 12:00pm A perfect hat-trick for Hamza Igamane could not put away a spirited Hibs as Rangers dropped points for the third time in four games. Having been denied by Jordan Smith in the third minute, the Moroccan striker opened his account when he was first to meet Ianis Hagi’s cross. Continuing to knock at Hibernian’s door, Igamane doubled his and Rangers’ tally with an excellent header from Nedim Bajrami’s cross. Never looking like giving in, the home side responded through Martin Boyle, after the striker was teed up by Rock Bushiri’s header. As David Gray’s men continued to apply the pressure, they were soon rewarded when Ianis Hagi went from hero to villain, briging Chris Cadden down in the box with Boyle dispatching the spot kick to level the score. Their efforts seemed in vain as Igamane fired home his third and tenth goal in just eleven games after Cerny did well to find the striker with another low ball across goal. Down but never out, Bushiri’s header to bring the score the 3-3 epitomised the fighting spirit of a side that has gone from the foot of the table to undefeated in six games. Igamane was furious as he failed to add an remarkable fourth, beating Bushiri and racing through on goal but his shot was just wide as Hibs secured a crucial point. Both sides had their chances but Rangers will rue not putting the game to bed in the first half. Bajrami had an opportunity early on as Cerny’s pinpoint ball send the Albanian through on goal but Hibs put bodies on the line to deflect the ball out for a corner and would do the same soon after as Igamane continued to hound the home side’s goalmouth. David Gray has Jordan Smith to thank for keeping his side in it, denying Bajrami, Cerny and Igamane who continued to unleash attempts on goal lest Smith lose his focus for a split second. Hibs however grew into the game as Lewis Miller recovered from a nervy start to thunder an effort from outside the box, stinging the palms of keeper Kelly before his header seemed certain to have put his side ahead just a minute later. Kelly looked a grateful man as he watched the ball bounce off the inside of his post and back into his hands but the message was clear, Hibs were not finished yet. Following the late equaliser they looked set to hang on for a point until Igamane raced past Bushiri and in on goal with time almost up but his shot could only hit the post. Rangers have now dropped seven points in their last four games as they look to turn things around away to Dundee on Thursday. Igamane can’t lift makeshift defence Not even Clement himself would have predicted that just a few months on from playing in Morocco, Hamza Igamane would be the side’s most valuable player. Ten goals in eleven games is astonishing improvement on the one he manged in the eleven prior but the striker continues to rescue his team from their defensive woes, having scored both goals in their draw against Motherwell. Despite a hat-trick, the man who is yet to receive a senior cap could not hide the fact that Rangers continue to be the architects of their own downfall. Much was expected from the side after trouncing Celtic 3-0 but careless defending and an mishandling of the game tactically meant they gave themselves little to no chance of catching the current champions. Clement’s problems do not stop there after he watched Dujon Sterling, already playing in an unfamiliar centre-back role due to the absence of John Souttar and Leon Balogun, limp off the field and be replaced by Leon King. Now as they travel to Dundee in just four days time, they will need to rely on a defender who up until had yet to play a senior minute this season. Dogged Hibs transformed After one win from their opening fourteen games, there was little surprise as rumours circulated that manager David Gray was for the chop. Now with just one defeat in eight, Gray reserves to right to feel a little smug as his side find themselves a hair’s length from the top six. His remarked determination to confront the club’s problems header looks to have seeped into his players who never gave up despite going two goals down before the half hour mark. Nicky Cadden continues to look like a fish in water as a wing-back, firing crosses in a causing his opposite number trouble to no end. The turnaround however, is most epitomised by Martin Boyle whose two goals are indicative of a player who looks to have put one of his most difficult starts to a season safely in distance. In the post-match conference, Gray joked that he would have laughed if someone had suggested to him that Boyle might one day be captain and yet, he now embodies the fighting spirit that has seen the Hibees pull away from their Edinburgh rivals. As the race for the top half intensifies, there is plenty of evidence to suggest they could be up and amongst it. What the mangers said: Hibs boss David Gray: “Massive credit to the players for the second half performance and hanging in there in the first half to be honest. “I’ve had to sit and answer a lot of questions about the character of the group but they’ve answered that numerous times in recent weeks. “I joke with [Martin Boyle] with quite a lot because when he joined the club, if you’d said to me he was going to turn out to be a Hibs captain one day I would have laughed at you but he’s matured into that role.” Rangers boss Philippe Clement: “It’s a frustrating afternoon to lose three points. “I don’t understand the penalty situation. It’s a small collision between two players at top

January 5, 2025

January 2025 Transfer News: Scottish Premiership Signings, Departures, and Deals

Stay Updated: All the Latest Scottish Premiership Transfers on SNN Sports The January transfer window is in full swing, and clubs across the Scottish Premiership are making key moves to strengthen their squads. From last-minute deals to blockbuster signings, SNN Sports has you covered with real-time updates. Follow our Transfer Centre blog for breaking news, confirmed signings, and expert analysis. Plus, explore our comprehensive list of all the ins and outs from the 2025 January transfer window—only on SNN Sports! Aberdeen Transfers In Alexander Jensen – – IF Brommapojkarna, undisclosed Jeppe Okkels – Preston, loan Kristers Tobers – Grasshopper Club Zurich, undisclosed Alfie Dorrington – Tottenham, loan Alexander Jensen – IF Brommapojkarna, undisclosed Out James McGarry – Athens Kallithea, loan Celtic transfers In Jota – Rennes, £8m Out Stephen Welsh – KV Mechelen, loan Odin Holm – LAFC, loan Alexandro Bernabei – Internacional, £5m Kyogo Furuhashi – Rennes, £10m Dundee transfers In Aaron Donnelly – Nottingham Forest, undisclosed Imari Samuels – Brighton, undisclosed Victor Lopez – Queretaro, loan Cesar Garza – Monterrey, loan Out Sammy Braybrooke – Leicester City, recalled from loan Curtis Main – Ayr United Dundee United transfers In Ruari Paton – Port Vale, loan Lewis Fiorini – Stockport County, loan Out Jack Newman – Livingston, loan Hearts transfers In Elton Kabangu – Royal Union SG, loan Jamie McCart – Rotherham United, undisclosed Lewis Neilson – St Johnstone, recalled from loan Michael Steinwender – IFK Värnamo, undisclosed Sander Kartum – SK Brann, undisclosed Out Liam Boyce – Derry City, undisclosed Kye Rowles – D.C. United, undisclosed Daniel Oyegoke – Hellas Verona, undisclosed Hibernian transfers In Alasana Manneh – Odense Boldklub, undisclosed Out Josh O’Connor – Crusaders, undisclosed Nohan Kenneh – Ross County, loan Jake Doyle-Hayes – Released Kilmarnock transfers In Calvin Ramsay – Liverpool, loan Out Jack Burroughs – Coventry City, recalled from loan – Motherwell transfers In Kai Andrews – Coventry City, loan Archie Mair – Norwich City, loan Ellery Balcombe – Brentford, loan Luke Armstrong – Carlisle United, loan Out – Rangers transfers In Rafael Fernandes – Lille, loan Out Robbie Fraser – Livingston, loan Cole McKinnon – Ayr United, loan Kieran Dowell – Birmingham City, loan Ross County transfers In Nohan Kenneh – Hibernian, loan Kieran Phillips – Huddersfield Town, undisclosed Zac Ashworth – Blackpool, loan Jonathan Tomkinson – Norwich City, loan Out Eamonn Brophy – Falkirk, loan Ricki Lamie – Hamilton, loan St Johnstone transfers In Victor Griffith – Arabe Unido, undisclosed Sam Curtis – Sheffield United, loan Jonathan Svedberg – Allsvenskan, undisclosed Daniels Balodis – RFS, undisclosed Out Kyle Cameron – Notts County, recalled from loan Lewis Neilson – Hearts, recalled from loan Connor Smith – Hamilton Accies, undisclosed St Mirren transfers In Owen Oseni – Gateshead, undisclosed Zach Hemming – Middlesbrough, loan Out Kieran Offord – Linfield, undisclosed

January 1, 2025

Retiring Gayle breaks Hearts in Edinburgh derby

Venue: Tynecastle Park Date: 26/12/24 Time: 12:30 Hibernian fans will be begging Dwight Gayle to reconsider his retirement at the end of the season after his derby winner pushed the Leith side to just four points off the play-off places. Using all of his nous, the 35 year old met Nicky Cadden’s fantastic cross with the slightest touch to take the ball past Craig Gordon. A Kye Rowles own goal put Hibs in front after just nine minutes, deflecting Josh Campbell’s header past a helpless Gordon. The visitors looked to have shot themselves in the foot when Rocky Bushiri’s own goal allowed Hearts to draw level against the run of play after the defender mishit his attempt to clear Lawrence Shankland’s header. Despite being under the cosh for large parts of the game, Neil Critchley’s men had opportunities to get themselves on the scoreboard beforehand. Musa Drammeh could not put James Penrice’s cross on target, heading far wide of Jordan Smith’s goal. His next attempt was improved, albeit slightly, hitting the target but failing to trouble the keeper. Aside from the header leading to the goal, Shankland endured a frustrating afternoon, firing a couple of shots straight into Smith’s arms. Hearts were fortunate not to go two when Gordon spilled Nicky Cadden’s low driving shot from outside the box, the home side’s blushes spared by Hibs not having a poacher to profit from the mishap. The Scotland international quickly made amends using almost every part of his body, denying Chris Cadden with his legs and later flinging himself to meet goal bound attempts from Campbell and Elie Youan before his chest kept Cadden out once again. With the defeat Hearts drop back to 11th in the table, just two points off the bottom. Attendance: 18,726 Line-ups: Hearts: C. Gordon, J. Penrice, K. Rowles, C. Halkett (L. Boyce 85′), D. Oyegoke, B. Baningime (M. Boateng 78′), C. Devlin, B. Spittal (Y. Dhanda 70′), L. Shankland (c), M. Drammeh (K. Vargas 79′), J. Wilson Substitutes: M. Boateng, L. Boyce, Z. Clark, Y. Dhanda, A. Forrest, A. Forrester, J. Grant, A. Salazar, K. Vargas Hibs: J. Smith, J. Iredale, R. Bushiri, W. O’Hora (L. Miller 77′), N. Cadden (J. Obita 85′), J. Newell (c), (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu 69′), N. Triantis, C. Cadden, J. Campbell, E. Youan (D. Gayle 68′), M. Boyle Substitutes: L. Amos, J. Bursik, D. Gayle, J. Hoilett, Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, D. Levitt, L. Miller, N. Moriah-Welsh, J. Obita Referee: Nick Walsh

December 26, 2024

Boyle on target as resurgent Hibs down Dons

Venue: Pittodrie Stadium Date: 21/12/24 Time: 15:00 Hibernian continued their impressive turnaround to pile further misery on Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen as they dropped to third behind Rangers, following a sixth game without a win. Topi Keskinen opened the scoring as the Dons dominated the opening stages of the game but an error from Rubezic allowed Martin Boyle to tee up Elie Youan to level the score just four minutes later. Keskinen was unlucky not to double his tally, first after a delicate Leighton Clarkson chip saw unable to untangle himself and finish and not long after when his curling shot from outside the box rattled the post. An unmarked Nicky Cadden lashed home a second for the visitors by the far post after a pinpoint cross from Boyle. Defensive mishaps were once again Aberdeen’s undoing in the second half, far too open in the midfield as Boyle, in yet another involvement, was on the end of a Nectarios Triantis pass into space for only his third goal of the season. The win sees David Gray’s side move of up to a season high eighth place. Attendance: 18,375 Line-ups: Aberdeen: R. Doohan, J. MacKenzie, G. Molloy, S. Rubezic, N. Devlin (S. Morris 77’), G. Shinnie (c) (A. Palaversa 77’), S. Heltne Nilsen (Duk 77’), T. Keskinen, L. Clarkson (D. Polvara 59’), J. McGrath, E. Sokler (P. Ambrose 59’) Substitutes: P. Ambrose, Duk, A. MacDonald, J. McGarry, S. Morris, K. Nisbet, A. Palaversa, D. Polvara, T. Ritchie Hibernian: J. Smith, J. Iredale, R. Bushiri, W. O’Hora (L. Miller 51’), N. Cadden, J. Newell (c) (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu 60’), N. Triantis, C. Cadden (J. Obita 88’), J. Campbell, E. Youan, M. Boyle Substitutes: L. Amos, J. Bursik, D. Gayle, J. Hoilett, Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, D. Levitt, L. Miller, N. Moriah-Welsh, J. Obita Referee: Steven McLean

December 22, 2024

Hibs move eighth with win as County give up two penalties in two minutes

Venue: Easter Road Date: 14/12/24 Time: 15:00 Ross County were the architects of their own downfall as they gave Hibernian a second opportunity from the spot following Nicky Cadden’s saved effort, Elie Youan making not mistake this time to help his side to three points. The result means Hibs take a massive leap up the table to eigth, leapfrogging Don Cowie’s side in the process. Elijah Campbell’s quick thinking opened the scoring for the visitors after Scott Allardice’s header hit the post just three minutes in. Hibs responded in the fifth and final minute of added time of the first half, Dwight Gayle flicking on a Junior Hoilett cross past keeper Jack Hamilton. Following his goal, Youan was again the hero, teeing up Josh Campbell to seal the three points in the final minutes of the game. Both sides were guilty of failing to capitalise on good opportunities, Joshua Nisbet denied by Jordan Smith who looks to have cemented his place between the posts. Ross County’s lack drive in the second half was compounded by their inability to take their chances epitomised by Noah Chilvers and Akil Wright, both players seeing their efforts deflected out for corners. The introduction of top scorers Jordan White and Ronan Hale couldn’t turn things around as Hibernian came out deserved victors on the night. Youan to the rescue It’s not so long ago that the forward’s keepy-uppies during the 4-1 loss to Dundee saw him vilified by fans and pundits alike across the country. Just a weeks on it is fair to say that after a goal and assist to earn Hibs a vital three points, attitudes will have shifted considerably. Plenty of credit is deserved for stepping up to the plate following Cadden’s tame effort just minutes earlier but also driving his side on with an unselfish pass to Campbell when through on goal and put the game to bed in added time. A space in the game usually reserved for the Edinburgh side to concede rather than score. With tonight marking his first goal and assist of the season so far, Gray will hope the Frenchman can kick on and push Hibs away from the threat of relegation that has hung over them since the campaign began. Staggies’ away woes continue Ross County’s away form continues to blight their season having picked up just three points, all draws, from a possible twenty-four points on the road. Worse still, it is a run that stretches all the way back to September 2023 when they ran out winners against Kilmarnock. A lack of goals has certainly not helped matters either. With just thirteen, County are the lowest goalscorers in the league so far with Ronan Hale making up five of those. Hale and Jordan White were both left on the bench this evening as Alex Samuel was left with the task of improving on his record of one in twelve. The striker attempted to make life difficult for Hibs defenders with his pressing but the reliance of long balls over the backline meant he was comfortably dealt with on another difficult night away from Dingwall. Now just two points ahead of bottom side Hearts and trips to Dundee, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock incoming, Cowie will need to find some kind of remedy for this drought or face another battle to avoid the drop. What the managers said Hibernian boss David Gray: “Credit to Ross County, they started the game far better than us. Maybe nerves and a bit of anxiety around some players potentially. “The reaction from the players to go behind and get themselves back in front was excellent. “The one thing we’ve always been questioned about this year, and rightly so because of the points we’ve dropped at times, was character. Ross County threw absolutely everything at us towards the end and I thought we stood up to it really well.” Ross County boss Don Cowie: “We lost it because we made poor decisions at important times. “I’m not sure why [the referee] thought about blowing the whistle when we’re over the five minutes. [On the penalties for shirt pulling] “I’ve warned the players not to do it, it’s lazy defending and you give the referee the option to give the penalties and that’s what we did.” “What I do believe is if we keep playing like that, especially away from home, the victory will come.” Attendance: 14, 885 Line-ups: Hibs: J. Smith, J. Iredale (J. Obita ’65), R. Bushiri, W. O’Hara (Kwon Hyeok-Kyu ’91), N. Cadden, J. Newell, N. Triantis, C. Cadden, J. Hoilett (J. Campbell ’65), E. Youan, D. Gayle (M. Boyle ’80) Substitutes: J. Bursik, M. Boyle, J. Campbell, J. Doyle-Hayes, Kwwon Hyeok-Kyu, D. Levitt, H. McKirdy, N. Moriah-Welsh, J. Obita Ross County: J. Hamilton, E. Campbell (R. Leak ’21), K. Lopata, A. Wright, G. Harmon, J. Nisbet (R. Hale ’75), S. Allardice (V. Loturi ’65), C. Randall, J. Brown, N. Chilvers, A. Samuel (J. White ’66) Substitutes: J. Amissah, R. Hale, A. Denholm, M. Efete, R. Leak, V. Loturi, J. Reid, C. Telfer, J. White Referee: Lloyd Wilson

December 14, 2024

Hibernian v Ross County – Match Preview

Ross County make the long trip to the capital today as they take on Hibernian in what is a huge clash at the bottom end of the table. The Hosts Hibs are currently languishing at the bottom of the table but are only three points off Ross County in 8th. Putting a run of wins together has been the struggle for David Grays side this season. An impressive performance against Aberdeen was followed by an outstanding 3-0 at Motherwell to give the Hibbees hope. Arguably, it was the worst time for Gray and his side to gather some steam. Last week saw Hibs have the daunting task of travelling to Celtic Park in which they had their chances but were routinely beaten by the will-be Champions by 3-0. Gray is urging his team to get a win to kick off a tough festive period in which they face a trip to Aberdeen and the small matter of the Edinburgh Derby in the next two weeks. Gray said: “This weekend is an excellent opportunity because of the rewards for getting three points; that’s been the message this week. He added: “This weekend is an excellent opportunity because of the rewards for getting three points; that’s been the message this week.” The Visitors With only one win in their last five, Don Cowie will be hoping they can get back to winning ways to lift them further away from the bottom of the table. Back-to-back fixtures against the two Glasgow giants saw County pick up zero points, but Cowie was largely pleased with how they coped with Rangers last weekend. The Staggies away form this season is Cowies biggest cause of concern however, County are without an away win since September last year. Cowie said: “It’s another opportunity to try and end this run away from home, and we’re really motivated to put that to an end”. Another struggle for County coming into this fixture is their lack of scoring. County have been unable to find the net in five of their last six fixtures and have only managed 12 goals across the league so far. Cowie stressed the importance to move on from the Old Firm defeats as they face a host of sides near the bottom end of the table in a crucial December fixture list. Cowie added: “And now we go into a really important spell, the table is very tight where we are in the league. “I think everyone can see that. So it’s important that we rack up points in these games that we’ve got coming up, and then that gives us a real foundation to finish where we want to finish at the end of the season” Team news Hibs striker Mykola Kuharevich went off injured in the first half against Celtic last weekend and he will miss out today with a slight groin strain Gray confirmed. Striker Kieron Bowie remains sidelined so Dwight Gayle could lead the line for Hibs today. Defender Marvin Ekpiteta also remains out with a thigh issue. Ross County are boosted by the return of Kacper Lopata and Aidan Denhold, Cowie confirmed both players are in contention to start on Saturday. Rickie Lamie and Max Sheaf are back in training but are expected to miss out whilst Will Nightingale and Ross Laidlaw are longer term injuries. Predicted lineups Hibernian: Smith; Miller, O’Hora, Rocky, Iredale, Cadden; Youan, Triantis, Newell, Hoilett; Gayle Ross County: Hamilton; Wright, Lopata, Campbell, Harmon, Brown, Randall, Nisbet, Chilvers, White, Hale

December 14, 2024

Hibs

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