The announcement came after an extended interval but it came as little surprice to those in the cooper Stand who saw a couple of fire engines arrive at the South Stand end of the ground. That stand was well populated by visiting fans who took advantage of Motherwell's generous pricing policy for the game.
There has been a couple of coded security messages on the tannoy and the police were seen having a word with the fourth official as the game progressed. Just before the definitive announcement was made the floodlight pylon in the south east corner of the ground failed. The crowd left in an orderly manner and helped themselves to vouchers that will allow their admission when the game eventually takes place.
We can only hope that the weather for the replay is better that than on offer as December began. Gale force winds and rain swept across the pitch and did little to help the players try to control the ball.
The fourth official gets the message
Hibs adapted to the wild condition better than their hosts and they took the lead after a slip gave Griffith the chance of a shot. His effort struck the base of the post but the ball ran to O'Connor who slammed the ball into the net from the edge of the box. Motherwell's play was littered with over and under hit passes that, on a normal day, would have had the crowd on their backs.
No doubt the visitors will regret the fact that the contest will resume at 0-0 but everyone accepts that where fire is concerned no risks are acceptable.