A quick flick through the dusty volumes suggests that the last such feat was accomplished in January 1998 when Motherwell lost two goals in the first seven minutes to Hibs before storming back with goals from Arnott 10, Weir 23, Garcin 43, McCulloch 81, 90 and Coyne 88 to win 6-2. Alex McLeish was to join Hibs eleven days later.
Happy fans!
Although the second half performance on Saturday merited the victory, it has to be acknowledged that the home side’s strategy faltered badly. The decision to hold what they had simply invited our players up the park and the offer was taken up with gusto.
The turnaround in fortunes was dramatic and made all the sweeter as there seemed to be no way back following Hibs’ second goal in 55 minutes. To that point our attacks had petered out and Williams had been enjoying an easy afternoon in the home goal.
The last half hour provided terrific entertainment for the few hundred travelling fans as the team took charge and sent wave after wave to the Hibs goal. Humphrey got the better of his man on the right and Ojamaa moved to wide left to let Murphy move infield. The goals came and we drew level. McHugh’s winner delighted the ‘Well fans and sent the deflated home supporters to the exits.
The result was the best that could be offered following the cup exit. It sets us up well for the busy series of games in the next fortnight. If we can maintain the same enthusiasm for attacking play in Paisley on Friday we should score more than we concede.