We stated our intention to take the game to Hibs right from the kick off. A lob into the box from Partridge was met by Corrigan at the right hand side of the six yard box and the keeper’s resulting block earned us the first of several corners.
Craigan's first goal
Corrigan demonstrated yet again why he is on the fringe of the international team with a skilful and effective display but he was outshone by his defensive colleague Craigan.
Fifteen minutes had passed and our captain ambled up to the South Stand and took up position in front of the large Hibs support. The corner, from Kerr on the right wing was touched on be a defender and he smashed the ball into the net.
Just say No!
Marshall produced the first of many magic moments before the half hour when he threw himself full length to touch a fierce shot from Whittaker on to the post. We got the break and the ball bounced back into play to be cleared.
McDonald beat three on the edge of the box before setting up
Partridge was replaced by Kinniburgh at the restart. With Hibs pushing up field in search of an equaliser there was plenty of space for our forwards to exploit. A magnificent thirty yards from Fagan released McDonald who carried the ball to the box where he set up
Marshall saves the penalty
Kerr is beginning to show why Butcher signed him. His performance today was excellent and he almost got his name on the scoresheet when his forty yard effort whistled by the postage stamp corner.
Hibs continued to push forward at every opportunity and they won a penalty when Craigan brought down Shiels.
We contrived to lose two goals in the last ten minutes. The first was to a good free kick but its award looked harsh. McDonald was adjudged to ‘back in’ but there seemed little in it.
Referee Mackay played a part in next goal too. Paterson (who had replaced Fagan) attempted a shot from the edge of the box. It seemed to be on target but was blocked by a defending hand. Although it was a ‘ball to hand’ event it seemed that a goal scoring opportunity was denied. Inevitably Hibs raced up the park and scored from a scramble.
At least we have now surpassed our top six points tally from last year and are playing flowing football. Now let’s cause some chaos in the last two games on the season!