Hibs had the better of the first half and deserved their lead at the break. We kept them out until the 40th minute when Wotherspoon’s cut back from the dead ball line was met by Doyle’s head and directed inside Randolph’s left hand post. Our play was fairly pedestrian and only Hateley’s 20 yard free kick threatened the home goal.
Few in the away stand felt we had much of a chance when Doyle added his second ten minutes after the restart. The scorer won the race for a ball over the top and finished well with a low drive. Hibs seemed to reckon that their best plan was to defend their lead and both Griffiths and Doyle were replaced.
Only at this stage did Motherwell pick up the pace and push forward with a clear intent to score. Humphrey was provider when he got beyond McGivern and from the line he set up Murphy for a sweeping finish from 8 yards.
McCall saw that we had the momentum and made the attacking switch of McHugh for Cummins. The home defence were under pressure from both flanks and Higdon kept them occupied in the centre. The equaliser came as we entered the final ten minutes. Hateley’s deep corner was headed back into the mix by Higdon and Murphy popped up to head home.
But there was more to come! The travelling fans had been singing about McHugh’s prowess off the park and the choruses were renewed in the 88th minute when the substitute reached Ojamaa’s pass to cue a start to the celebration.
Easter Road was emptying fast as the four added minutes disappeared and there was a further blow to the dispirited Hibees when McPake collected his second yellow for flattening Murphy.
It turnaround was one of the best we’ve seen in years and it was just the pick up the club needed following last week’s disappointment. We have another chance to add to our tally when we visit St Mirren on Friday evening.