As expected Steven Hughes returned to the starting line-up at the expense of Marc Fitzpatrick. Otherwise we were unchanged from last week's game.
A first half attack
Hibs kicked off and attacked the away fans' end and most of the early action took place in front of Smith's goal. In less than a minute he was quick to react as Shiels burst into the box. Our 'keeper was by far the busier during the first half and he had to produce fine block on three minutes, again from Shiels, at point blank range.
We were rarely seen in the opposition penalty area and Ma-Kalmbay dealt with the occasional high cross without too much drama. Porter and Sutton seem to be developing an understanding and Clarkson was quick to support from his midfield role.
Sutton celebrates
Few would have complained had we taken the half-time break one down. Luckily the stand-side assistant saved us when he ruled Fletcher to be offside in 43 minutes. We had just been refused a penalty shout when Porter was scythed at the far end; the ball was delivered quickly to our left flank and, with Smith caught in two minds, Fletcher headed the cross home. The linesman had a difficult decision to make but fortunately he made the right call.
The second half was littered with mistakes from both sides. Passes went astray and the long ball became the favoured route forward. We showed none of the fast flowing football which characterised our style last season. We were mostly a bit slow and over careful. Whether McGhee was rehearsinf 'european tactics' remains to be seen.
Still, it looked like the first goal would take the prize and so it transpired. Clarkson seemed certain for the hook as he appeared to have run out of legs but he was to set up Sutton for the winner. His short chip from the right edge of the box bobbled as it was collected. Sutton turned and despite the close attendance of two defenders found the ball at his feet with only the keeper to beat. He managed to get the ball into the net from about six yards and lead the celebrations in front of the cheering Well support.
Given that our next three games include both halves of the Old Firm and a visit to