Easter “Rail” Roaded

Hibs 2 vs. Rangers 1 - Sept. 17/2006




Easter “Rail” Roaded

The wheels of the Le Geun revolution took a severe shake at Easter Road as Hibs steamed over us in a manner that must have left them wondering why they didn’t win by more. From the first whistle our boys were second to everything as we were out passed, out tackled and out gunned by the hungrier side.
The rotation system, which Le Geun seems to favour, saw three changes to the midweek game as out went Sionko, Hemdani and Boyd for Burke, Clement and Sebo and before kick-off I was really looking forward to seeing Sebo’s first start, unfortunately he was to see very little of the action, which was all at the other end of the park.
I must admit to being shocked at the way we capitulated to an average Hibs team but am hoping that this was just a bump in the tracks and that a smoother journey lays ahead.


Today’s team: -

McGregor: Looked reasonably assured and had a couple of good saves to make. Questionable positioning at the first goal, though deflections didn’t help, and faultless for the second.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Bardsley: - The right hand side of our defence was the strongest as Bardsley demonstrated his defensive skills. Has to offer more going forward and brush up on his passing.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Svensson: - Was going to be my man of the match until the second goal which caught him way under the ball. That apart though he was by far our best defender and covered a lot of J Rod’s mistakes.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

JRod: - Followed a bad game in midweek with another today. Conceded the free kick that led to the first goal and followed it up by losing his man, who duly scored! Looked uncomfortable and could find his place, and not Svenssons, being the one in jeopardy.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Smith: - Given a torrid time by the electric pace of Sproule. Was booked then hooked as Le Geun took no chances and put on Papac for his debut.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Burke: - The one attacking outlet that paid any dividends for us. Always looked dangerous and laid the ball on a plate for Sebo’s goal
Rmed Verdict: - 7 (MOTM for that one moment. As there were no others of note)

Bazza: - Struggled with the pace of the game as he was a couple of yards short in every tackle. Needs the games though to sharpen him up.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Clement: - Also struggled, like Bazza, as we were basically over run in the centre by their three midfielders. No one could put their foot on the ball and control things. Wouldn’t be used to that constant pace in the French Leagues.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Martin: - Saw nothing of his skills out on the wing. His first touch let him down on too many occasions giving away needless possession that we were very short of.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Buffel: - We needed strength in that attacking whole today, not guile. Buffel was bullied out of the game with contributing very little.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Sebo: - Felt bad for him. Covered a lot of ground just to try and remember what the ball looked like. With the one decent cross that came into the box he managed to tuck it away for his first Gers goal. One of many we hope.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Papac (On for Smith): - Great time for a debut, a goal down, the oppositions tails up and a speed merchant against you. Coped reasonably well with everything considered.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Boyd (On for Buffel): - Added a different dimension. Too late to make any real impact
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Sionko (On for Martin)- Didn’t manage to change the game
Rmed Verdict: - 4

PLG: - A bad day at the office which showed up weaknesses that we thought were being put to rights. Has a tough few games ahead but I’m sure he’ll be up for the challenge
Rmed Verdict: - 5


The road was never going to be as smooth as we all wanted and after today’s performance it shows just how many potholes have to be filled but remember my friends the road is a long one of which we have just taken a little detour. We will be back!

WATP

Baz.