Robinson creates classic stalemate
Motherwell 0 Hibernian 0 Boss hexes hopes for a repeat of 12-goal thriller
IN gushing about Hibernian’s seemingly adventurous team and predicting heart-attack-scale entertainment for both managers to deal with, Stephen Robinson appeared to promise spectators something akin to the 6-6 classic between these clubs a decade ago.
His words worked as a curse, leaving the Fir Park boss content to accept the consolation of a point from a game in possession terms they dominated, but which fans feared was destined to end scoreless from a long way out.
The supporters could not complain about Robinson and his young charges throwing everything they had at trying to stretch their third-place advantage over inactive Aberdeen still further.
Ross MacIver was the surprise pick on his first start to lead the line in the absence of last week’s hat-trick hero Chris Long. James Scott gave Tom James a torrid time for an hour plus.
Sherwin Seedorf, Mikael Ndjoli and Christy Manzinga, on only his third substitute appearance, were a trio of attack-minded switches designed to turn territorial superiority into success.
Only a superb save from Ofir Marciano late on from Manzinga saw Hibs and their makeshift defence escape with the draw.
With Christian Doidge and his 10 goals since the start of November paired with Florian Kamberi and supported by wing men Martin Boyle and Daryl Horgan, there were hints of Jack Ross’s side going for it.
However, that teamsheet appearance proved deceptive. With Motherwell moving on to the front foot straight away, the visitors spent the bulk of the contest playing on the counter.
With Jason Naismith and Ryan Porteous out long-term, David Gray ill, right-back James in for his first start since the Betfred Cup semi-final and Ross itching to add to his squad this week, there is a suspicion he was happy to collect a clean sheet and move swiftly on.
The Hibs boss earned a booking for dissent in the first half for apparently quizzing fourth official John Beaton too forcefully on a decision but could not have had any gripes if his team had been behind at the break.
A Jake Carroll free-kick was punched away by Marciano, Allan Campbell’s snapshot on the volley bounced inches wide and the excellent Liam Polworth’s 30-yard shot skimmed the top of crossbar.
For all that Hibs offered little in the first half by way of a goal threat, there were hints that Motherwell could be susceptible to Horgan and Boyle breaking at pace.
And so it proved when Declan Gallagher inadvertently helped
Hibs to their best chance after 52 minutes. Horgan seized on his slackness to send a swerving effort on target from the edge of the box. Beaten away by Mark Gillespie, the ball was swung back in by Boyle.
Kamberi attacked his delivery but his header smacked the inside of the woodwork with Gillespie beaten.
Motherwell were not panicked by that warning, trusting their methods and each other.
Scott and Liam Donnelly went close as Hibs did their job to repel when pinned in for sustained spells. Then, with 11 minutes remaining, Marciano saved his team.
Manzinga was threaded through after a bustling Campbell run and did nothing wrong with the timing and release of his shot, only for Marciano to find a touch and tip the ball on to the crossbar.
In the end-to-end in pursuit of a late winner, the Israeli goalkeeper was at it again, denying Ndjoli from a tight angle with his right boot.
‘I was just about running down the touchline with Christy’s strike but credit to their goalkeeper, it was an incredible save,’ said Robinson.
‘We had a lot of very good build-up play, which was a pleasure to watch. It’s difficult to be critical.
‘I thought we were terrific. We dominated the game but just didn’t have that final touch.
‘Three clean sheets in a row and 15 overall. That’s the basis we have for staying in games — but we should have had the three points.’
Hibs boss Ross won’t wish to dwell for long on this with a Scottish Cup replay against Dundee United on Tuesday and squad holes to fill.
‘We’ve gone from a relatively healthy position as a squad to one that’s a bit stretched,’ he conceded.
‘Everyone who was available was stripped, including youngsters
Jamie (Gullan) and Fraser (Murray). I’d be hopeful we’ll get at least two players in this week. If we do that, we’re in a better position.
‘Our defensive performances in recent weeks have been good, even though they haven’t been rewarded by clean sheets. We’ve had to make a lot of changes, so we’ve had no continuity at the back.
‘This was a difficult place to come, against a team on a really good run.
‘Overall, though, it’s another point in the right direction. Arguably, shot-stopping is Ofir’s biggest strength and his ability to react like that is a big plus for us.’