COCKY MARCIANO
Ross in glove with Ofir after top stop
Jack Ross last night praised keeper Ofir Marciano for earning Hibs a precious point.
The Israeli keeper was a stand-out and pulled off a wonder save to thwart Motherwell sub striker Christy Manzinga.
Hibees gaffer Jack Ross said: “It was a very good save.
“He’s not had a huge amount to make in recent weeks but that’s his biggest strength – his shot stopping. It was really important for us so late in the game.
“His reaction and reflex stuff is really good – and it is so important as it can win you matches. Ofir’s made some big saves for us since I came in and, after relative inactivity, that was a big save to make.”
In a game with few clear- cut chances, Stephen Robinson’s side were far more dangerous but lacked a cutting edge. The result kept them third top of the Premiership while Ross’ men stay sixth after a solid defensive display.
The Motherwell boss put his faith in youth with teenager Ross McIver at centre-forward and James Scott down the left. Well have been raving about Scott and the 19-yearold kid had Hibs right-back Tom James on toast.
The former Yeovil man didn’t know how to deal with the youngster and Scott carved out the game’s first attempt on goal after just five minutes.
He cut inside and his curler sailed just wide of Marciano’s left post.
Hibs were looking to play on the counter, with the pace of Martin Boyle and Daryl Horgan on the flanks.
But Motherwell were the better side and Jake Carroll tested Marcia no with a fiercely hit free-kick that the Israeli had to beat away.
McIver mis-hit a clear chance then Allan Campbell stabbed a shot inches wide from inside the box.
Hibs improved after the break and Horgan stung the palms of Mark Gillespie and Flo Kamberi’s header beat the keeper but hit the post.
It was the closest the visitors had been to Well’s goal and should have acted as a catalyst for a better display. But instead, it just jolted Robinson’s men who stepped it up a gear again.
Scott had an effort saved then Liam Donnelly’s piledriver was deflected wide.
Hibs were better defensively after the break but were powder puff going forward – so the sides cancelled each other out.
The best chance towards the end fell to French sub Manzinga.
He got a terrific connection but Marciano pulled off a stunning save by clawing it on to the bar to ensure his team emerged with a point.