Keeper Marciano boxes clever to make his point
OFIR MARCIANO is proving to be anything but rocky for Hibernian.
When the Israeli internationalist signed for the Easter Road outfit this summer, head coach Neil Lennon declared it a “coup” for the club and, following his fourth clean sheet in five games, that appears an increasingly fair assessment.
While a few of those shut-outs could be attributed to Hibs’ defensive strength or the calibre of opposition, Saturday’s attritional 0-0 draw against Queen of the South was a good, old-fashioned Scottish test of his mettle.
Whipping wind, driving rain and his side down to 10 men, it was the type of afternoon to be endured rather than enjoyed.
But not only did the 26-year-old stand up to the testing conditions, he made two terrific saves, both from Dale Hilson, to ensure Hibs stayed in touch with the surprise league leaders at the summit.
And Marciano, who made just six appearances during a loan spell at Royal Mouscron from FC Ashdod last season, is evidently relishing a new lease of life at Easter Road.
“I didn’t play much last season and to be starting every week for Hibs is great,” said Marciano. “Not playing means I appreciate the chance I have been given here.
“Every training session, every game I am really thankful for the opportunity. I can play and feel blessed for that. Football players want to play but [last season] was something I had to accept. I am sure that experience has made me stronger.
“I know how to handle the situation now. I’ve got more confidence and more experience, so it has helped me. I am doing my best to be better every day and I am working hard. It’s a short career and you have to use every day.
“It wasn’t easy on Saturday and it was a struggle, but as a footballer you have to adapt to any conditions and get on with it. It’s not easy to play in weather like that, but we did our best.”
Marciano made a vital save after just 90 seconds against Queens, racing from his goalmouth to smother a Hilson shot following a threaded Stephen Dobbie pass.
Hibs’ response was swift and should have heralded the opener, with David Gray finding Jason Cummings with a sumptuous cross, only for the Scotland under-21 striker to head into the arms of Lee Robinson.
Gray nodded his own passable opportunity wide of the post before Brian Graham fizzed a drive off target from the edge of the box. It was becoming an all-too-familiar tale of missed chances for Lennon’s charges.
That feeling was only exacerbated after the break when a John McGinn corner fell to Cummings a mere three yards from goal. However, the youngster could not sort his feet out to unleash a meaningful shot.
Hibs’ momentum was quelled somewhat when Lewis Stevenson was dismissed after 55 minutes – receiving a second yellow card for hauling down Hilson having been cautioned before the interval for crashing through ex-Hearts man Jamie Hamill.
McGinn stung the palms of Robinson with a ferocious shot from distance, before the last word was given to Marciano with a splendid save to tip a Hilson shot from eight yards wide of the post.
While Hibernian can be relatively satisfied by a hard-fought point, it is Queens who remain at the summit of the Championship this morning, with their early charge showing no sign of waning.
“We just let people talk [about Hibs being title favourites], but behind closed doors we are quietly confident,” added Queens defender Hamill.
“Hopefully we can maintain our good form. If we can keep that up, then we will be in with a fighting chance.”