Montgomery’s side fail to make it three wins in a row as visitors frustrate
Hibernian Dundee
HIBERNIAN were held to a frustrating stalemate by a resolute Dundee, denying Nick Montgomery’s side three wins in a week.
The Easter Road side dominated possession and territory for long spells, but were unable to break the resistance of their Tayside visitors. There were chances created at both ends, with Martin Boyle going close at the death for the home side.
But they were ultimately forced to settle for a disappointing draw ahead of next week’s Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle. Here are four things we learned after a goalless draw in Leith.
Stalemate prevails
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Dundee worked exceptionally hard to deny the home side’s front four space to operate freely. The approach deployed by manager Tony Docherty was especially effective in the first period, with Hibs’ best openings coming from set-pieces.
Paul Hanlon headed over at the back post from a deep delivery, and earlier a good, old-fashioned stramash in the Dundee box somehow ended with the ball dropping into the grateful grasp of Trevor Carson.
Hibs exerted more sustained pressure for much of the second half, working their way into their opponents’ box on several occasions. But a combination of misfortune, bad decision-making and dark blue shirts throwing themselves in front of the ball left Montgomery’s team frustrated. Dundee seemed to have bodies in the right places at all times when danger arose, and for that you have to credit good defending.
Front four frustrated and fail to fire
Much has been made of the fluidity and firepower in the Hibs front four but they were frustrated against the Dark Blues. A total of 23 shots on goal with nine on target and two blocked tells its own story about how much the hosts dominated, but to have that number of chances as well as 14 corners and still draw a blank is, in one game, perhaps not cause for concern. But you imagine Montgomery would have liked a convincing win ahead of the Edinburgh derby.
A chance missed
With a first Edinburgh derby of the season now appearing on the horizon, this was a real opportunity for Hibs to supercharge the momentum which had already been building from a positive few weeks.
Home fixtures against a newly promoted side, albeit a wellorganised one, are exactly the games Hibs must turn into routine victories if they are to be serious contenders for third place this season. But you can bet Montgomery and his players will have that gnawing feeling that this was an opportunity they passed up.
Under-appreciated Jeggo
Since Montgomery’s arrival, much has been made of the improvement in the team in general.
And as a result, not enough has been made of Jimmy Jeggo’s importance to this team. The Australian midfielder was perhaps a little under-appreciated in the second half of last season but results suggested his presence gave Hibs a bit more steel in the middle of the park. But he was one of the first in line for criticism this campaign when results were not going Hibs’ way, with his passing called into question.
But Jeggo is the archetypal spoiler, and while he impressed in the 2-0 victory at Pittodrie just before Montgomery’s appointment he has been a key player for the former Central Coast Mariners manager – perhaps because Montgomery fulfilled a similar role during his playing career. Whatever the reason, Jeggo’s work in the engine room has been impressive.