[0762]

Well after eating all these Xmas puds and other tempting delicacies, I hope the Hibs players are unaffected in taking up the challenge to push closer to the Dons and Rangers for 2nd and 3rd spots in the Scot Premiership by beating Hertz on their own pitch, which one must acknowledge is in an absolutely 'messy condition' and not conducive to playing good footie. I listened to a bbc Sportsound reporter on the car radio reporting live on Hertz match v Saint Johnstone in Perth and it was scathing - no good footie here today, bahhhh! Lol! Based on that report alone, IMO we have a reasonable chance of extending our unbeaten run against them. However, they are at home and seem to play better on this kinda shit pitch. I can actually see this match being an absolute bore btw if one takes into account the poor state of that pitch (its turf apparently relaid in the summer!!??) and Lenny taking serious note of that fact together with studying footage of their last match and how their tactics worked for them v the unbeaten Hoops. I suspect Lenny will choose his team 'wisely' and 'durability' will be his key word for this match!

[hfc]

Strangely enough if i'm being completely honest a draw would be not too bad a result for the Hibees. I think we can win it if we're bold enough but I get the feeling NL may be a bit more cautious away from home.

[0762]

I hope the weather 'holds up' before this match kicks off. It may just suit us if this pitch does not 'cut up' as badly as feared. Otherwise 'hoof baw footie' is gonna prevail on such a tight pitch!

[hibeejim21]

Hertz will play a percentage game and lump it to laugherty. Nothing surer.hibs are going to have to earn the right to play our game here.

None of this draw talk,we should be going to get all 3 pts.

[hfc]

I can't see NL going with Shaw upfront or being too attacking certainly not early doors. Bartley will probably return to put some beef into the midfield and possibly Gray too. Still, what do I know?

[ritchiebaby]

I'd choose Bartley for this one too and keep Shaw for the last 20 minutes. We need a good, solid defensive performance for this game and rely on pace up front at the right times to create chances. 3 points must be the target, even if it means grinding out a boring win.
GGTTH

[0762]

I wonder how many scoring chances Stokesy will convert this time!?

[hibeejim21]

Apparently Lennon has had stokes working hard in training and the gym to regain some sharpness.

I can see Murray starting this one with stokesy.

[Lord Snooty]

Oh dear. Should be 1-0 up. Where's your goal line technology?

[0762]

FT 0-0 and the 'popular betting choice' comes good but many bookmakers and hibees will find this end result to be highly unsatisfactory again due to more questionable malfunctioning by another pair of officials of the Scottish refereeing fraternity! After watching video replays of the 'defining moment' of this 'tight match' with few scoring chances, the debate re the 'goal that never was' has clouded the fact it was a terrific goal scored by a young player/striker named Ollie Shaw. When watching the video replay of that incident, it struck me that the photo shot of the grounded Hearts defender and goalie, 'done' by that exquisite lofted shot in off their cross bar, would've graced many a hibee footie wall - it was a classy strike that deserved better recognition by a proper back up footie technology and better officialdom! I still remain philosophical re this latest piece of ill luck/bad call that has been evident in the past couple weeks. As said previously, Ollie Shaw definitely has 'something' about him and will only get better - he is still learning his trade and I suspect he will have better days against Hearts (and others) - patience is a virtue. Also the unbeaten run continues! My main concern is the subsequent loss of Boyly due to what looks like an ankle ligament injury, and Barker to a poss nasty knee injury!! Here's hoping they are diagnosed as minor injuries because these players are pacy guys who IMO we can ill afford to lose at this stage of the season OR does the Jan transfer window suddenly beckon for Lenny due to such unforeseen circumstances?
Lastly, 'What about that great away Hibs' support AGAIN'!? A terrific support that never let up and far superior to the usual grey lyrics of our Gorgie rivals that hardly ever change. The latest torchlight 'Hibs fans' march en masse' to Tynecastle along Russell Road will provide more Youtube footage to savour!

GGTTH