Match Review: Hibernians FC vs Hotspurs FC

• GK Billy Wyatt
• DF Jack Graham
• DF Wilf Belsey
• DF Joe Poulton
• DF Hayden Gray
• MD Liam Buckley
• MD Josh Brimblecombe
• MD Pedro Parra
• ST David Bolton
• ST Ralph Targui

• DF Sam McGough
• MD Enrique Verela
• MD Tiago Coelho

Overdue Win for the Hibs

A 1-0 result to break the Hibs winning duck for the season, and get a deserved 3 points. Hibs played some of their best football all season in the first half, pinning back Hotspurs in their own half and creating some decent chances. Josh won the ball back constantly in the middle and the team played with real composure and patience, probing for openings, with Pedro on the right wing in particular causing all sorts of problems for the Hotspurs back line. Bolts hit the inside of the post with a thunderous swerving free-kick, Liam went close a couple of times with shots that were just off-target, and it felt like a goal was coming... which it did, right on the stroke of half time. Liam pounced on the ball after a loose touch from the Hotspurs defender in the area, and his cut back was prodded by Pedro to Ralph on the edge of the box, who calmly stroked the ball home into the corner on his full debut for the Hibs. The second half featured a lot of attritional football, with the final 20 minutes in particular proving especially nervy from a Hibs perspective, as Hotspurs began to cause problems with long balls and set pieces into the Hibs box. Hotspurs went close a few times, no more so than when Billy tipped a shot onto the bar, or when Enrique cleared a header off the line, but the defence stood tall, with Wilf playing admirably on his debut at centre-back and Jack in particular commanding the area, and making a number of crucial headers and interceptions. Hibs could and should have killed the game off earlier, with a few glorious chances on the break, but nonetheless ground out the result for a hard-earned victory. Thanks to the Hotspurs for a sporting match.

• Oliver Harbord DF
• Simon Hearn DF
• Joshua Donavan MD
• Tom Ruffles MD
• Ali Roseburgh MD
• William Betts MD
• Jacob Hiscock MD
• Nick Kouvaritakis ST
• Jack Skinner ST
• Sam Russell-Vick ST

• James Keane DF
• Benjamin Compton MD
• Charlie Hick MD

Decisions cost Hotspurs

In the scorching 1pm heat of Dulwich College, Hotspurs’ hard-fought clash against Hibs ended in bitter disappointment as the home side snatched a narrow win. Despite dominating in the second half, Hotspurs were left bewildered by questionable refereeing decisions that cost them the game and prolonged the wait to put points on the board. Following a military-style warm-up, Hotspurs went into the game ready and raring to go. However, the first half saw neither side completely dominate, though Hibs did enjoy a greater share of possession. Hotspurs struggled to get into their stride, their attempts to find the front foot hampered by misplaced passes, a lack of fluidity, and a common theme of tripping over the ball. Hibs, ever industrious, struck the post with a well-taken free-kick before finally breaking the deadlock with a high press and slick move finished low into the bottom corner. Ali, who donned the gloves for the encounter despite us having 3 keepers in the squad, could do little to prevent the shot as it kissed the inside of the post on its way in. The second half told a different story. Hotspurs emerged from the break rejuvenated, their confidence growing as they began to string together crisp passes and press Hibs back into their half. Jack, now marauding down the left wing, terrorised the Hibs defence with his pace and trickery. His efforts earned what appeared to be a stonewall penalty as he was brought down in the box, only for the referee to wave play on— Fair to say that Jack was “looking for it”, but a penalty nonetheless. The Hotspurs faithful, and indeed the players, were left incredulous. Then, just minutes later, a through ball set JD one-on-one with the Hibs goalkeeper. As JD raced towards goal, the keeper, in an audacious display, slid outside his box to prevent the Hotspurs striker from knocking the ball around him. A clear handball, a clear red card. The referee blew his whistle to award the free kick, only to consult with the linesman and bewilderingly award a free kick to Hibs. A decision so baffling it left players and supporters alike in stunned silence. Hotspurs, despite the setbacks, continued to pour forward in waves, sensing that Hibs were there for the taking. Two more penalty appeals—both for obvious handballs—were ignored, further compounding the sense of injustice. And yet, even with the Hibs goalkeeper riding his luck, he pulled off two extraordinary saves, denying both Skinner and Keane from close range. As the clock ticked down, Hotspurs piled on the pressure, whipping in cross after cross, with Hearney delivering pinpoint balls from set pieces. At the back, Jordan and Jake were a rock-solid partnership, snuffing out any counter-attacks and holding firm as Hotspurs laid siege to the Hibs goal. But the final whistle brought no reward for their efforts. Hibs celebrated jubilantly, walking away with three points that, in truth, felt gifted by the officiating rather than earned on merit. Hotspurs, left to rue missed opportunities and incomprehensible decisions, suffered a third straight defeat. Despite solid performances, the inability to convert pressure into goals continues to haunt them. A frustrating afternoon, but a good battle as always between these 2 Comso stalwarts - congratulations to Hibs on taking away all 3 points.