After the good performance and first win from last week against German All Stars, Gaulois was playing Hibs to continue on this good game. Gaulois started the game with good intention and the 1st minutes were mostly about us having the best opportunities. Logically, after 10 minutes, Gaulois opened the scoreline on a nice pass from Paul to Eric on the side and in the depth, then Eric assisted Anatole who only had to push the ball into the net (10min). Unfortunately on this goal, Eric pulled his hamstring and had to leave the pitch. Game was even and not much chances created on both sides. Gaulois got another injury with Francois twisting his ankle (30min) and Gaulois had to reorganize his lineup and defense. Shortly after this, Hibs on a good cross found Bolt who equalized (35min). Half time: 1-1 For the start of the second half, Hibs got the possession of the ball without creating any major opportunities. Gaulois on the corner well played “a la remoise” between Paul and Clement, Clement found the top corner of the goalpost and put Gaulois upfront (50min). Few minutes later, on another good cross from Hibs and a poor defending from Gaulois, Hibs equalized (55min). The last 20 minutes were mostly about Hibs as they were having the best opportunities and logically scored the 3-2 (85min). They sealed the score few minutes later 4-2 (90min). A big disappointment for Gaulois penalized by injuries. Thanks Hibs for the game. See you in 2025. Gaulois will try to bounce back in a tough game in two weeks against Singapore FC.
On the back of 2 difficult results, Hibs needed to pull out all the stops to get our season back on track. The team was feeling confident having our best squad of the season so far, however Gaulois started the stronger team. Hibs found it hard to play much meaningful, positive football and Gaulois took advantage with a through ball down our left, bypassing our high line easily and squaring it for a finish from 6 yards to go up 1-0. Hibs regrouped well and started better after the much-needed water break. Following a few good possessions, Bolts climbed tall to power in a header from 8 yards to level the game after a peach of a cross from Maayan at right back. A fair reflection of the first half. As was the case in the first half, the first 20 mins belonged to Gaulois as Hibs struggled to keep possession and create chances. While neither team created too much, Gaulois were putting on more pressure. That paid off for them as Hibs were slow to come out and defend a 2v1 short corner, resulting in a screamer in the top corner. Fortunately, the Hibs replied quickly as a good ball down the left from Rafa saw Bolts turn provider as he put in a cross for Will’s headband, which cushioned the ball past the diving keeper to level the game again. The heat was intensifying and the water break was again much needed - mainly for Jack who was trying to get as far away from Billy as he could after being scolded for trying to shepherd the ball out of play. Hibs came back a much stronger side and was able to keep possession and start creating good chances for Bolts, Pedro and Will. After winning the ball back in the middle of the park, Tiago laid it back to Jack who, amidst a chorus of naysayers begging him not to, struck an 80 yard pinger through to Pedro who shielded the ball well and finished with a great volley on his wrong foot to put the Hibs up for the first time in the game and get his first goal in a green shirt. 3-2 with 5 minutes to go. As the game was winding down, Will decided he’d take matters into his own hands and keep the ball in the corner to close the game out. He foolishly played it 3 yards to Pedro, who decided that was too boring and jinked past 2 players inside the box and whipped in a finish at the near post to seal the game. 4-2. A great squad performance from the Hibs showing great character to come back from 2 down twice to get the win. Shout out to Billy C making a real impact on his debut, Tiago for completing his first 90 mins since his injury and Will for a goal (and half an assist…) on his return from injury. Finally, a brilliant performance from Pedro as the matchwinner. A good win with lots to build on as Hibs look to close out 2024 with a few more wins. Thanks to Gaulois for the game and good luck for the rest of the season.