It was clear the lack of kit and resulting 2-minute warm up didn’t leave GAS much time to get their heads in the game; Hibs strolled into the box early and banged one in after just two minutes. Not wanting a repeat of a recent 5-0 drumming, GAS struck back quickly however - a sluggish offside trap and smart ball from Jens Martinmahajan left Wilson with enough time to play a one-two with the keeper, have a cup of tea, and still find time to roll the ball into the far corner before Hibs centre backs could recover their composure. At 1:1 the match was well contested for a while with Hibs controlling the possession at the back and both teams failing to take what few chances came their way. The deadlock was broken at 32 minutes when Hibs pinged in a corner lobbing everyone and nestling neatly in the far corner. 10 minutes into the second half and after a strong defensive spell GAS broke down the left, a tidy ball from Marius put Julian through on the left and he made sure to find the net for 2:2 with a powerful left footed strike. The game was up for grabs at this point but as energy waned GAS kept a tight defensive structure forcing Hibs to look for the long ball time and time again. It wasn’t until the introduction of local lad Gullzar Khan that the game would be decided. Khan’s diagonal run from the right wing once again beat the Hibs back line, and after latching onto the end of a bouncing ball over the top he volleyed it past the keeper securing the points for GAS with his second career cosmo goal. A dramatic finish to a well fought Wednesday night game brings to mind the words of the great Ange Postecoglou: “I’m not an adrenaline junkie, but the unknown of football and it being on a knife edge every week, I love it.” Thanks to Hibs for a fair game and all the best for the rest of the season!
Hibs suffered defeat against GAS under the lights, despite leading at half time and getting off to a dream start. Nick Law scored within the first five mins, his second in as many starts for Cosmo, with a smartly taken finish inside the box after a bit of pinball. However, Hibs were soon pegged back as GAS sprung the offside trap. Billy looked to have done enough coming off his line and saving well, but Ant managed to sneak the ball in at the far post at the second attempt to level the score. It wasn't long before Hibs restored their lead, Tiago coming up with the goods with a fabulous Olympico corner. What happened after half time, however, made for shocking viewing for the men in green. Lacking intensity and hard running, GAS sat patiently in their shape, waiting for loose balls and mistakes - which duly came. Twice they swarmed on these and scored on the counter, despite little possession, and came to behind for a deserved victory. Hibs had no answer and continued their ponderous play, toothless in front of goal in the second half - and until we stop shipping goals we will struggle to get better results. Congratulations and credit to GAS and best of luck for the rest of the season.