Match Review: FC Nippon vs Hibernians FC

• GK Kento Joko
• DF Tom Yoshida
• DF Kotaro Hayashi
• DF Tatsuya Hikosaka
• MD Enrique Sanchez
• MD Javier Calvo
• MD Seiji TACHIBANA
• -- Satoshi Hiraku
• -- Seito Yachimoto
• -- Nobu Honma
• -- Takuya Matsushima

• MD Shoya MIYASHITA
• MD RYOSUKE Nozawa
• ST Mokchan Kim
• ST Oscar Lee
• ST Takuya Hagino
• -- Seiya Yokoyama
• -- Jo Kagitani

• Billy Wyatt GK
• Marcus Went DF
• Jack Graham DF
• Oussama Labib DF
• Andrew Knott MD
• Will Julius MD
• Julio Vasquez MD
• Misra Maayan ST
• Sergio Moreno ST
• Thorin Duffin --
• Carlos Julca --

• Mark Sherwin --
• Leo Smith --

Comeback Wins Feel Good

Under the Friday night lights, the task could not have looked more difficult for Hibs as we faced Nippon for the final time this season. Notwithstanding Nippon being the league’s in-form team; several of Hibs’ first-team regulars (including the Gaffer) were out of the country, throwing back the Bintang in Bali for Boycie’s wedding – many congratulations (or commiserations?) to one of our own. To add to squad woes, star player Max had to pull out last minute due to illness and Jack was carrying a heavy knock from midweek in what was already a makeshift back 4. Predictably, Nippon came flying out the traps and capitalised on some sloppy defending in the Hibs’ final third. First, what looked a soft penalty after the winger was able to get wrong side of Ouss. Clinical finish to the penalty taker’s credit, 1-0. Second, a poor give away in our own box as we tried to break the dangerous Nippon press. Less than 15 minutes gone and already 2-0 down. Bleak. As the half wore on though, it dawned upon Hibs that the only real chances conceded were that of our own making. Plus, we were starting to threaten the opposition’s goal with some great interplay between false-9 Will and those running off him. Cause for optimism at the half time break. As the 2nd half started, momentum continued to shift and a more direct long-ball approach started to pay dividends. Hibs were able to win a free-kick in a dangerous position from the angle. Julio swung in a superb delivery that somehow managed to evade everyone, before nestling into the far corner. 2-1. But then, against the run of play, we again shot ourselves in the foot by failing to deal with a straightforward Kike ball over the top, 3-1. At the final drinks break, stand-in manager Tiago did his best Mourinho impression with a decisive change in formation that gave Sergio, Thorin, Will and Julio license to cause havoc up top. A quick-fire double from Thorin soon followed, much to Hibs’ delight on the touchline. Some great opportunism from the big man and quite remarkably it was 3-3. With 5 minutes left on the clock, it seemed like nothing could stop Hibs now and, lo and behold, a bouncing through ball from Julio sat up kindly for the excellent Sergio to execute a dipping volley into the top corner. Cue wild celebrations, 4-3! To get the win in such circumstances shows a lot about the character of the team this year, especially after a recent run of disappointing results. Credit as well to the boys that came in, including debutants Mark and Leo. Never a dull game where Nippon are concerned, so thanks to them for a competitive match and good luck for the rest of the season. A word too for the officials who managed a difficult encounter well. Hibs MOM: Will Julius Nippon MOM: The no. 10 (caused problems in behind all game)