Match Review: Hibernians FC vs Gaulois Sports Club

• GK Billy Wyatt
• DF Jack Graham
• MD Misra Maayan
• MD Julio Vasquez
• MD Enrique Verela
• MD Steve Cipriani
• ST David Bolton
• ST Ralph Targui
• ST Sergio Moreno
• ST Maxime Dacier
• -- Russell Pollock

• ST Daniel Martin
• ST James Baldwin
• -- Austen Friday

Dan The Man Seals Last-gasp Winner

Hibs kicked off this Saturday 3pm fixture looking to bounce back from their defeat to Latini. For the first twenty minutes, play resembled more of a beach volleyball match without the bikinis; though Bolton’s choice of XS shorts certainly left little to be desired. Hibs were playing well but only in patches, and neither side was able to exert control on the match. Steve was the victim of an unfortunate nutmeg and Maayan was already flying into challenges like a rash Stevie G. It wasn’t long after, however, that Hibs created the breakthrough. The move was started by Julio, who played a cracking forward pass in the middle to Max in space. He quickly moved the ball on to Sergio, isolated one-on-one against his fullback on the left— something Hibs’ interim manager had targeted pre match. After some great work by Sergio going on the OUTSIDE and crossing, Max picked up the loose ball on the left and made a surging run to the byline and into the box. His pull back was intended for Julio, but Bolts the greedy goal-muncher intercepted the pass, and with a cushioned first touch sliced it into the bottom corner with his left foot. 1-0. There followed a good period of control from Hibs, Maayan and Steve recycling possession, Rusty and Jack getting plenty of touches, and the OGS chasing green shadows. Right before the half, OGS had their first chance (notwithstanding an earlier cross-shot that had looped onto the bar), and Billy got a strong hand up to make a great save from close range at the near post. Play resumed in the second half with Hibs having all the play, camping out in OGS territory. Sergio was having plenty of joy down the left, and Charlie came on for his debut and have a storming opening period at left fullback, winning every duel and surging forward like Roberto Carlos in his pomp. Rusty then experienced a wardrobe malfunction, which resulted in him donning one single bright blue trainer on his right foot; luckily, it didn’t affect his Beckenbauer-like composure at the back. Midway through the second half, Hibs lost their shape, and were immediately punished for it. With lots of gaps appearing in front of their defence, the OGS striker received the ball centrally on the half turn and played a perfect pass through the inside channel between centre and fullback. A good finish from a tight angle in the six-yard box meant that OGS has drawn level and had their tails up. But it wasn’t long before Hibs were back in the ascendancy, Julio hassling and harrying in the final third to good effect and the Hibs defence nullifying any potential OGS threat. As the game approached the 75th minute, Hibs were thirsting for a winner, and Dan Martin and Austen (for his debut) came on to reinvigorate a gassed side- after both central midfielders requested to be taken off within seconds of each other. A reworked Hibs side was not to be deterred, and Austen was composed in defensive midfield, doing the simple things right. Max’s influence on the game also began to grow, as did Hibs’ belief that they could find a deserved winner. In the 88th minute, with Hibs probing for an opening, Max picked the ball up on the right side and started driving at OGS. And kept on driving. And driving. Taking on the OGS’ best centre back on outside, he got to the byline, slowed the game down and then instantly accelerated past him. As he assessed his options, the Hibs two number nines were in perfect sync; Bolts there for the pull back making the space for Dan to peel to the far post. Max kept his head and Dan slotted it in to send the Hibs into pandemonium. MOM Max

• Fauzi Johari GK
• Daniel Thomas Noe DF
• Victor Papin DF
• Ghassen Chniti MD
• Jean-Baptiste Bois MD
• Unni Kazhakkumara MD
• Wissam Adli MD
• Mohamad Shafiq MD
• Rodrigo Agundez ST
• Dani Pardon ST
• Lucas Diermaye --

• Francois Casimont DF
• Aurelien Bonnet MD
• Simon Fassot MD

A frustrating end!

This week OGS took on Hibs for the 5th fixture of the season. Playing some decent football against GSAS the week prior, we were looking to follow up on this. From the begining of the game, we dominated and kept possession creating numerous chances and hitting the bar twice. Nonetheless, despite the beautiful football and possession, we were not able to convert our opportunities. Eventually, we paid the price, when Hibs took advantage after losing possession from a throw-in, only to be counter attacked. Hibs were 1 up at half time. Being 1 down but not out, we knew we had to take the game by the scruff of the neck and, despite a difficult start to the second half, that's what we just did: a sublime through ball from maestro Dani assisted speedy Ghassen who brought us back to 1-1. Despite a lesser possession, we created more chances with JB close to scoring a second with a beautiful volley that went in the side netting: so close yet so far... Hibs then scored the second to seal the victory within the dying seconds of the game. Despite the loss, it was a great game and a reminder that in football the most pragmatic team always wins. Thanks Hibs from a great game and good luck for the rest of the season. MOM to Max for HIBS MOM to Ghassen for OGS