Hibernian 2 Aberdeen 0

August 11th 2001
Scottish Premier League
Attendance: 13,150

Scorers:
Hibernian: Sauzee, McManus.

This is a copy of a report of the game as it appeared in the Scotland on Sunday on Sunday 12th August 2001

Hibs show true colours again

Aberdeen's season had been pointless prior to this match, and the term looks likely to remain just that regardless of when or how they pick up their first draw or win. On this evidence the side look doomed to a campaign at the lower end of the table, not quite bad enough to be made favourites for the drop, but still miles short of the quality, steel and goal threat needed to take them into the top half of the table when the league splits.

Prior to the match, manager Ebbe Skovdahl had been lamenting the slow start and lack of goals from his side, voicing fears that unless they pick up something soon, the confidence shortage that sent them into freefall a couple seasons ago would return to undermine his men again. Afterwards he said he now expected this season to be more of a struggle than the previous one, despite an improved spell in the second half.

On the surface that had more to do with the introduction of Hicham Zerouali, returning to the team for the first time since his broken ankle a year ago, than any verbal kick up the backside he had delivered at half-time, but after a season of being treated with kid gloves, the pups in his squad are now expected to deliver – or face the circumstances.

It was young Calum Bett who faced the axe on this occasion, but with the Pittodrie boss hoping to sign a new striker before the match against Motherwell next week, others such as Derek Young and Robbie Winters will be looking over their shoulders.

Of the pair, at least Young improved slightly during the second 45 minutes, troubling Ulrik Laursen immediately after the interval, getting clear of the tall defender to send over a couple of tantalising crosses, on which none of his team-mates could capitalise.

To be fair, it was not all Aberdeen's fault, as Hibernian returned to something near the form that had seen them so widely lauded last season.

Alex McLeish claimed that his players had been so wound up for the match after a disappointing start to the season that they were perhaps sometimes over-zealous, but that desire paid off in the fourth minute, when they rendered the rest of the match virtually over as a competition.

It was John O'Neil who was felled by Thomas Soldberg as he made to dart past him in the box, but it was Frank Sauzee, defensive stalwart, team leader and now top goalscorer, who converted from the spot.

Young Tom McManus was also at the heart of several first-half attacks, skinning Kevin McNaughton in 10 minutes to deliver a low drive across goal, which evaded Derek Whyte, who slipped, but Brewster screwed wide; moments later, another McManus cross was headed over the bar by Laursen.

At the other end, Aberdeen showed in fits and starts, but suffered a collective unwillingness to take shooting responsibility, with passing too tight in and around the box. Hibs' rearguard were never going to give Aberdeen much time in their area without getting a foot, leg, head or body in the way. In this respect, Mathias Jack is often the unsung hero. He is ideal cover for his backline, a prime example of Hibs' philosophy: those who can do the fancy stuff do, those who can't protect them.

As the first half progressed, Hibs grew ever more buoyant as Aberdeen struggled to hold the heads up. Thoughts of two season's ago, when they seemed to go forever and a day before scoring, must dog their thoughts now, Hibs, on the other hand, have the excitement of last term to draw on. It is certainly the memories of last year that spur on McManus. Omitted from the cup-final squad, he is determined to render himself irreplaceable should the same opportunities present themselves again.

"Tom felt last season that I was holding him back," said McLeish, "but he was competing with very experienced strikers, and I told him to be patient. His performance today and scoring has done his prospects no harm."

That will be music to McManus's ears. Pencilled in for a starting place in the opener with Kilmarnock, he was stricken with food poisoning and lost half-a-stone. "My fitness dropped, but I got into the team today and hopefully I repaid him [McLeish] with the goal."

It came just before the break, from an exquisitely-timed Brewster ball over the top. The lad who scored five times in five starts last term sped away to drill the ball past David Preece, via the inside of the post.

That was it, despite Aberdeen's mini-resurgence after the break, which ultimately proved pointless.

The Teams:

Hibernian: Colgan, Murray, Brebner, Fenwick, Sauzee, Jack, J O’Neil, Laursen, Orman, Brewster, McManus.

Aberdeen: Preece, Whyte, Solberg, McNaughton, McGuire, Bett, Bisconti, Darren Young, Winters, Derek Young, Thornley.

Tale from the Terracing - Fatty's View

At last - a first win of the season for Hibs. There can be little doubt that Hibs deserved this as Aberdeen only had one serious attempt at goal and Hibs seemed to be camped in the Aberdeen half for most of this game.

A second penalty of the season for Frank Sauzee and a fine finish from Tam McManus after a superb through ball from Craig Brewster was enough to give Hibs the three points. However, with a little more luck they may have been able to have doubled that tally - Orman (Willie to the Hibs fans - he is only missing a D from the end of his name!) in particular missed a couple of good chances.

The negative side for Hibs was that they seemed to be a liitle lightweight in defence. With a visit to Ibrox next week and Celtic coming to Easter Road in a fortnight, we can only hope that the defence - who were the rock that last season was built on - calm down and start to play as we know they can.

Still, lets enjoy this week before worrying about that!

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