I am not even going to mention the eerie Falkirk Stadium on Saturday, as last night's game has erased any misgivings I might have had about that performance. I really can't remember a Motherwell team playing better football than in the first 35 minutes on Wednesday - we were majestic!!! (let's not get carried… sorry, I can't help it)
The Hibs defence summed up how good we were playing, as they looked at each other and didn't know what had hit them. I think they must be used to teams coming to Easter Road and being scared of them, sitting back trying to stop them playing. Well not us, we tore into them and could easily have scored five goals in the first half.
McGhee got his best players on the park and it showed. Lasley, Hughes and McGarry overran the Hibs midfield - and showed Brian Kerr up for being a pre-Madonna who doesn't like it when teams get in his face. His comments when he left now seem laughable, as he is genuinely not a very good midfielder in the Scottish game as he has no dig and no heart.
The front three also played terrifically well, with Ross McCormack in particular finding his best form of the season. Clarkie continued his good play, and Porter won most balls in the air giving us a much needed physical presence.
The goals we scored were all excellent, the first from a whipped in corner (just about the first good corner of the season - Rossco should take all the corners), the second was a lighting fast Man Utd esk breakaway and the third was just majestic. I'm assuming the fourth was also good, but being at the other end of the ground I couldn't really see it - partly because I was watching through my fingers praying we didn't throw it away, I didn't need to worry.
Like McGhee said at the start of the season, we might go all out attack at the start of a game score three goals and then sit back at little - well his words came to fruition last night with a vengeance.
Terrific, sublime, fantastic, wonderful - I believe Hibs don't have an unbeaten record anymore - get it right up them!!!
Bring on the Rangers.
MM Player Ratings:
G. Smith - 7 (did most things well, couple of good saves)
P. Quinn - 8 (some terrific last ditch challenges in 2nd half, also good attacking play)
J. Paterson - 8 (defended very well cemented his place at left back)
M. Reynolds - 7 (used pace well to cover, mistake for Hibs 2nd)
S. Craigan - 7 (solid performance, calming influence in 2nd half)
K. Lesley - 9 (outstanding, best player on park, ran the midfield)
S. Hughes - 7 (showed he could put himself about as well as creating)
S. McGarry - 8 (terrific going forward, and terrier like in midfield)
D. Clarkson - 8 (another good show, showed great pace, skill and touch - yes, this is the same player as last season)
R. McCormack - 9 (created all four goals in a superb performance, we have all been waiting for him to show his pre-season form)
C. Porter - 7 (won balls in air, worked hard and scored again, getting better and better)
Subs - neither looked great but who cares!!!
MM