Motherwell got their league season off to perfect start as they collected three points with a close fought win against Hibs.
They began this new campaign as they
finished the last with a win in Leith. The
team was much changed from that day in May but the style and effort on show under
the new manager was just the same.
Mikey Booth dropped to the bench to
make room for Emmanuel Longelo and Hibs got the game underway.
The first half was a fairly even
affair that flowed from end to end. Both
sides kept the ball down for the most part but there were no direct shots
on target. The opener came as half-time
approached. Some good passing in the right advanced quarter level with the eighteen yard line ended when Oscar
Priestman was fouled by Josh Mulligan as the give and go was completed. Referee McLean did not hesitate as he awarded
the spot kick. Lukas Fadinger slotted
the ball beyond Salinger for his second penalty goal of the season; the first
was a few days ago in the Faroes.
As expected Hibs were more
adventurous after the resumption.
Motherwell began to use a counter attacking strategy as they were forced
deep. Regan Charles-Cook should have
scored when he robbed Kerr at the edge of the box but his shot hit the ‘keeper. Fadinger followed up with a shot off target.
Hibs got their reward ten minutes
into the half. Priestman was the culprit
and Boyle the beneficiary. A penalty was
awarded and duly converted.
Hibs had their tails up and the home
support found their voice. Alex Poulsen
was able to show why Alfred Johansson signed him. A series of saves, clutches of high crosses
and efficient footwork made a huge contribution to the defence. The centre backs and at times all the
outfield players had to stand tall in the box to rebuff the sustained onslaught.
There were a couple of goal line
clearances but the Steelmen held on.
Legs grew weary, both Tom Sparrow and Longelo were fast using their
reserves. Johansson used all five
substitutes and by the final five minutes the ‘Well were still standing.
The winning goal was a peach. It came from a counter attack and had touches
from Alex Lowry before Dylan Williams carried then passed to Ibrahim Said who
joined the play from the right centre.
Said crowned an excellent performance as he side footed the ball into the
net. The travelling support were already
on their feet as Said scored the winner.
Great were the celebrations.
The squad and the fans saluted each
other as the home crowd trudged from the stadium wondering how their side came
away with nothing.
Next up is a trip to Helsinki. After that who knows?
Hibs 1 Motherwell 2
Attendance:
17,440
Team:
Paulsen, Moorman, Girwood-Reich (Knight-Lebel 66), Sparrow, Priestman (Wilson
82), Fadinger, Williams, Said, Longelo (Whyte 82), Vogt(Maswanhise 66),
Charles-Cook (Lowry 75)
Sunday
2 August 2026
