Hibernian FC

[LAF]

Post all Hibs stuff here.

[LAF]

Hearts 0-1 Hibernian

Hibernian won a frenetic first Edinburgh derby of the season thanks to a goal from new signing Brian Kerr after just two minutes at Tynecastle.

Midfielder Kerr, signed from Motherwell, headed home from close range following a cross by striker Steven Fletcher.

Hearts dominated much of the possession on their home ground.

But they created few chances and they had goalkeeper Steve Banks to thank for saving a fine David Murphy free kick.

Banks had started in goal for Hearts with club captain Craig Gordon having travelled to Sunderland for transfer talks.

Robbie Neilson took the armband, while striker Ricardas Beniusis and fellow Lithuanian midfielder Andrius Ksanavicius were given their debuts along with Michael Stewart.

Hibs fielded three summer signings - Kerr, goalkeeper Yves Ma-Kalambay and striker Clayton Donaldson.

And Kerr marked his debut with a goal just inside two minutes.

Marius Zaliukas failed to prevent Fletcher delivering a cross following David Murphy's long ball to the left corner.

And, when Christos Karapidis could not cut out the ball across goal, the onrushing Kerr stooped to head home from eight yards.

Hibs were the more composed side as the game continued at a frantic pace.

Ksanavicius was playing just behind lone striker Beniusis, but they were seeing little of the ball.

Donaldson was booked along with Hearts trio Stewart, Neilson and Karipidis as the challenges flew in.

Stewart fired well over, while Zaliukas headed straight at Ma-Kalambay as Hearts failed to create clear-cut chances.

When they did create some space, left winger Andrew Driver drove well wide of the far post.

Hearts began to dominate possession after the break and Ksanavicius fired wide after making space for himself on the edge of the box.

But it was Hibs who forced the first save of the second half, with Banks pushing clear Murphy's curling free-kick.

Benji also threatened, nice footwork at the edge of the box allowing the striker to send in a drive a couple of feet wide.

Hearts substitute Michel Pospisil delivered a low drive on the turn, but it was straight at Ma-Kalambay.



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Hearts: Banks, Neilson, Zaliukas, Karipidis, Wallace, Mikoliunas, Tall, Stewart, Driver, Ksanavicius, Beniusis.
Subs: Bjornsson, Goncalves, Pospisil, Makela, Cesnauskis, Jonsson, Palazuelos.

Hibernian: Yves Kalambay, McCann, Hogg, Jones, Murphy, Donaldson, Kerr, Beuzelin, Stevenson, Fletcher, Zemmama.
Subs: McNeil, Benjelloun, O'Brien, Morais, Gathuessi, Chisholm, Joneleit.

Referee: S Dougal

BBC SPORT | Football | Scottish Premier | Hearts 0-1 Hibernian

[Marcelo]

Lucky to beat one of the bests.

[DavidMc]

Hibernian 4 v Gretna 2
Saturday 11th August
Scottish Premier League
Easter Road Stadium

Substitute Merouane Zemmama scored a double as Hibernian came from two goals down to defeat Gretna.
Fabian Yantorno put Gretna ahead with an 18-yard free-kick and, shortly after the break, Colin McMenamin broke clear to add a second.

Hibs' Abdessalam Benjelloun missed a penalty, but Zemmama fired home.

Fellow substitute Steven Fletcher headed in two minutes later, Zemmama grabbed his second from a free-kick and Kevin McCann broke clear for a fourth.

Hibs manager John Collins had made four changes despite Monday's victory over Edinburgh rivals Hearts.

Attacking trio Zemmama, Fletcher and Clayton Donaldson all dropped down to the bench, while midfielder Lewis Stevenson missed out through injury.

Benjelloun, impressive as a half-time substitute at Tynecastle, and summer signings Thierry Gatheussi, Alan O'Brien and Filipe Morais were drafted in.

Gretna, having failed to receive clearance for new recruit Aurelien Collin, went with the side that went down 4-0 at home to Falkirk in last weekend's curtain-raiser.

And they should have been behind within the first minute, when O'Brien was sent clear by a fine Guillaume Beuzelin through ball but shot across goalkeeper Greg Fleming and wide of the target.

Gretna's ambitious, three-pronged attack looked like it was going to backfire, with O'Brien's blistering pace caused them all sorts of problems.

But Hibs squandered another chance in the 12th minute, when full-back Gathuessi hit the by-line and cut back for Benjelloun to volley over.

Yet, for all Hibs' dominance, it was Gretna who scored first in the 17th minute.

Yantorno was pulled down on the edge of the box by Chris Hogg and the Uruguayan curled in the free-kick himself to stun Easter Road.

The start of the second half was delayed as Collins gave his side a dressing-room roasting.

He brought on Fletcher and the striker had an early chance but headed wide.


But a mix up between Torben Joneleit and Hogg challenging for a high ball allowed McMenamin to break clear and last season's First Division player of the year slotted the ball past Yves Ma-Kalambay.

Hibs immediately had a chance to pull a goal back when Craig Barr handled while challenging Hogg to a high ball into the box.

But Benjelloun sent his penalty kick straight at Fleming.

Fletcher was proving the difference and sent Benjelloun clear and he crossed for Zemmama to fire home from close range.

Benjelloun was again the provider moments later, sending in a cross for Fletcher to equalise from a similar distance.

Both sides had chances for victory before Zemmama's second after 82 minutes.

Gretna pressed forward but were caught on the break by McCann to concede four goals in their first two matches in the SPL.



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Hibernian: Kalambay, Gathuessi, Hogg, Jones (Joneleit 38), Murphy, McCann, Kerr (Zemmama 61), Beuzelin, O'Brien, Benjelloun, Morais (Fletcher 46).
Subs Not Used: McNeil, Donaldson, Chisholm, Shiels.

Booked: Benjelloun, Hogg, Zemmama.

Goals: Zemmama 64, Fletcher 66, Zemmama 82, McCann 90.

Gretna: Fleming, Barr, Osman (Paartalu 88), Innes, Grainger, Graham (Baldacchino 80), Murray, Jenkins, Skelton, McMenamin (Deuchar 69), Yantorno.
Subs Not Used: Mathieson, McLaren, McGill, Deverdics.

Booked: McMenamin, Grainger, Innes.

Goals: Yantorno 17, McMenamin 49.

Att: 13,795

Ref: D Somers

[DavidMc]

Hibs have bright future - Collins

Manager John Collins believes the completion of Hibs' new training complex will make his job much easier.
"In two months' time we'll have a first-class facility," said Collins. "It will make a huge difference to me, the players and staff.

"We will have everything on site; gym, canteen, Astroturf pitches.
"And we won't have to jump in minibuses and waste time going down through the traffic every day to get to the training ground."

While the complex should improve life for his players, Collins also thinks it will play a big part in attracting future personnel.

"I think that there is no doubt that if you have a player who has several offers and you take him to your stadium, we have a lovely ground here, then take him to your training ground then that's good," he added.

"We couldn't take anyone to our training ground before, so if he has a choice of a club with a first-class training ground and one with a club which has not really got one it makes sense he would pick the one with the training ground because that's where 90% of the work gets done.

"Ten per cent is in the stadium but 90% is on the training pitch."

During his playing career, Collins enjoyed the benefits of good facilities with Monaco, Everton and Fulham.

And he is glad to see Scotland catching up with other nations.

"I don't think it's just Hibs, we are behind in general," said Collins.

"Celtic and Rangers have got theirs up and running, and also Hearts, but most of the other clubs don't have their own training grounds.

"Celtic are a massive organisation and they have just got their training centre built so I think it's something that has been neglected in Scottish football for too long."

[DavidMc]

Dundee United v Hibernian
Saturday 18th August
Tannadice Park, Dundee
Kick-Off 15:00

Dundee United have Christian Kalvanes available after his appeal against his red card against Kilmarnock was upheld by the SFA's review panel.

United welcome Mark Kerr back into the squad following a calf muscle tear but is still without Steven Robb. Willo Flood is available after suspension.
Hibernian defender Rob Jones has recovered from a head knock suffered in last weekend's win over Gretna.

So manager John Collins has no injury worries for the match.


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Dundee United (from): Szamotulski, Dillon, Wilkie, Dods, Kalvenes, Conway, Duff, Hunt, Goodwillie, Robertson, Robson, Gomis, Buaben, Kerr, Kenneth, Proctor, Flood, Russell, McLean.

Hibernian (from): Ma-Kalambay, McCann, Murphy, Hogg, Jones, Kerr, Zemmama, Donaldson, Fletcher, Benjelloun, O'Brien, Morais, Beuzelin, Stevenson, Lynch, Gathuessi, McNeil, Shiels, Chisholm, Joneleit, McCormack

[DavidMc]

Hibs v Aberdeen
Saturday 25th August
Easter Road Stadium

Hibernian hope to have full-back Kevin McCann fit for the visit of Aberdeen after the youngster pulled out of the Scotland Under-21 squad in midweek.

Forward Dean Shiels should join him in the squad after returning from injury.

Aberdeen's Andrew Considine, Jamie Smith and Zander Diamond have recovered from knocks and should be available.

Craig Brewster could play despite being due to become Inverness manager on Monday. But Jeffrey de Visscher, Lee Mair and Richie Byrne are all out.



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Hibernian (from): Ma-Kalambay, McCann, Hogg, Jones, Murphy, Kerr, Beuzelin, Stevenson, O'Brien, Fletcher, Zemmama, McNeil, Benjelloun, Morais, Donaldson, Shiels, Joneleit, Gathuessi.

Aberdeen: Soutar, Hart, Diamond, Touzani, D Smith, Considine, McNamara, Severin, Nicholson, Clark, Foster, Young, J Smith, Maguire, Lovell, Mackie, Miller, Brewster.

[DavidMc]

Hibs 3 - 3 Aberdeen

Craig Brewster handed Aberdeen a leaving gift of two goals but the Dons failed to claim their first win.
Merouane Zemmama clipped the home side into an early lead but Brewster took advantage of some shoddy defending to strike twice before the interval.

Goalkeeper Ma-Kalambay looked suspect at both goals and made a terrible error to allow Jamie Smith to head home.

Steven Fletcher smashed in a wonderful volley and Dean Shiels drew the sides level with a cool finish late on.


The 40-year-old Brewster, who will return to manage Inverness next week, was the best player on view.

But he was given a big helping hand by a generous home defence and the calamitous Ma-Kalambay.

Hibernian had the ball in the net in the fourth minute after a sweeping move but David Murphy was ruled offside.

However, the home fans only had to wait another 60 seconds to take the lead thanks to some shaky defending from the visitors.

A flowing attack appeared to have broken down when Andrew Considine intercepted a pass towards Steven Fletcher, but the Dons defender lost possession and the striker slipped the ball forward for Zemmama to dink home from close range.

Murphy's superb penalty-box challenge on Brewster prevented an equaliser before Hibs countered quickly and Brian Kerr shot just over from 25 yards.

Brewster levelled in the 18th minute courtesy of some more sloppy defending.

The veteran slipped away from Hogg and was afforded all the time and space he needed to volley Michael Hart's deep cross inside Ma-Kalambay's near-post from a tight angle.

Aberdeen were enjoying a lot more of the ball and the Hibs defence were being pulled all over the place by the bustling Brewster.

And his old team gifted him another goal when the hapless Hogg headed a Jackie McNamara delivery high in the air and the hesitant Ma-Kalambay failed to gather it, allowing Brewster to tap into an empty net from six yards.

Both sides had chances before the interval but Ma-Kalambay saved comfortably from the unmarked Diamond's header and Hibs captain Rob Jones headed wide from a Zemmama corner.

Hibs threw on Abdessalam Benjelloun after the break and the Moroccan striker's curling shot from 22 yards was saved by Derek Soutar.


Zemmama was on target for Hibernian

The home side were increasing the pressure on the Dons when another shocking mistake from Ma-Kalambay handed the visitors another goal.

Barry Nicholson flighted in a harmless looking cross and the towering Belgian again missed the ball completely, with Smith the beneficiary this time.

Fletcher flashed a shot wide and the buzzing Zemmama infuriated the home fans after a 40 yard run into the penalty area resulted in him laying off a pass when a shot looked the best option.

Ma-Kalambay nervously tipped a Brewster strike away before more flapping from the keeper saw the veteran forward hit the crossbar with a header.

The game was raging from end to end at a rapid rate of knots and, with 20 minutes remaining, Fletcher narrowed the deficit with a wonderful scissor-kick volley, following good work from Shiels.

Kerr shot wide after a frantic scramble in the Aberdeen penalty area but Hibs were not to be denied.

With Aberdeen backing off, Shiels was slipped in on goal by Fletcher and did well to round Soutar and level the game.

Hibs were screaming for a penalty in the final minute when Lee Miller looked guilty of pulling the jersey of Jones in a congested goalmouth.



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Hibernian: Kalambay, McCann, Hogg, Jones, Murphy (Gathuessi 18), O'Brien (Shiels 61), Kerr, Beuzelin, Stevenson (Benjelloun 47), Zemmama, Fletcher. Subs Not Used: McNeil, Donaldson, Joneleit, Morais.

Goals: Zemmama 5, Fletcher 70, Shiels 84.

Aberdeen: Soutar, Hart, Diamond (Foster 49), Considine, McNamara, Nicholson, Clark, Severin (Young 79), Jamie Smith, Mackie, Brewster (Miller 72). Subs Not Used: Langfield, Lovell, Maguire, McVine.

Booked: Young.

Goals: Brewster 18, 37, Jamie Smith 57.

Att: 15,280

Ref: B Winter

[DavidMc]

Hibernian v Inverness CT
Saturday 1st September, Easter Road
Scottish Premier League

Hibernian full-back Kevin McCann is a doubt after aggravating an ankle injury in the CIS Cup win over Queen's Park.
But fellow defenders Rob Jones, Chris Hogg and David Murphy have shaken off knocks to make themselves available.
Craig Brewster takes charge of his first league match since returning to Inverness and could name himself in the team for the game at Easter Road.

Richard Hastings and Markus Paatelainen are sidelined with injuries and captain Grant Munro has a back problem.



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Hibernian squad: Ma-Kalambay, Gathuessi, Hogg, Jones, Murphy, Morais, Beuzelin, Kerr, Stevenson, Zemmama, Fletcher, McNeil, Benjelloun, O'Brien, Donaldson, Joneleit, Shiels, Chisholm.

Inverness squad: Fraser, Tokely, Watt, McCaffrey, Munro, Black, Duncan, Rankin, McBain, Cowie, Hart, Morgan, Wilson, Bayne, McAllister, McDonald, Wyness, Niculae, Brewster, Ridgers.

[DavidMc]

Hibernian 1-0 Inverness CT, 01/09/2007

Inverness paid the penalty for failing to score from the spot as Hibernian won an entertaining clash at Easter Road.
Steven Fletcher's penalty gave Hibs a second minute lead after Russell Duncan had handled in the box.

Hibs goalkeeper Yves Ma-Kalambay then saved Marius Niculae's spot kick just before half-time.

Both sides had opportunites to score in the second-half, with Brian Kerr almost doubling Hibs' lead as the home side held on for victory.

Inverness player-manager Craig Brewster named himself in the starting line-up for the first league match of his second spell in charge of the Highland team - seven days after scoring twice for Aberdeen at Hibernian.


Dennis Wyness dropped to the bench to allow Brewster to play, while captain Grant Munro was restored to the team after missing the midweek win over Arbroath in the CIS Insurance Cup.

There was no place in the Hibernian side for striker Mickael Antoine-Curier who agreed to join from Norwegian side FK Haugesund.

Hibs manager John Collins showed faith in goalkeeper Ma-Kalambay despite his two costly errors in last week's 3-3 draw with Aberdeen.

Referee Eddie Smith awarded a penalty for handball by Stuart McCaffrey and Fletcher fired home in the second minute.

Hibs failed to double their lead when Zemmama fed Benjelloun in the 27th minute but the Moroccan's tame shot from an angle was easily smothered by Fraser.

Inverness should have equalised when they were awarded a penalty after new Brewster fell under a challenge from Rob Jones.

But Ma-Kalambay blocked Marius Niculae's spot kick with his legs.

Hibernian came within inches of adding a second goal in the 63rd minute in a move started and finished by Kerr.

The former Motherwell player powered forward and eventually collected a Stevenson pass, and his shot from inside the box bounced just past Fraser's post.

Despite Brewster's best efforts, Inverness could not restore parity as Hibs took the points.



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Hibernian: Kalambay, Gathuessi, Hogg, Jones, Murphy, Zemmama (Shiels 58), Kerr, Beuzelin, Stevenson (O'Brien 71), Fletcher, Benjelloun (Morais 46). Subs Not Used: McNeil, Donaldson, Joneleit, Lynch.

Booked: Jones.

Goals: Fletcher 2 pen.

Inverness CT: Fraser, Tokely, McCaffrey (McGuire 53), Munro, McBain, Wilson (Rankin 85), Black, Duncan, Cowie, Brewster, Niculae (Wyness 75). Subs Not Used: Malkowski, McAllister, McDonald, Vigurs.

Booked: Niculae, McGuire.

Att: 13,258

Ref: E Smith

[DavidMc]

Falkirk v Hibernian
Scottish Premier League
Saturday 15th September 2007
Brockville Stadium
Kick-Off 15:00

Falkirk manager John Hughes has a fully fit squad to choose from as he seeks to end a four-game losing run.
Midfielder Arnau Riera and defender Kenny Milne have shrugged off knocks and are back in contention after the international break.

French striker Mickael Antoine-Curier goes straight into the Hibs squad after his deadline day signing.

Defender Kevin McCann is still nursing an ankle injury and Thierry Gathuessi is expected to continue at right-back.

Falkirk squad: Krul, Olejnik, Ross, Holden, Barr, Milne, Aafjes, Riera, Cregg, Thomson, Latapy, Craig, Arfield, Finnigan, Moutinho, Wallner, Higdon, Barrett.

Hibs squad: Ma-Kalambay, Gathuessi, Hogg, Jones, Murphy, Kerr, Beuzelin, Stevenson, Zemmama, Benjelloun, Fletcher, McNeil, Joneleit, Morais, Donaldson, O'Brien, Shiels, Antoine-Curier.

[DavidMc]

Hibernian v Celtic
Scottish Premier League
Sunday 23rd September 2007
Easter Road, Edinburgh

Hibernian are without the suspended Clayton Donaldson following the striker's sending off against Falkirk.
But, with defender Kevin McCann returning from an ankle injury, home manager John Collins has an otherwise full squad from which to choose.

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has no fresh injury worries after the midweek defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Striker Chris Killen picked up a knock in training but is expected to be fit to face his old club.



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Hibernian (from): Ma-Kalambay, McNeil, McCann, Gathuessi, Hogg, Jones, Joneleit, Murphy, Kerr, Beuzelin, Stevenson, Zemmama, Shiels, Morais, O'Brien, Fletcher, Benjelloun, Antoine-Curier.

Celtic (from):Boruc, Wilson, Caldwell, McManus, Naylor, Nakamura, S Brown, Sno, Donati, McGeady, McDonald, McGowan, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Killen, M Brown, Hartley, Riordan, O'Dea.

[DavidMc]

Motherwell 4-2 Hibernian
CIS Insurance Cup
Wednesday 26th September 07
Fir Park, Motherwell

Motherwell knocked holders Hibernian out of the CIS Insurance Cup thanks to three goals in eight minutes.
Clayton Donaldson fired Hibs ahead with a solo run and shot after 11 minutes, but David Clarkson headed an equaliser.

Keith Lasley slotted Well's second from a Steven McGarry cross and Ross McCormack made it three with a superb chip over goalkeeper Yves Ma-Kalambay.

Chris Porter fired in a fourth late after the break before Mickael Antoine-Curier headed in for Hibs.

It meant that Hibs had quickly been brought down to earth after their weekend defeat of Celtic, suffering their first defeat of the season.

Yet they had started brightly, with French striker Antoine-Curier blasting a long-range shot over after just 35 seconds.

The Steelmen soon found their stride and Clarkson dragged a shot wide and the restored McCormack had a drive palmed away by Ma-Kalambay.

But Hibs swept up the park to break the deadlock through summer signing Donaldson, marking his home debut with a fine goal after starting in place of the injured Steven Fletcher.

Brian Kerr played the ball down the left touch-line and Donaldson brilliantly dummied Stephen Craigan before racing in on goal, cutting across Mark Reynolds and netting under Graeme Smith.

The opener only galvanised Motherwell, who were level after 17 minutes, when McCormack's in-swinging corner caught Ma-Kalambay flat-footed and Clarkson glanced home a header.

Well went ahead three minutes later, when McGarry's cross picked out the unmarked Lasley at the back post to volley home.

Hibs were all at sea defensively and Clarkson found the net only to be ruled offside from another McGarry centre.

But a third goal for Mark McGhee's attack-minded men was only delayed thanks to the brilliance of McCormack.

The former Rangers striker collected 25 yards from goal and remarkably angled a lob over the giant frame of Ma-Kalambay into the top left-hand corner.

Hibs boss John Collins hauled off Lewis Stevenson and Dean Shiels at the interval, bringing on Filipe Morais and Merouane Zemmama.

The tide initially continued flowing towards Hibs' goal, but Well were increasingly relying on the break as the home side pinned them back.

Smith stood firm