Hibernian 3, Motherwell 1
| Match Date: Saturday, November 23 2002 |
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| Competition: Scottish Premier League | |
| Attendance: 8,859 | |
| Motherwell Team (5-3-2): |
Dubourdeau, Cowan, Segewald, Corrigan, Partridge, Hammell, Fagan
(McFadden 66), Adams, Pearson, Ferguson, Lehmann.
Subs not used: Woods, McDonald, Kinniburgh, Khemas.
Motherwell scorer: Ferguson (47).
Yellow Cards: Sengewald, Adams, McFadden
Red cards: Sengewald (56), Pearson (87), Partridge (88).
MCDONALD MAKES SURE POOR RUN CONTINUES
Hibernian 3 Motherwell 1
INEPT AT THE BEST OF TIMES, BLUNDERING Referee Dougie McDonald was at his worst as he sent off three Motherwell players and made some baffling decisions as the Fir Parkers continued their losing streak.
After losing a goal within the first minute a week previously, Motherwell almost repeated the feat when, in just 25 seconds, Luna passed up a great opportunity to score when he headed a Murray cross over from just six yards out. Seconds later Partridge was forced to head a Paatelainen header over as Luna threatened. O'Neill then took a tumble to gain a free kick 10 yards from the corner flag and play continued despite a hand ball from Wiss. The ball fell to Orman whose shot deflected behind. Motherwell were under the cosh at this point but didn't concede. Good cover from Partridge then denied Pataalainen and Motherwell at last put together an attacking move. Hammel flashed a shot across the 6-yard box which only needed a touch. Fagan then hooked the ball back for Lehmann who headed over from 10 yards out. Despite being well-positioned Referee McDonald failed to spot an elbow from Wiss into the face of Ferguson though he was quick to blow for a foul when Adams clipped O'Neill. Motherwell pushed forward again with Pearson pouncing on a loose ball to feed Ferguson but he saw his shot blocked, Corrigan picking up the ball to give Sengewald a chance but the header was saved.
Great defensive work between Fagan and Corrigan stopped O'Neill and Luna combining to trouble Dubordeau. There should have been at least a booking when Luna went in heavily on Hammel but McDonald decided to keep play moving. Motherwell almost gifted Hibs the opening goal when Partridge and Hammel left the ball with Luna only able to get the slightest of touches allowing Dubordeau to gather. There was still no sign of a yellow card when Wiss again clattered Lehmann. A long free kick from Derek Adams found Lehmann and he shot from 20 yards though Colgan held the ball. Hibs then were given a free kick when Ferguson fouled Pataalainen though a second afterwards Partridge clashed with Luna. The Hibs man failed to recover and was replaced by McManus. The home side forced a corner which was cleared only as far as O'Neill but his shot was well held by Dubordeau. From the kick Hammel played a great ball down the wing but the cross in from Fagan was too heavy and went out of play. Partridge then did well to clear from Orman before Ferguson saw a shot blocked on 18 yards and as it fell to Hammel he had an n effort saved. Just on half-time Hibs were given a free kick when Sengewald and Pataalainen clashed though once again, despite backing in, the Finn got the benefit from Referee McDonald, though the free kick came to nothing.
Half-Time Hibernian 0 Motherwell 0
It was Motherwell who came out the more determined at the beginning of the second half and they stunned their hosts with a goal within the first two minutes. Smith failed to cut out the long ball from Adams and it was pounced upon by Ferguson who nodded beyond Colgan to send the away fans wild with delight. Hibs tried to hit back with Dubordeau holding a header from McManus. Motherwell then had Sengewald booked for an extremely soft offence which was to prove crucial shortly afterwards. From the free kick McManus found Paatelainen whose shot came off Partridge and was cleared. Motherwell then had a chance to double their advantage when a great ball from Fagan sent Hammel into the box. His mazy run and shot was desperately blocked at the near post and went to Adams but the cross was too strong. Hibs then made a change, Orman off for Townsley, who was the subject of much abuse from the Fir Park fans after his uncecessary behaviour in August. Colgan, his teammate, then made a vital clearance as Lehmann pressed. A minute later the game turned on its head. Sengewald attempted to connect with a loose ball in midfield and instead caught O'Neill. This was deemd bookable by Referee McDonald and he produced a yellow and then red card, and given the fouls committed thus far by Paatelainen this was harsh indeed. This signalled a period of heavy home pressure and only a brilliant Dubordeau save denied Townsley. Within two minutes, however, the home side were level, Townsley crossing for Paatelainen who, with Sengewald off the park, headed home unchallenged. McDonald kept up his display by ignoring a very heavy O'Neill tackle which left Pearson writhing in agony. And another poor Refereeing decision gifted Hibs the lead. He awarded Hibs a free kick in midfield when it appeared as though Pearson had won the ball. McManus got on the end of the cross to head in off Dubordeau and was promptly booked for joining the home fans in the stand.
Partridge then won the ball near the edge of the box but unsurprisingly Referee McDonald gave the free kick. Townsley strode up and hit the ball by the far post. Motherwell made a change, Fagan being replaced by McFadden. The Fir Parkers should have had a throw in a very deep position inside the Hibs half but another poor decision saw a very dubious offside decision given. Ferguson then burst into the box and it took the combined efforts of Smith and Fenwick to deny him. A handball decision against O'Neill, who was also last man, went unnoticed by the Referee. Seconds later Cowan produced a terrific cross in but there were not takers. A dangerous cross come shot by Fenwick then had Dubordeau tipping the ball over, and from the corner McManus headed freely over. Partridge was booked a minute later when he appeared to dispossess McManus fairly. This was also to prove crucial later. In keeping with his efforts Referee McDonald then failed to book Townsley when he clattered McFadden from the back. McFadden saw yellow and it could have been red when he appeared to stamp on Townsley after he lost possession. Motherwell won a corner but failed to take advantage. Smith then had to make an important clearance as Ferguson hovered before Dubordeau again made a terrific save to tip over McManus's effort. The same Hibs player then escaped yellow when he fouled Hammel. Another home change had Wiss replaced by Brebner. It was a short visit by the Hibs midfielder. Corrigan was booked for what appeared a trivial trip then there was a virtual riot. Pearson's attempt to win the ball saw him instead send Murray flying. He received his second yellow, and again it was a bit harsh given the circumstances of his first. Brebner of Hibs decided to take things into his own hands and violently pushed Perason away. In came Partridge and his push to separate Pearson and Brebner was deemed bookable, with Referee McDonald sending off all three players. Whilst this was going on the home keeper was gesticulating towards the away fans almost creating a riot off the park as well. However, the Police failed to take action despite dozens of Motherwell fans making complaints. With Motherwell down to 8 men Referee McDonald awarded Hibs a penalty when O'Neill was caught by Dubordeau got up to score from the spot. It was harsh on the Fir Parkers who had played well, but were always up against it.
Full-time Hibernian 3 Motherwell 1
Match Report by Ricky Mullen