Match date : Saturday 21st March 1998 Competition : Premier League Attendance : 10,582
ADVANTAGE HIBS AS MOTHERWELL LEAVE IT TOO LATE
Hibernian 1 Motherwell 0IT WAS A case of too little, too late from Motherwell as they failed miserably to take anything from this cruch tie at Easter Road. Devoid of ideas and lacking spirit, they were second-best to Hibs for most of this match, only threatening with any real pressure during the final 10 minutes of a bruising match.
Hibs took the initiative right from the start which, considering Motherwell's fine win over Rangers last week at Fir Park, left the large travelling support somewhat bemused. Indeed, early on the Home side should have taken the lead thanks to some gift-wrapped defending from the generous visitors. Lavety, who had an impressive match, ran from virtually the half-way line unchallenged to the edge of the Motherwell box. His slip through to Crawford, in acres of space, highlighted the lack of organisation in the Motherwell back four, though on this occasion Crawford's wild swipe at the ball saw it nestle several rows up the stand behind the goal. Some of the tackling was of the triple-x variety, though it has to be said Referee Dougal was far too rigid in his interpretation of the rules of the game. Four Motherwell players found their way in to the book and really only Finn Simo Valakari deserved a yellow card for his challenge. However, almost as if to even things up, Dougall sent off David Elliott for a wild, wreckless challenge on Billy Davies, though for a first-offence Elliott was perhaps unlucky. Motherwell were creating virtually nothing in terms of chances, with the midfield strangley absent, Davies having to drop deep in an attempt to prompt things. It was a little suprising, however, when Hibs took the lead as the game was evenely balanced in terms of possession. Again, slack defending allowed the home side in, though on this occasion from Christie's header out (Rougier preventing the Motherwell defender from clearing properly) Lavety had all the time in the world to watch the ball drop, steady himself, and volley into the bottom left-hand corner. This momentarily woke Motherwell, and five minutes from half-time they fashioned a chance which only Lady Luck prevented from evening the tie. Davies cross was met perfectly by the flying Denham, but the ball smacked the underside of the bar, bounced on the line and was smothered by Gunn.
Half-Time Hibernian 1 Motherwell 0With Motherwell heading down the Easter Road slope, it was expected they would take the game to Hibs, but it was the home side who really should have had the game well wrapped-up. Another free run, this time by Harper, saw the Scottish Under-21 striker set up Tony Rougier. With only Woods to beat he somehow managed to miss the easiest of chances, much to Motherwell's obvious relief. Then Crawford, strolling through the powder-puff defence, gave Lavety a chance to double his tally, but Woods made an excellent stop and the ball was cleared. Although Motherwell were seeing more of the ball, they could not do anything dangerous up front, and it was Hibs who were breaking regularly, and dangerously. Harper was only inches away from his side's second when he delicately chipped Woods only for the ball to drift just past. Motherwell brought on Eric Garcin, Ian Ross and Eddie May, and this did make some difference, especially Garcin who at last woke a non-existant midfield. With 10 minutes to go someone reminded Motherwell they were in a match, and suddenly it was Hibs who were under the cosh. Willie Falconer had time and space to take stock of his position 20 yards out with no-one in front, but he chose to swipe at the ball and it's still bouncing down Easter Road. Then Tommy Coyne, normally Mr Reliability, had the miss of the match. Ian Ross sent in a terrific drive which deflected off Welsh and forced a great save from Gunn. The ball broke to Coyne, just 4 yards out, but instead of a first-time shot which would certainly have nestled in the net,he chose to control the ball, take a touch left, and then shoot, and by this time Gunn was on hand again to make another remarkable save and the chance was gone. Falconer then sent in a 20-yard drive which whistled past Gunn's right-hand post, and in the final minute Garcin's pin-point cross was met by Davies but his looping header was somehow knocked over by Gunn. Relief all Easter Road at the final whistle, but concern for the travelling support as Hibs crawl to just six points behind with seven games to go.
Fulltime Hibernian 1 Motherwell 0