Hibs Fanzone

Published on Monday 30 November 2009 08:54

Alan McKenzie, Leith: "Assuming that we would simply turn up to collect the points was dismissed early on as a Falkirk team who are fighting for there lives in the SPL gave Hibs a fright and could have taken the lead except for a sharp-eyed linesman who spotted a ricochet clearance had gone out for a corner.

"Thankfully we took this fright on boards and then started to control the game.

"The first goal was trademark Riordan, it was a deep cross from our comeback man Zemmama that found Derek at the far post and the volley was hit sweetly in to the bottom right hand corner of the net.

"In the second half, two many players didn't hit the high spots expected of them and nearly allowed Falkirk back in the game. Ma-Kalambay who had replaced Stack at half time had to look lively to back track to turn a shot off the bar and away to safety. He was also nearly caught out when he hesitated to come out and deal with a through ball that nearly allowed Falkirk the chance to equalise.

"The second goal was wonderful play from Wotherspoon who galloped down the right wing and his inch perfect pass found Riordan who bulleted home from 16 yards for his second and match-winning goal. This was much to the relief of the fans who were getting slightly frustrated at the lack of quality throughout the second half and the failure to increase the lead.

"The referee did okay. He was a bit fussy throughout the game that was littered with lots of free kicks, he could have sent off the Falkirk substitute for a wild kick at Ian Murray. Once again Derek Riordan showed his class with two really good goals and once again he deservedly got man of the match."

Stephen Anderson, The Braids: "Man-of-the-match Derek Riordan claimed two more wonder goals to keep his desire to end top scorer at Hibs this season on track. The first goal was volleyed home from 12 yards and we needed this goal as at the time I couldn't see where we were going to get it from. This settled us and we controlled the game.

"The team limited Falkirk to very little. In fact, when Stack went off at half time, we could have brought on an outfield player as Falkirk didn't pose any threat. There is very little wrong with our play as we are able to win games against teams who just pack their defence and midfield and I long for the day when we will really turn it on and some team will suffer a heavy defeat.

"The return of Zemmama was a let down as the wee man didn't really look fit and we could have had Byrne or Galbraith on instead. The referee didn't cause any controversy this time (remember Hamilton) and booked three players, one for an assault on Ian Murray that should have been red, Murray himself for a wee bit of revenge, and Bullen for a moan. Hibs deserved to win and Falkirk will be relegated if they don't get a goal threat."