St Mirren 1 - 1 Hibernian: Riordan gives Hibs cutting edge to stretch unbeaten run at St Mirren

Published on Sunday 22 November 2009 23:17

STATISTICS can be quoted to stand up any theory, but hard facts speak for themselves and it's a fact that Hibs have the second stage of their SPL campaign underway, unbeaten in eight league games.

The optimists among the Leith club's fan base will be eyeing forthcoming home matches against Falkirk and Motherwell as a real opportunity to prolong that run to ten matches and it's something the players – more familiar with trotting out the "one game at a time" mantra – are themselves now talking about.

"Yes, it's a great run," admitted midfielder John Rankin after the game. "And it's something we are now talking about. It gives the team an extra edge before any match, knowing that the opposition are going to have to take you seriously, and that they'll be starting the game preoccupied with our form and wondering if they can end that run.

"But we have to build on what we're doing to keep it going. With a new manager coming in at the start of the season, and new players and a new style, it takes time to sort things out. To build up a run like this shows we're getting there."

Rankin himself made a splendid contribution to maintaining that run given he wasn't even in the starting line-up, but came on as a substitute for the injured Kevin McBride after 15 minutes.

Hibs are certainly hard to beat, as St Mirren found out at Paisley on Saturday. On a day when the elements were never likely to favour flowing ground-level football St Mirren had everything to play for and their muscular approach was worthy of more than just a share of the points.

The Romper Stomper appearance of Billy Mehmet, Michael Higdon and David Barron is as threatening as their ability to crash through the opposition's midfield and defence with skill, confidence, and a complete absence of fear.

Goalkeeper Graham Stack's contribution to the unbeaten run must also be acknowledged. After two wide shots from Mehmet, Stack foiled what seemed inevitable when he came off his line to block Steven Thomson and then turned a shot from Stephen McGinn round the post with a full-length dive.

But all that counts for nothing when Hibs have someone like Derek Riordan lurking and capable of turning the run of play on its head. In a perfectly executed move just before the half hour, a Chris Hogg cross was threaded towards Riordan by Liam Miller, and when Jack Ross was thrown off balance every one of the 1,200 travelling fans knew what was coming next. A signature goal from a powerful looping drive that left keeper Paul Gallacher with no chance.

"A great goal," said Hughes, "He gets so much movement on the ball with real power. It put us right back in the game and Benji (Abdessalam Benjelloun] could have added a second to put the game away."

Hibs looked to have regained control with that Riordan goal and it was going to take something out of the ordinary to get St Mirren back in the game. Indeed, that certain something came as a surprise even to the player himself as Chris Innes rose unchallenged in the final minute of first half injury time to head his first goal for the club for over a year.

Hughes was understandably unhappy with the space Innes enjoyed. "It's disappointing. We can't let someone jump in the box unchallenged," he said, agreeing with Gus McPherson's view that this was another two points lost, but for Hibs the run continues.

"We know what the fans are saying," said Rankin, referring to that impossible dream. "But the way things are going we are capable of getting third place. That's still a long way from finishing second. We just have to keep going."

Billy Mehmet (St Mirren)

A bit of good fortune or a shade more accuracy and Mehmet could have extended his tally of eight goals. He thrived on the harsh conditions, pulling no punches as he strove initially to give St Mirren the lead and latterly to find the decisive goal. That commitment, strength and courage is matched with a sure touch and footballing brain.