Verdict of Hibs fans Iain Chau and Niall Munroe: 'Based on this evidence, we should fear no-one'

Published on Monday 8 February 2010 10:16

Iain Chau, Bonnington:

"The visitors brought two old boys back home as Andy McNeil and Steven Tweed returned to Easter Road, the ground where they were given their chance in the big time.

"But by the time they had a quick look around their old stomping ground and the game was only four minutes old, Colin Nish had scored the opening goal. Andy McNeil had already made three great saves before that opening goal. He continued to show his talents are being wasted in the Third Division. We scored five but it was McNeil that kept the figures singular. The onslaught was controlled by Miller and McBride in the midfield, backed up by Rankin who had a couple of assists, but the two full-backs showed incredible energy up and down both wings throughout the game.

"David Wotherspoon was linking well, as was Murray on the left. The man of the match was Wotherspoon. His only fault was that he wasn't greedy enough as he passed a few times when he could have scored a few.

"The referee was sometimes too whistle happy as he slowed down the play throughout the game when an advantage should have been allowed. Based on this evidence, we should fear no-one in the quarter-finals."

Niall Munroe, West End: "We were treated to a great performance. We looked very professional as the players all played like it was an SPL game.

"Hibs started very well and we took the sting out of the game with the first goal as big Nishy rattled home a rebound after a Deeks shot was parried into his path by Andy McNeil.

"The only frustration was that we were only two ahead at half time as Nish added to his total with a back-post tap-in after a great cross from Rankin.

"In the second half we weren't as dominant as we slowed the game down and played the ball all over the park. This caused the tiredness in the Montrose ranks that allowed us to score another three, but three very different goals. First, Derek Riordan stuck a screamer from 25 yards, Benji then headed in a Wotherspoon cross and it was a dream debut for Alan Gow who wrapped it up with a solo goal two minutes from time. But it was the introduction of Zemmama who lit the spark in the second half.

"The referee didn't book any Hibs players which is a plus point, but he wasn't really asked to do much in the game but still managed to frustrate players, managers and fans alike for his constant lack of awareness to apply the advantage rule.

"The man of the match was Colin Nish. His two goals took the pressure off, but only he will know why he didn't get a hat-trick. He was well supported by all of his team-mates.

"It was pleasing on the eye the way we play and lets hope Yogi can have a clean bill of health, no problems with discipline as we chase prizes that are now tantalising us and are now coming within our reach."