Hibs’ Lewis Stevenson hopes draw sparks upturn

LEWIS Stevenson was relieved that Hibernian got their first point on Saturday, but insisted that he and his team-mates had a lot to work on after a desperately poor first half in their 1-1 draw with Dundee United. The defender did well when moved to right-back to deal with Gary Mackay-Steven, but admitted he still did not understand why Hibs had played so badly at first, only reaching an acceptable level after the sending-off of Kevin Thomson.
Lewis Stevenson, right, was relieved to get first point for Hibs. Picture: SNSLewis Stevenson, right, was relieved to get first point for Hibs. Picture: SNS
Lewis Stevenson, right, was relieved to get first point for Hibs. Picture: SNS

“There is a relief to get our first point, because in the first half we really weren’t very good,” Stevenson said. “It took having Kevin sent off, losing maybe our best player, to spark us into life. We showed character and determination. I think we deserved at least a point.

“It was the most tired I’d ever felt, at the end of the game, because of how hard I had to work. I hope the result is a turning point, although if you look at the first two games of the season, we might have got draws or even won both of them. I can definitely understand the frustration of the fans, being one myself. We’ve under-achieved for the past few years and it pains me as much as them. I can assure them that everyone at the club is trying their best and, with a lot of new players, it might take time to click.”

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Dundee United’s Sean Dillon, who played for Pat Fenlon’s title-winning team at Shelbourne, insisted the Hibs manager has what it takes to turn fortunes round. “I do expect him to come out of this,” the full-back said. “I have a lot of time for Pat. I had one great season with him and it’s easy for me to praise him – he played me every week and we won the league.

“He’ll get on with the job. Sometimes you’re down, sometimes you’re up – but he’ll just keep doing his thing. It has been a long time since I worked with Pat, but I know the type of man he is and he will keep plugging away and be demanding of his players and those around him.”