Why it is unlucky 13 for Christian Doidge as Hibs' weaknesses are exposed at both ends of the pitch

If a reminder was needed as they head into the home straight, Motherwell served up a wake-up call to Hibs at Easter Road.

Hibs striker Christian Doidge shows his frustration after missing a chance during the Leith side's 2-0 league defeat at the hands of Motherwell. Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group

With two goals - one in each half - Graham Alexander’s men knocked the stuffing out of the home side who had gone into the head to head on the back of five wins in six league games and provided them with a timely prompt that no-one will make it easy for them to get over the finish line in third place for the first time in 16 years.

Too many of the Leith squad under-performed on a day when their play fell flat.

“It’s difficult to win consecutive games in this league and go on the kind of run we have been on recently. Today is another example of how tough the opposition are. And if you dip below your levels, even slightly, it can cost you.

“We didn’t defend as well as we have done recently and we didn’t carry that cutting edge and that puts you at risk of losing the game and that’s what happened.

“The concession of the goals are very disappointing from our view - they’re soft.

“Every manager will say they’re avoidable - but they are - and then we missed good opportunities at key times in the game.”

More clinical, Motherwell deserved the points but Hbs only have themselves to blame, as their defensive slackness was compounded by a poor conversion rate at the other end, with striker Christian Doidge missing three strong chances.

“It’s those fine margins. It was a good save from Liam Kelly. And even the second one, although it’s in the later stages of the game, it still changes the dynamics if it goes in.”

But Ross says it is up to the coaching staff to help him through the latest drought, which now stretches to 13 games.

“It happens and he feels it because he’s a conscientious player and personality. But his all round performance and contribution to the team is good.

“A lot of strikers are streaky in terms of the runs they are on, where they feel good in front of goal and other times where they have frustrating periods. He’s had both in his time here.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.