Aberdeen v Hibs: Garry's Goal

[Gunnerhibby]

Hibs have the unenviable task of attemping to crack open the most miserly defence in Scottish Football, and its sheer coincidence that back line is based in Aberdeen.
Famed for its thrifty folk, the Dons defence have leaked one solitary SPL goal in 6 starts, but its at the other end they have the problems.

The 'goals for' column is not as impressive as the 'goals against', 5 strikes in 6 league games hardly fills the Red Army with confidence, but Jimmy Calderwood has instilled a new attitude in the Dons, so much that they now occupy the lofty position of second-place in the SPL.

For Hibs, a new game plan from Tony Mowbray, he wants them to play football rather than long-ball, and a change in personell, has brought about a renewed feel-good factor among Hibbies that, given time, Mogga may produce.
Some players have found a new lease of life under Tony, and look like new signings, as opposed to their form and attitude of last season. Garry O'Connor is one such player. Made to play as a target man, under Bobby Williamson, the change in his usage and tactics by Mowbray has brought dividends similar to when Garry teamed up with Craig Brewster 2 years ago. His goals tally is impressive too, 4 in 6 SPL starts, although he will say it could be better.
.........................................
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


Mowbray elected to 'rest' Garry on wednesday night, against Albion Rovers, only giving him a second-half sub start, but still he managed to get his name on the scoresheet with an excellent goal which helped take Hibs through to the next round. Garry talked of his frustration of being left on the bench help to fire him up for tomorrows game, when he told the Hibees Bounce: "The gaffer told me that I would be getting rested ahead of tomorrow's game and I would only come on if needed against Albion Rovers.
"It is always disappointing when you don't start games but we have to think about the league games as well and I knew I would be back at the weekend."


Mowbray's tactics last week of using Garry, and strike partner Derek Riordan, in wide positions, rather than put them up against the physical presence of Celtic paid off. Hibs being the first team to take SPL points of Celtic this season. Mogga has to go one step further tomorrow at Pittodrie, goals dont seem to be a problem for Hibs, as long as we're scoring them, its keeping them out that is, as Hibs hav'nt shed the knack 'throwing them in', yet.
Colin Murdock may be a late addition to the squad tomorrow, and, if so, will see a change in formation. Whether he will go with Caldwell or Murray as his defensive partner remains to be seen, but Murdock will be a presence in the Hibs defence to combat any arial threat that Aberdeen have.

So an interesting conflict arises tomorrow, a free-scoring Hibs team versus a tight-fisted Aberdeen side that dont give much away. It will be a close contest but one that, hopefully will see a very confident O'Connor/Riordan partnership come out on top.