Likes: 
Dislikes: 
By the end of the game, I had quite enjoyed that. Pre season friendlies allow clubs to try things out, let players gel and suchlike. Just shy of 10,000 fans turned out and witnessed a reasonable game. My main observations are that Sunderland didnae look very good, Hibs are far better when we play two up front and John McGinn has bulked up and got a whole lot better too.
These games always mean lots of changes, the Mackems made 6 changes at half time, we made three all at once at one point, however when we did we looked better, especially the intoduction of the second striker. Coming back from 2-0 down to a team who were in the English Premier League last season is no mean feat, we might even have won it at the end?
It was played in a combatitive manner, especially when Barts and Cattermole started blootering one another and I felt the Black Cats fouled way too much second half.
Star of the day Lewis Stevenson seemed to enjoy the day and I was impressed by the team approach when Lewis was subbed and again when he took the applause from the crowd after the game. There is a real team spirit about Hibernian, I like that.
The Team
Rocky had a couple of smashing saves and looks strong, capable and confident.
David Gray, scorer of the winning goal in the 2016 Scottish Cup Final had a good game, he enjoyed getting up the pitch and the competive approach of the English team.
Darren strolled through the game, he is a rock.
I thought Fonts was wobbly and we improved when young Porteous came on.
Lewis had a smashing game, and enjoyed himself. He linked well with Swanson and then with Boyle when Boyle flipped over. Lewis has been a fine servant to Hibernian and I hope he stays with us the rest of his career, a real professional and absolute gem of a man.
Super John was Hibs best player, first half and especially second. His looks physically stronger and was very hungry. His pass for the equaliser was an inch perfect 40 yarder. I think it was his pass that found Boyler for the first too? I love John.
Dylan played well in parts, although he took an early sore one.
Barts had little to do first half but enjoyed his second half as he went to war with Lee Cattermole. He was quickly subbed before he killed the nippy mackem.
Boyler played wide and had some decent moves, scoring a good driven goal coming in from the left.
I was a bit disappointed with Swanson, he never looked fit and I am not sure he is a wide man. Some good interplay from him though.
Simon Murray played most of the game up alone and was a menace, I really like the big lad. When we put Graham on it gave more for Simon to work with and he scored his first goal for Hibs following the aforementioned 40 yard SJM pass to Gray who stuck in a good cross to tap into the net.
Subs, well where do we begin?
I think the first three were as follows:
Pennant for Swanson. He is ok, but he cannae cross a ball, no much use when you are a winger? Still not convinced?
Fraser Murray for Dylan. Fraser is a future star I think, left wing last Thursday, centre mid today. very decent young player.
Porteous for Fontaine, as I said above, Hibs looked stronger when the big laddie came on. Looks like another 'class defender'.
Dunsmore cameon from Gray and done fine.
Graham replaced Barts after Barts and Cattermole starting blootering each other. Graham done ok, he mixed it up.
Ollie Shaw replaced Simon Murray and nearly got himself a goal. Once he bulks up, I think Ollie will be a handful.
Finally Calum Crane replaced hero of the day, Lewis Stevenson. Lewis was given a standing ovation from both sets of fans and players. Calum slots in comfortably.
Neil and Gary are clearly still tinkering. I dont like the single striker thing, we did not look threatening enough. When we went to two up front, Sunderland could barely contain us. Worth considering guys.
I didnt think much of Sunderland, they might have a long hard season ahead of them. Well done the near 1000 Black cats who came up the road, pity you spoiled it a little singing that song about the Gracious Queen, no idea what Quentin Crisp has to do with fitba?
The Referee managed the game well.
Other points of interest, well done both sets of fans for the immaculately observed minutes applause for young Bradley Lowery. Rest in Peace little man.
Also the half time penalties starring Hendo, Stokesy, Sparky and Ian Murray. Sparky scored 2, Nid 1 and the other two none. Just make sure the first three sign their new contracts with us before you let them out the ground Hibs.
Hibs best player was Super John, he was immense. Man of the Match was Lewis Stevenson, the man with two cup winning medals is Mr Hibs.
I enjoyed that, and we can see we have a lean squad and need a few more players in.
I will now hand over the Just Backs to my pal SKII as I head off to the sun with Mrs 1875. See you at Alloa in a few weeks.
Hibernian Forever!
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Originally Posted by heid
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