Hibernian U19s 1-2 Gretna U19s

The U19s kicked-off their campaign in the SPL with a terrific away win at Hibs despite ending the game with just eight men.

The first fifteen minutes was an eye opener for our team and we gave Hibs too much respect, allowing them time on the ball.  At one point things looked ominous for us especially when we had Ryan O’Hara red carded in the seventeenth minute for his second booking of the game.

Just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse Hibs scored with nineteen minutes on the clock. Following their goal our players managed the situation and began to play some excellent counter attacking football creating several chances in the process.

After the interval we continued to cause Hibs problems and we were rewarded with our first goal of the season from new signing Liam Cusack. Liam used his pace to escape the central defenders and shot low into the corner of the net.

At this point we were on top, despite the numerical disadvantage and quickly added a second goal when Cusack was fouled in the box resulting in a penalty kick. Captain Mario Campagna converted from the spot and was mobbed by his team mates in the celebrations.

With twenty five minutes to go, we continued to create chances with our counter attacks whilst making sure we kept things tight at the back.

Fifteen minutes from the end Hibs were awarded a dubious penalty. The penalty awarded for a foul in the box, for holding before the kick was even taken. Apparently this is one foul that referees are paying special attention to this year.

Worse was to follow as Dan Robinson questioned the award of a penalty in the wrong manner and was shown the red card for his second booking of the game. New goal keeper Nathan Wright who was recruited from Darlington this summer used this moment to show everyone his potential by saving the spot kick.

Hibs tried hard to force the equaliser but with some excellent defending we kept our goal lead. Ten minutes from time we were reduced to eight men when for no apparent reason, the referee decided to book Liam Cusack for the second time in the game for what we deemed a fair tackle.

At this point we were playing with four defenders and three midfield players and showed real character as we maintained our lead resulting in a 2-1 victory in our first game.

This was a great achievement by the team, but I feel a lecture on discipline coming on! So take note anyone who thinks three red cards are acceptable.

GRETNA: Wright, Fisher, Poulson, Campagna, Sharples, Robinson, O’ Hara, Shultz-Eklund, Cusack, Smee, Trialist. Subs not used: Grant, Easton, Morton, Johnson, Hughes.