Hibs four game overseas tour ended with a 2-0 defeat against Union Berlin, at the Stadion An der Alte Försterei last night.
This was always likely to be the toughest test so far as Union Berlin are currently in the second tier of German football, which is generally considered to be a strong league, and they also have some quality players such as Brazilian striker Silvio, who used to play for Santos.
They were German champions in 1923, and subsequently became a powerhouse in East German football where they developed a strong rivalry with Dynamo Berlin. Since the reunification of Germany in 1990, Union have not enjoyed as much success, but were German Cup runners-up in 2001 and they qualified for the UEFA Cup.
On a warm evening and in front of a noisy 4,800 crowd, manager Pat Fenlon chose to continue with his 4-2-3-1 formation but selected a more experienced line up, leaving teenagers Sam Stanton, Danny Handling and Ross Caldwell, who all scored on Sunday against a Zeeland select, on the bench. New signing Tim Clancy returned to right back with David Stephens taking over from Sean O’Hanlon in the centre of the defence. Leigh Griffiths and Eoin Doyle started up front.
The Germans started brightly and were unlucky not to take the lead after seven minutes when a well struck free kick flashed just past the post.
David Wotherspoon had a neat turn and shot on the 14-minute mark, which was saved by Union keeper Jan Glinker, before probably Hibs’ best chance of the match when Stevenson picked out Griffiths but the keeper comfortably stopped his right-footed shot.
Moments later, Glinker produced a top-class save to deny Griffiths’ whose shot had deflected off the back of defender Christian Stuff.
After the break Union raised their game and, five minutes into the half, scored with a well-worked free-kick from their right wing.
Paul Hanlon gave away a free kick just outside the box and the resultant set piece, was met by Michael Parensen who flicked his header into the net.
Alan Maybury and Ross Caldwell replaced Jorge Claros and Leigh Griffiths as Hibs tried to get back into the game.
Williams saved well from Simon Terodde on 61 minutes and then six minutes later David Stephens made an impressive saving tackle.
As Hibs pressed for an equaliser, Union took advantage and doubled their lead when Silvio’s cross was knocked into the net by Christopher Quiring from close range.
The team will now prepare for their home fixture against Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
Williams, Clancy, McPake, Stephens, Hanlon, Claros, Stevenson, Sproule, Wotherspoon, Doyle, Griffiths. Subs: Antell, Caldwell, O’Hanlon,. Booth, Pa Kujabi, Cairney, Handling, Stanton, Maybury.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
