Alan Stubbs is delighted that Hibs’ fate is now in their own hands in the race for second place in the Championship however unlike the supporters, he is not convinced that finishing as runners-up is a significant advantage in the bid for promotion.
Hibs emphatically saw off Alloa Athletic 4-1 at Easter Road yesterday with a performance worthy of the memory of Tommy Preston, but perhaps the biggest cheer of the day came when news spread that Falkirk had taken the lead at Ibrox.
Indeed, such was the roar from the East Stand, that seconds later Alloa pulled a goal back after a lapse in concentration in the Hibs’ defence.
As it turned out Rangers grabbed a ‘late’ equaliser sparking conspiracy claims from Hibs and Celtic fans given that only three minutes were allocated and they scored in the fifth.
The results mean that Hibs are one point ahead of Rangers with a superior goal difference.
If Hibs beat Falkirk next Saturday they will finish second. If they draw, then Rangers have to beat Hearts at Tynecastle.
If Rangers pick up a point, Hibs have to lose by six goals to drop to third. Any other result will see Hibs finish as runners-up.
The third placed team will face Queen of the South home and away and the winners will play the second placed team.
The winners of that tie will face the second bottom team of the SPFL which at the moment looks likely to be Motherwell.
after yesterdays game Stubbs said: “We have always tried to concentrate on ourselves and the fact that the results have gone for us is irrelevant if we don’t do it ourselves next week. We know that we both have difficult games next week.
“I don’t think this changes anything for us. If we finish in second it just gives us an extra few days to recover and prepare the team. If not then it’s just a normal working week.
“There is no evidence to say the team that finishes second has a huge advantage. It has only been going for one year. But I think if you asked me and Stuart (McCall) I think we would both want to finish in second – we just don’t know if it will be as much of an advantage as people have made it out to be, although you’d much rather prepare to play four games than six games.”
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.
As someone who got an original Hibs Strip from Tommy Preston when aged around 10–It was great to hear the warm applause for him.
Malonga’s performance—Skill with economy of effort and a goal-a fitting tribute to a guy who helped Joe Baker score many goals.
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