Hibs fans have enjoyed many fabulous European nights under the Easter Road floodlights over the years and for entertainment value, last night’s victory over Asteras Tripolis was up there with the best of them.
Whilst not in the same class as Barcelona, Napoli, Juventus or Liverpool, the Greeks were a very good side who played fast and attractive football and looked dangerous every time they attacked.
Georgios Kyriakopolous, in particular, caused the Hibs’ defenders problems all night and scored two good goals, the second being a contender for ‘goal of the season’.
Two down at half time, the Hibs’ players started the second half strongly and galvanised the supporters who responded in style.
The famous old stadium was rocking and a special mention should be made of the ‘Singing Section’ based in the top corner of the Famous Five Upper stand behind the goals.
Hibs eventually pulled one back when Efe Ambrose outjumped the Asteras defenders and headed the ball into the net before displaying his trademark acrobatic celebration.
From that minute, song after song blasted out from the fans as Hibs mounted attack after attack and even the Asteras Tripolis manager Savvas Pantelidis commented upon the noise after the game, saying that Hibs turned the game around with the help of the fans.
The deserved equaliser arrived with 13 minutes remaining after the underrated Lewis Stevenson sent a great cross into the danger area which Florian Kamberi flicked on into the path of David Gray. The full-back was calmness personified and after taking a fine first touch, fired the ball into the corner of the net.
From then on it was one-way traffic and Hibs created several good chances before Kamberi tapped in the winner from close range in time added on.
Neil Lennon said that he would have settled for 2-2 but the winning goal was ‘massive’ in the club’s quest for Europa League qualification.
Hibs travel to Greece next week knowing that they will have to be on their best form to progress to the next round.
In Hibs last five competitive home games, they have beaten champions Celtic 2-1 then Kilmarnock 5-3 before the remarkable 5-5 draw with Rangers. This season NSI Runavik were dispatched 6-1 and Asteras Tripolis 3-2.
No wonder season ticket sales are heading for an all-time high.
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.
