Motherwell v Hibs Match Report

The second Scottish Cup quarter final of the weekend took place at Fir Park on Sunday at noon as Hibs travelled to Lanarkshire to take on Motherwell. 

The Steelmen’s only two victories this calendar year have came in this very competition whilst the visitors last three games have ended in goalless draws. However, one team would end their miserable run in this tie.

Team News 

To the team that drew 1-1 with relegation candidates Dundee last weekend, Graham Alexander made four changes. Bevis Mugabi took the place of captain Stephen O’Donnell meanwhile Nathan McGinley and academy product Dean Cornelius came back into midfield in place of Sean Goss and Mark O’Hara. Up front, Jordan Roberts replaced Kaiyne Woolery who contributed significantly to Motherwell’s 2-2 draw at Ibrox two weeks ago. 

Excitement was raised among the Hibs support pre-match as a result of Elias Melkersen’s inclusion in the starting eleven. The Norwegian replaced Christian Doidge up top to make his maiden Hibs start and was one of three changes from last weekend’s draw with St. Johnstone. The other two alterations saw Matt Macey come back in between the sticks and Joe Newell replace Jake Doyle-Hayes in midfield. 

The Match

The Hibs players emerged from the away end to a rousing roar in a cracking atmosphere at Fir Park. The teams switched sides prior to kick off and Willie Collum blew his whistle to get things underway. 

Not long later, spotlight was already on Collum after a strong Bevis Mugabi challenge wiped out Josh Doig. The referee took no hesitation in pulling out his red card for one of the earliest sending offs I’ve ever seen in a match. 

Just five minutes later, Motherwell could’ve easily been down to nine men after Jordan Roberts went in heavy on Drey Wright. The tackle was not too dissimilar to Bevis Mugabi’s earlier challenge however a yellow would suffice this time in the opinion of Willie Collum. 

After a rather feisty start, Hibs would attempt to get themselves in front however it was the home side who were presented with the first big chance of the match. Juhani Ojala’s effort from inside the box called Matt Macey into action whilst Jordan Roberts scuffed an effort from a minimal number of yards out wide from the same attack. The Steelmen probably should’ve taken the lead here however typically, Hibs went up the park moments later to open the scoring. 

The lively Sylvester Jasper received the ball on the right hand side and drove past his man to whip a tremendously teasing ball into the box; Elias Melkersen could do no more than nod in from a few yards out. It was a typical strikers goal for the Norwegian who opened his account for Hibs. 

After they took the lead, Shaun Maloney’s side resumed to dominate and despite a foray of Motherwell attempts to equalise, the visitors would double their money on the thirty fifth minute. 

Once again, it was Jasper and Melkersen who combined after the former played a sublime ball over the top of the Motherwell backline. Elias Melkersen controlled with brilliance and finished emphatically passed Liam Kelly. 

After this goal, it looked as though it would be plain sailing for Hibs however that was not to be. Motherwell got something out of nothing when an admittedly poor left footed effort from Jordan Roberts was diverted goal-wards by Joseph Efford. It was the American’s second goal in two games as Graham Alexander’s men showed some grit to get themselves back in the tie. 

Once they halved the deficit, it was all about getting to half time for Motherwell although in first half stoppage time, they were fortunate not to have their goal back cancelled out. Elias Melkersen should’ve had a first half hat-trick when Chris Mueller’s teasing delivery evaded the Norwegian by a matter of inches. 

Moments later, Willie Collum blew the half time whistle to put stop to an entertaining first period. 

One change was made at half time and it came in the Motherwell camp. Their captain Stephen O’Donnell was left out of the starting lineup but came on at the break in place of Juhani Ojala. 

It wasn’t long before the Scotland international was involved as he drove down the right hand side and flashed a dangerous ball across goal however surprisingly, there were no takers. 

Throughout the second half, there was no real pattern of play with both teams having fairly adequate chances. Chris Mueller received on the half turn and fired straight at Matt Macey and seconds after, Liam Donnelly seen his shot from range flash wide of Matt Macey’s goal. The Northern Irishman then had the chance to deliver into the Hibs danger area although Macey easily collected despite some comedic attempts to push him into his own net from Stephen O’Donnell. 

With fifteen to play, Shaun Maloney went slightly more defensive, bringing off scorer of their two goals Elias Melkersen and  previous substitute Chris Mueller. Christian Doidge and Darren McGregor replaced the pair as Hibs looked to see out the game. 

And see it out they did. That wasn’t in spite of some Motherwell offences though. Substitute Kaiyne Woolery received on the right hand side from Dean Cornelius however his powerful effort flashed wide with Kevin van Veen standing free in the box. 

Deep into the four minutes of added time, Stephen O’Donnell launched a series of long throws into the Hibernian penalty area. Despite some scuffles, the final one was held well by Matt Macey. The former Arsenal keeper proceeded to punt the ball as far forward as he could to the sound of Willie Collum’s final whistle. 

What they said

Elias Melkersen’s double proved to be decisive in the match and when speaking with BBC Scotland after the game, the striker said:

“It was my first start, I tried to do the best I could, I got two goals so I am happy”

He also touched on his partnership with Sylvester Jasper saying he told the Bulgaria under twenty one international to“Just find me.”

On the opposite side, Motherwell manager Graham Alexander told club media after the game:

"The players kept believing and put everything into the game. It's really hurtful to go out in that fashion.”

Man of the Match - Elias Melkersen

On his first start for Hibs, teenage striker Elias Melkersen bagged a brace. The Norwegian posed a real threat in attack for the Leith side and both of his goals were that of a typical number nine - firstly, heading home from close range and secondly, finishing superbly after controlling a splendid high-ball 

The ceiling is certainly high for Melkersen at Hibs and with Kevin Nisbet set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines, the jersey is his to lose. 

What’s next?

After coming out on top in an engrossing cup tie this afternoon, Hibs secured their place at Hampden for the Scottish Cup semi finals next month. 

The draw for said semis will be made on Monday evening following Celtic’s clash with Dundee United at Tannadice.