Larne display 'like night and day'
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Scotsman
27 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Hibs gaffer's verdict and star striker injury update as 'two points dropped' at home
Scotland forward takes late knock ahead of UEFA Conference League return leg with Partizan Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hibs boss David Gray believes his team dropped two points at Easter Road today, as the home side surrendered a two-goal lead to Kilmarnock in a game that ended 2-2. But he's backed his players to bounce back in time for Thursday night's UEFA Conference League clash against Partizan, as the Hibees look to defend another 2-0 lead over 90 minutes – they hope – in front of a fired-up home crowd. Gray admitted he'd found today's touchline experience 'frustrating' as Hibs dominated 44 of the opening 45 minutes, with goals from Rocky Bushiri and Elie Youan – his first since December of last year – putting the hosts ahead, only for a lapse in concentration to allow Liam Polworth to score moments before half-time. Ben Brannan's wonder goal early in the second half drew the visitors level, with neither side able to find a winner. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'No excuses' after European exertions With their flight back from Belgrade not landing until around 4 am on Friday, there was a degree of heaviness about the legs. But Gray dismissed any suggestion that his players had switched off at 2-0 up. 'No, I think that would just be using an excuse,' he said. 'I think anyone looking at it would say it's been well documented. 'Can you go Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday? And if you don't get a positive result, it's because they're tired. 'I think the way we started the game was everything I asked the players for. The intensity we played at, the way we moved the ball. If you're not at it or you're feeling fatigued going into the game, we wouldn't have put in that level of performance. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'So I do think the concentration was something in the second half. It was maybe something that we need to look at. But in terms of how the players are feeling, they're all feeling fresh. They're all feeling like they know the second half performance wasn't as good as the first one. 'I think for the 44 minutes until we lost the goal, we were still pushing, still trying to get the third goal. And the way we were playing, I thought we played some really good stuff, moved the ball well. 'It was just big moments in games. We felt it ourselves in a positive way on Thursday night. Rocky makes a big block and then Partizan get a man sent off and we score not long after. It's big moments in game and momentum shifting. 'Unfortunately, the timing of that goal just before half-time handed a bit of momentum to Kilmarnock to come out second half. If we go in 2-0 at half-time, it's probably a slightly different second half. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'But that would again be using excuses. We know from our point of view, looking at ourselves, first half to second half was two very different performances.' Gray insisted he wouldn't be over-reacting to a home draw, explaining: 'As I've just said to the players in there, I'm not going to stand and scream and shout. The level of performance has been very, very good for a number of weeks now. 'I speak highly of the group all the time in terms of the togetherness and how good they are as a group. That's not going to change after 45 minutes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It wasn't a lack of effort today. I wasn't trying to do the right things. It was just sometimes the quality at the back end of it or a bit of concentration. 'We'll show the players where they made the mistakes and what you need to learn from them all the time. That's how you learn and that's how you improve as a group. 'The good thing is we've got a brilliant game to look forward to on Thursday that all the players will be up for. Why wouldn't you be looking forward to that opportunity?' Hibs injury update ahead of UEFA Conference League clash Martin Boyle was left on the bench until just about the hour mark as Gray rested his skipper, although the manager said that the knee injury sustained in Belgrade – leaving the forward with his left leg heavily strapped for the journey home – wasn't an issue. Strike partner Kieron Bowie was hobbling slightly as he left the pitch in injury time, replaced by record signing Thibault Klidje. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'No, his actual knee was okay,' said Gray of Boyle. 'It is something we've thought about. 'Obviously, when you look at it, it's also just about freshness. He's put a lot of minutes, a lot of games. 'That's what the beauty of the squad is when you think about that. And trying to freshen the squad up as much as you can because of the schedule that we've got. But from a fitness point of view, everybody's fine.' Asked if Bowie was OK, Gray said: 'I hope so. I think it was just a knock. I think it was a bit of a stramash there when the ball came into the box. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Somebody landed on him, but he was pretty confident that it was just a knock more than anything else. But clearly wasn't moving too well. So that was the decision there.' New signing status With a work permit still pending for Miguel Chaiwa, Hibs fans will have to wait for a glimpse of the 21-year-ol defensive midfielder signed on Friday, Gray saying: 'Yeah, we're still waiting for that just now. He won't be available for Thursday anyway because he's obviously not been registered for the first leg. That's just a timing thing. 'We'll obviously try and push it as quickly as we can to get him involved as quickly as we can. But unfortunately, we're relying on the process and how long that takes. Bu, I look forward to welcoming him in and being available for squads.'
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Highlights: Offord hat-trick gets Linfield up and running
Update: Date: 16:59 BST Title: Final whistle Content: That is all from us on a dream day for Bangor, who mark their return to the Irish Premiership with a 3-1 win against Cliftonville. Champions Linfield started their campaign with a 3-0 win against Dungannon Swifts. Joel Cooper scored the winner on his debut as Coleraine beat Larne. Read the report from those games here. We will be back next week with some more Irish Premiership action. See you then, but for now, goodnight. Update: Date: 16:57 BST Title: Watch: Morgan adds a third for Bangor Content: FT: Bangor 3-1 Cliftonville Substitute Michael Morgan adds a third goal for Bangor. This video can not be played Watch: Michael Morgan scores for Bangor to make it 3-1 Update: Date: 16:54 BST Title: FULL-TIME Content: Coleraine 1-0 Larne It's all over at the Coleraine Showgrounds where the Ruadhri Higgins regime is up and running with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Larne. He made a habit of doing it with Linfield and now Joel Cooper's doing it at Coleraine - scoring what proved to be the winning goal four minutes from the end. The Bannsiders had other chances on a day when Larne looked dangerous on the counter attack but it's the hosts who claim the points. Update: Date: 16:53 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Bangor 3-1 Cliftonville Paul LeemanFormer Glentoran captain on BBC iPlayer On today's showing, Bangor are going to be a match for anyone at this stadium. Update: Date: 16:53 BST Title: FULL-TIME Content: Linfield 3-0 Dungannon Swifts Linfield kickstart their 2025/26 Irish Premiership season with a 3-0 victory over Dungannon Swifts at Windsor Park. A Kieran Offord second half hat-trick is the difference as the Blues begin their Gibson Cup defence in style. Update: Date: 16:52 BST Title: Watch: Cooper curls home Content: Coleraine 1-0 Larne Who else but last year's Player of the Season Joel Cooper to open his account for Coleraine and break the deadlock. This video can not be played Watch: Joel Cooper scores his first goal for Coleraine at The Showgrounds Update: Date: 16:51 BST Title: FULL-TIME Content: Bangor 3-1 Cliftonville A dream start to Bangor's first season in the top flight in 16 years as they defeat Cliftonville 3-1. Update: Date: 16:51 BST Title: Post Content: Bangor 3-1 Cliftonville Cliftonville are pushing forward, but time is running out. I am sure the Bangor fans are counting down the seconds until the referee blows his whistle. Update: Date: 16:50 BST Title: YELLOW CARD Content: Coleraine 1-0 Larne A first Coleraine booking as Dylan Boyle takes one for the team, breaking up a Larne attack in added time. Update: Date: 16:48 BST Title: Post Content: Coleraine 1-0 Larne Four added minutes to be played at the Showgrounds. Update: Date: 16:48 BST Title: INJURY TIME Content: Linfield 3-0 Dungannon Swifts The fourth official has indicated minimum of four additional minutes. Update: Date: 16:46 BST Title: SUBSTITUTION Content: Coleraine 1-0 Larne Matthew Shevlin departs to rapturous applause from the home fans and is replaced by defender Dean Jarvis for the final few minutes. Update: Date: 16:46 BST Title: SUBSTITUTIONS Content: Bangor 3-1 Cliftonville There will be five minutes of additional time and as we enter it, Bangor make a triple change with Matthew Ferguson, Tom Mathieson and Robbie Garrett introduced. Lewis Harrison, Ben Arthurs and Jack O'Mahony make way. Update: Date: 16:45 BST Title: Post Content: Linfield 3-0 Dungannon Swifts Nice move from the visitors as Bobby-Jack McAleese gets down the right and crosses, with Cahal McGinty rising highest in the box to meet it with his head. Again, Chris Johns makes a routine stop. The Swifts have responded well since conceding the third goal, but the points are surely wrapped up for Linfield. Update: Date: 16:44 BST Title: Post Content: Bangor 3-1 Cliftonville Paul LeemanFormer Glentoran captain on BBC iPlayer Another fantastic goal from Bangor, a great delivery and he just glances it in. Update: Date: 16:43 BST Title: GOAL - Coleraine 1-0 Larne Content: Joel Cooper (86 mins) Joel Cooper breaks the deadlock with his first goal for the Bannsiders in the 86th minute. Sub Declan McManus plays in the former Linfield man who keeps his nerve to shoot low through Rohan Ferguson's legs for his first goal for his new club. Update: Date: 16:42 BST Title: GOAL- Bangor 3-1 Cliftonville Content: Michael Morgan (87 mins) Michael Morgan rises highest to nod home Liam Burns free-kick to extend Bangor's lead. What an opening game of the season for Lee Feeney's side! Update: Date: 16:41 BST Title: Post Content: Bangor 2-1 Cliftonville We're into the final five minutes of the 90. Will we see another goal? Give this post a thumbs up if you think so or react the other way if you think Ben Arthurs strike will be the winner. Update: Date: 16:40 BST Title: DOUBLE SUBSTITUTION Content: Linfield 3-0 Dungannon Swifts Rhys Annett and Ryan McKay come on in place of Charlie Allen and Matthew Fitzpatrick for Linfield's final two changes of the afternoon. Update: Date: 16:40 BST Title: Post Content: Linfield 3-0 Dungannon Swifts Kealan Dillon strikes from distance but Chris Johns gathers routinely.
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Highlights: Bangor mark Premiership return in style
Update: Date: 16:59 BST Title: Final whistle Content: That is all from us on a dream day for Bangor, who mark their return to the Irish Premiership with a 3-1 win against Cliftonville. Champions Linfield started their campaign with a 3-0 win against Dungannon Swifts. Joel Cooper scored the winner on his debut as Coleraine beat Larne. Read the report from those games here. We will be back next week with some more Irish Premiership action. See you then, but for now, goodnight. Update: Date: 16:57 BST Title: Watch: Morgan adds a third for Bangor Content: FT: Bangor 3-1 Cliftonville Substitute Michael Morgan adds a third goal for Bangor. This video can not be played Watch: Michael Morgan scores for Bangor to make it 3-1 Update: Date: 16:54 BST Title: FULL-TIME Content: Coleraine 1-0 Larne It's all over at the Coleraine Showgrounds where the Ruadhri Higgins regime is up and running with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Larne. He made a habit of doing it with Linfield and now Joel Cooper's doing it at Coleraine - scoring what proved to be the winning goal four minutes from the end. The Bannsiders had other chances on a day when Larne looked dangerous on the counter attack but it's the hosts who claim the points. Update: Date: 16:53 BST Title: Post Content: FT: Bangor 3-1 Cliftonville Paul LeemanFormer Glentoran captain on BBC iPlayer On today's showing, Bangor are going to be a match for anyone at this stadium. Update: Date: 16:53 BST Title: FULL-TIME Content: Linfield 3-0 Dungannon Swifts Linfield kickstart their 2025/26 Irish Premiership season with a 3-0 victory over Dungannon Swifts at Windsor Park. A Kieran Offord second half hat-trick is the difference as the Blues begin their Gibson Cup defence in style. Update: Date: 16:52 BST Title: Watch: Cooper curls home Content: Coleraine 1-0 Larne Who else but last year's Player of the Season Joel Cooper to open his account for Coleraine and break the deadlock. This video can not be played Watch: Joel Cooper scores his first goal for Coleraine at The Showgrounds Update: Date: 16:51 BST Title: FULL-TIME Content: Bangor 3-1 Cliftonville A dream start to Bangor's first season in the top flight in 16 years as they defeat Cliftonville 3-1. Update: Date: 16:51 BST Title: Post Content: Bangor 3-1 Cliftonville Cliftonville are pushing forward, but time is running out. I am sure the Bangor fans are counting down the seconds until the referee blows his whistle. Update: Date: 16:50 BST Title: YELLOW CARD Content: Coleraine 1-0 Larne A first Coleraine booking as Dylan Boyle takes one for the team, breaking up a Larne attack in added time. Update: Date: 16:48 BST Title: Post Content: Coleraine 1-0 Larne Four added minutes to be played at the Showgrounds. Update: Date: 16:48 BST Title: INJURY TIME Content: Linfield 3-0 Dungannon Swifts The fourth official has indicated minimum of four additional minutes. Update: Date: 16:46 BST Title: SUBSTITUTION Content: Coleraine 1-0 Larne Matthew Shevlin departs to rapturous applause from the home fans and is replaced by defender Dean Jarvis for the final few minutes. Update: Date: 16:46 BST Title: SUBSTITUTIONS Content: Bangor 3-1 Cliftonville There will be five minutes of additional time and as we enter it, Bangor make a triple change with Matthew Ferguson, Tom Mathieson and Robbie Garrett introduced. Lewis Harrison, Ben Arthurs and Jack O'Mahony make way. Update: Date: 16:45 BST Title: Post Content: Linfield 3-0 Dungannon Swifts Nice move from the visitors as Bobby-Jack McAleese gets down the right and crosses, with Cahal McGinty rising highest in the box to meet it with his head. Again, Chris Johns makes a routine stop. The Swifts have responded well since conceding the third goal, but the points are surely wrapped up for Linfield. Update: Date: 16:44 BST Title: Post Content: Bangor 3-1 Cliftonville Paul LeemanFormer Glentoran captain on BBC iPlayer Another fantastic goal from Bangor, a great delivery and he just glances it in. Update: Date: 16:43 BST Title: GOAL - Coleraine 1-0 Larne Content: Joel Cooper (86 mins) Joel Cooper breaks the deadlock with his first goal for the Bannsiders in the 86th minute. Sub Declan McManus plays in the former Linfield man who keeps his nerve to shoot low through Rohan Ferguson's legs for his first goal for his new club. Update: Date: 16:42 BST Title: GOAL- Bangor 3-1 Cliftonville Content: Michael Morgan (87 mins) Michael Morgan rises highest to nod home Liam Burns free-kick to extend Bangor's lead. What an opening game of the season for Lee Feeney's side! Update: Date: 16:41 BST Title: Post Content: Bangor 2-1 Cliftonville We're into the final five minutes of the 90. Will we see another goal? Give this post a thumbs up if you think so or react the other way if you think Ben Arthurs strike will be the winner. Update: Date: 16:40 BST Title: DOUBLE SUBSTITUTION Content: Linfield 3-0 Dungannon Swifts Rhys Annett and Ryan McKay come on in place of Charlie Allen and Matthew Fitzpatrick for Linfield's final two changes of the afternoon. Update: Date: 16:40 BST Title: Post Content: Linfield 3-0 Dungannon Swifts Kealan Dillon strikes from distance but Chris Johns gathers routinely.
