Hibs 2-1 Kilmarnock: Three observations from opening day of the season

Martin Boyle and Josh Doig impressed for Hibs.

Football is better with fans

It was hardly a revelation but without fans, a huge part of the matchday experience was missing. Yeah, it was easier to get to and from the ground without the usual swell of supporters and finding a parking space was a skoosh, but, for all efforts made by Hibs, the cardboard fans and the piped in crowd noise did not come close to masking the absence of thousands of passionate punters in the stands. Especially when goals were scored and there would usually be bedlam.

More than 16,000 people attended the last head-to-head with Kilmarnock at Easter Road and while the atmosphere of that day, as Kilmarnock fought back from 2-0 down to snatch a last-gasp equaliser and a share of the spoils, was lacking, both teams contributed to ensuring the display on the pitch was not adversely affected by the noise of the crowd.

There was a worry that without the demands and backing from spectators there would be an insipidness to the performance levels that would give the play the aura of a pre-season friendly. That has been the case in other leagues but while we may lack the technical qualities of other nations, in Scotland there has always been a default setting when it comes to the tempo, intensity and competitiveness of our football and we need not have feared the lacklustre. Matters were also aided by the early goal which roused everyone and the timing of Killlie’s response, which ensured the contest remained alive in the second half, even without fans to extoll and cajole.

Josh Doig

There is an expectation that every club in the country will have to rely more heavily on their younger players this term, with stretched finances preventing huge recruitment drives. In the case of Hibs there has been significant chat about the likes of Ryan Porteous reinforcing his position in the first team, and the likes of Jamie Gullan, Sean Mackie and Fraser Mackie all staking a greater claim, but it was young Josh Doig who emerged on the opening day.

Making his debut, the 18-year-old left back was tasked with the testing job of shackling Killie veteran Chris Burke and while he was taught a few lessons that will make him a better player if he takes them on board, he can be pleased with his introduction to top flight football.

The loan spell out at Queen’s Park last season gave him a taste of first team action and helped him develop the wiles and the will to cope with the physicality of playing against men and he has impressed manager Jack Ross in pre-season.

Given the responsibility ahead of Hibs stalwart Lewis Stevenson, he did not look out of place, although he had the experienced Paul Hanlon alongside him to talk him through the match and help cover him.

Hibs have been criticised in recent times for the fact that more youngsters have not come through the ranks, but in Doig they appear to have another who will play a part in this campaign and he offers his peers hope that if they catch the gaffers eye in training, he has no qualms about throwing them into the starting line up.

Martin Boyle

This time last year, Hibs were missing something. In fact, they were missing a few things. But most damaging was the absence of Martin Boyle. He started last season stuck on a treatment table and that was a major factor in Paul Heckingbottom’s demise because the difference in Hibs when they play with and without the Australian forward is telling.

Jack Ross admitted that he was fortunate that his arrival at the club coincided with Boyle’s return to fitness.

With him they can take the game to teams but, as was shown once again against Kilmarnock, they can also counter-attack with venom. His electrifying pace is a real door-opener, but he has always had that. What has improved since his arrival at Hibs in 2015 is his technical ability, decision-making and ability to make clever runs to free up team-mates and the composure shown when he does burst through and gets a glimpse of goal.

Grabbing the opening goal so early in proceedings was a bonus and although the visiting keeper Jake Eastwood’s rush of blood undoubtedly helped, Boyle’s pace contributed to the Englishman’s blunder, as he turned on the burners and then calmly rounded the Killie stopper.

It was the brief moment he took to settle himself before drilling beyond the covering defenders that best illustrated the advances he has made and underlined why suitors are already eying up moves for the player.

Out of contract at the end of the season, there will be some at the club looking to cash in on their prize asset before then. Ross will be hoping he can cling on to the man who poses such a potent threat.