Hibs and the art of winning ugly: How Easter Road side has adapted to grind out victories

There is a sneering undertone that lurks in the background when we talk about a team that has won ugly; as if it somehow taints the victory, putting an asterisk next to the result in the record books.

Christian Doidge netted twice as Hibs came from behind to beat Alloa. It wasn't pretty, but it was effective

When we talk about teams winning ugly it conjures up images of a Jose Mourinho team scoring an early goal and then parking the bus, or a scrambled injury-time winner that trundles into the net via shoulders, shins, and chins.

We don’t envisage Hibs, chasing an equaliser against Alloa as a result of an own goal, reduced to Ryan Porteous launching shots from 25 yards in the general direction of Tillicoultry – and not because he was played up front, as Premier Sports would have us think – or Ofir Marciano casually ballooning a clearance off an on-rushing striker with virtually the last kick of the ball.

Despite starting this Betfred Cup quarter-final strongly, the longer the first half went on, the more Hibs seemed to be a little overawed by their hosts. It’s not a stretch to say that the Wasps gave the Capital club more of a game than some Premiership sides have managed. They were disciplined, well organised, and when they went in front albeit as the result of a defensive lapse and an own goal, it didn't come as a huge surprise.

Against Motherwell a couple of weeks ago, Jack Ross had delivered a stern team-talk at half-time and his players had come out for the second half looking like a different team.

On this occasion, it required the introduction of Kyle Magennis and Stevie Mallan to spark Hibs into life – the latter's impact was felt when he crossed for Christian Doidge to score the winner but Magennis' contribution on the left was equally important in wearing down a resolute Alloa defence.

Football is a results business and in that sense it was mission accomplished for Hibs. That it wasn’t pretty, or convincing, is irrelevant.

There have been a number of talking points around Hibs this season: the improvement in the defence, the emergence of Josh Doig; and the importance of Kevin Nisbet (whose absence against Alloa was keenly felt) to name a few but perhaps the most significant is how the team has adapted depending on opposition.

Whether Hamilton's five-man defence or Rangers’ three-pronged attack, Hibs are able to cope. In-game tactical tweaks, effective substitutions, and a strong team spirit have all made a difference.

Hibs are winning at grounds where they have previously struggled. It’s not so long ago that the Easter Road side would struggle to pick up many points from away trips to Almondvale, Fir Park, New Douglas Park, and Rugby Park but they have left each of those venues with three points this season already.

After a couple of up and down seasons it feels as though a switch has been clicked at East Mains; a switch that enables Hibs to coast to victory at Hamilton, and grind out a cup win at Alloa.

This is traditionally a tough time in the fixture calendar with so many games packed into a short timeframe. Matches against Dundee United and St Mirren at Easter Road look winnable on paper but don’t bet against Hibs having to adapt yet again in search of a win.

Great night for…

Christian Doidge. After a lengthy spell without a goal the striker now looks to be back on the goal trail. He should have scored more than his brace in Clackmannanshire but the head never went down and he plugged away to get the goals his performance deserved.

Good night for…

Kyle Magennis and Stevie Mallan. The former St Mirren pair have had watching briefs in recent matches but their introduction early in the second half helped turn the game in Hibs’ favour as well as giving Jack Ross a mighty selection dilemma going into the next two matches.

Bad night for…

Ryan Porteous. After his imperious display against Accies he was a bit lackadaisical at times against Alloa. Wayward passes, daft attempts on goal, and didn't cover himself in glory in the lead-up to the opening goal. That said, it’s easy to forget he's still young and has certainly matured in his performances this season so don't bet against him turning it on against Dundee United.

Rating Ross

Jack Ross tasted victory in his first match against his old club since leaving the Recs in 2016, but his team was made to work for it. Ten of the starting 11 had started against Hamilton and while other managers might have been tempted to shuffle things for a cup tie, there’s little point in changing a winning team. When things weren't working, he made two changes that allowed Hibs to gain the upper hand and go on to win the game. He isn’t afraid to make changes early when required and more often than not, he gets it spot on.

Ref watch

David Munro had a fairly straightforward game. The match wasn’t at all bad-tempered and the only real talking point was the penalty incident in the first half. Clean through on goal, Jamie Gullan attempted to take the ball round the ‘keeper and stumbled, which hampered his progress. There did appear to be contact from Neil Parry and had Gullan gone down the referee might have pointed to the spot. It didn't affect the result but it did reopen the debate on how players "win” penalties.

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