Hibs debrief: Ryan Porteous' match-winning contributions, Motherwell's system choice, angry Jackson Irvine

A look back at Hibs’ thrilling Scottish Cup quarter-final win over Motherwell at Easter Road.

Ryan Porteous makes a crucial tackle to halt Chris Long when the Motherwell striker looked certain to score. Picture: SNS

Player of the match

There are quite a few contenders for this. Martin Boyle had quiet periods, especially in the second half, but was always the most threatening attacker. Paul McGinn had an excellent game contributing at both ends from right centre-back. Alex Gogic would’ve got it before his late red card, which will knock him out of the semi-final, as he masterfully broke up play and passed it very well. But, in the end, let’s go for the player who took the decisive kick. Ryan Porteous not only knocked in the winning penalty, he was great at the back all game, including a miraculous last-ditch tackle to stop Chris Long firing Motherwell ahead in extra-time.

Defining moment

If Porteous’ penalty is too boring an answer then it’s probably a negative option – namely Tony Watt (a former Hearts player no less) equalising late in the game. Hibs never seem to do things the easy way and this game was a prime example.

Ref watch

Overall John Beaton had a decent enough game without being asked to make many big calls. However, he was maybe a little over-officious at the end after the scuffle from each team. Two bookings would’ve sufficed. Beaton dished out four, including a second yellow to Gogic.

Benefit of hindsight

From a Hibs perspective they should’ve handled the game better while 2-0 up. This is particularly true of the equaliser where there was far too much space for Motherwell to get the ball wide and cross into the box. If we’re looking at both teams, however, then Motherwell boss Graham Alexander must be wondering what would’ve happened if he’d started the game in a 4-3-3. Matching up to Hibs in a 3-5-2 did not work at all and they were the better side after the formation switch.

Moment you may have missed

Jackson Irvine absolutely raging as the Hibs players congregated by the touchline prior to the start of extra-time after blowing the 2-0 lead. Similarly, the same player leapt the highest when Porteous tucked away his penalty.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our sports coverage with a digital sports subscription.