Nifty Nisbet, Jack's tactics, and shaky defence - 3 talking points from Hibs' narrow win against Cove Rangers

Patrick McPartlin looks at three talking points from Hibs’ victory over Cove Rangers.
Hibs just eked out a victory over Cove Rangers and there were plenty of talking pointsHibs just eked out a victory over Cove Rangers and there were plenty of talking points
Hibs just eked out a victory over Cove Rangers and there were plenty of talking points

Nifty Nisbet

Another game, another goal for summer signing Kevin Nisbet, who has more than answered those who questioned if he was able to make the step up to the Scottish Premiership.

He was quiet in the first half as the whole team struggled to get a grip on the game but he perked up in the second period after Jack Ross made changes.

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His finish for the second goal was sublime, cushioning Hallberg's cross up and over Stuart McKenzie.

If he keeps up this sort of form he won't be so much knocking on the door for a Scotland cap as bursting through it and leaving an outline of himself, Tom and Jerry-style.

Ringing the changes

Jack Ross is not afraid to shake things up when they're not working. Hibs lined up in a 3-5-2 in the first half and were barely at the races.

Pushing Melker Hallberg to right-back and bringing on Jamie Gullan had an instant impact as the substitute netted the equaliser, and Hallberg's cross set up Nisbet's winner.

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Hibs were missing players through injury and international duty but Ross made full use of those at his disposal to avoid a potential cup shock.

The performance was a bit frayed around the edges but Ross made tweaks to ensure the win and in a results business, that’s the key.

The defence rests

Don’t bank on seeing the experimental back-three of David Gray, Darren McGregor, and Lewis Stevenson again any time soon.

Gray and McGregor weren’t overly troubled in midweek against Brora Rangers but the step up to League One opposition caused them problems and it was only once Ross reverted to a back four that they looked more comfortable and even then, the display highlighted how impressive the regular defence has been.

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Even with Stevenson in his familiar left-back role and Hallberg an able deputy at right back, there was a marked drop in collective quality and most Premiership teams and even some Championship sides would have had a field day with the makeshift rearguard.

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