Hibs fans were delighted with both the performance and result against Dundee United.
George: Great all-round performance. Back in the formation that, quite simply, works for these players. United had a good 20 minutes early in the second half when they scored their goal, but we didn’t look like losing this at any juncture. Big one next week but we look strong and organised so we’ll give Celtic a game.
John: Brilliant and essential win in the race for third. Hibs were excellent in the first half and deserved to be ahead. Utd had to improve and they did for a spell but David Gray got his subs spot on – as he usually does – and they helped turn the tide back in Hibs’ favour.
Allan: First half was exactly what was needed after last weekend. Controlled, disciplined, and simply better all over the park. The players were excellent in their attitude and desire to win. Third place is very much ours to lose.
Rory: David Gray has done something with this team that’s so rare – we’re calm and consistent, like the man himself. We don’t feel panicked when we lose a goal and when our unbeaten run came to an end, we answered with a win the next week, which is more than can be said for some teams. November feels like so long ago.
In contrast, followers of United were disappointed with their defensive mindset at Easter Road.
Eddie: Setting your team up not to lose isn’t the same as setting your team up to win a game. Far too often Jim Goodwin has had to change the team and system at half-time due to him setting up far too defensively.
David: I think it was the wrong decision from the manager to tell players their contract was not being extended before the season was finished. Players are less likely to give 100% and risk injury if they think they’ll have to find another club when the season is over. I think that was evident with Declan Gallagher against Hibs. He’s been great all season but made some glaring mistakes.
Gordon: United need to win against St Mirren. Just break this dreary run. We have the tools just need to put a performance together, we cannot be as poor defensively as we were at Easter Road. Onwards and definitely upwards!
Denis: Another poor team selection by the manager. The January signings have all been very disappointing. When we reached the top six we were in a strong position to finish third but are now looking over our shoulder at St Mirren who can beat us to fifth. Hopefully we don’t see a repeat of zero wins after the split. Some serious recruitment required.
Stephen Robinson and Mikael Mandron were both praised after St Mirren’s win over Aberdeen.
Peter: Well done Saints, the team played with the passion and spirit we know they have in abundance. Mika Mandron said in an interview during the week that he goes to training with a smile on his face and laughs all day. That mindset was evident throughout the whole team and Aberdeen have their keeper to thank for holding us to the one goal win.
Graham: Saints ran themselves into the ground, this team that Stephen Robinson has put together on a shoestring displays all the attributes a supporter of a provincial club would look for. Their togetherness and fight for the club and the supporters is phenomenal. I hope we get Europe again and for me Robinson is head and shoulders above every manager in the division.
Chris: Mandron signing a new deal is massive business for us. He leads the line so effectively and has a touch of class with his finishing. We weren’t at our best and, to be fair, Aberdeen were strong at the start of the match. I agree with the manager that we weren’t at our best but we got the job done and Europe is well within our reach again. It’s make or break at Tannadice next week and I can’t wait for the challenge, we’ll be so up for it!
Aberdeen fans were able to take positives despite an underwhelming display in Paisley.
Pete: Seemed like typical end of season fare. We were didn’t seem as hungry as the Saints and the disallowed goal really seemed to hamper our confidence. Considering the ups and downs of this campaign we should be fairly happy to be in the position we are. As long as we give our best in the last few games, and of course the cup final, I look forward to next season with renewed optimism, and a few new faces to strengthen the squad of course!
James: I cannot understand when we know that St Mirren are a physical team why the manager drops Pape Gueye, our most physical player. The players let the fans down, we never put the opponents under pressure. A very poor display when Europe was within reach.
Carol: Year one of a three-year project. Some good players taken in this season, they will be better next season. Cup final, cup semi final and probably fourth in league is not a bad start to Jimmy Thelin’s term. We weren’t at it yesterday, but still had two big refereeing decisions go against us. Not good enough on the day, but the future looks good.
Rob: It is a setback for third spot but not a fatal one. The old firm fixtures are huge now and we need to get points in both. Despite the lack of chances we created we need to find a way not to lose these games. St Mirren are a decent side but we should not have lost three times to them this season if we harbour hopes of top three.
