Pre-Season Result - Blackpool 1-2 Hibs

Last updated : 08 August 2010 By Steve Forbes

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Hibs played their last pre-season game this afternoon, when they travelled south to face English Premiership new boys Blackpool.

The Hibees had an estimated 1,600 supporters who travelled with them, despite the clubs European exit on Thursday night to Slovenians NK Maribor, and they made themselves heard straight from kick off.

Hibs had the first chance of the game, when Derek Riordan attempted to chip the Blackpool keeper Matt Gilks, that drifted wide.

Blackpool then took the lead on the 7th minute, following a crisp passing move, Jason Euell dispatched the ball past Graeme Smith.

The Premiership side then had a sustained 10 minutes of pressure, when the could have scored, but the Hibs defence stood firm.

Hibs equalised after 32 minutes, the ball was crossed in and Derek Riordan headed past Gilks from 10 yards out.

The Hibees were playing some good stuff by now, and could have taken the lead two minutes after equalising, Riordan forcing Gilks into a smart save from a free kick, after Liam Miller was fouled outside the box, but the ball only went as far as David Wotherspoon, who forced Gilks in to another good save.

HT: Blackpool 1-1 Hibs

The second half was much quieter, but Riordan, who was impressive, carved out the first chance after 52 minutes, forcing another Gilks save.

Blackpool then created a good chance, when former Celtic defender Stephen Crainey crossed for Gary Taylor-Fletcher, but his strike was just over the bar.

Hibs made a few changes in the second half, Brown, Rankin Galbraith and Thicot on for De Graaf, Stokes, Hart and Smith.

Sol Bamba then nearly gifted the Premiership side the lead, when he tried to take on Blackpool trialist Alex Tayo on the edge of the box, but the player hesitated, and Mark Brown made a good save.

Lee Currie then replaced the impressive Derek Riordan as manager John Hughes made another change.

Hibs took the lead on 78 minutes when Currie was chopped on the edge of the box. Liam Miller stepped up to smack the resulting free-kick in to the top corner, giving Gilks no chance.

Blackpool nearly grabbed a late equaliser on 86 minutes, but Jason Euell blazed his effort over the bar.

Hibs held out and recorded an impressive win over the Premiership side, and now look forward to next week’s SPL kick off at Fir Park against Motherwell.

Hibs Line-Up:

Smith, Hart, Hanlon, Hogg, Bamba, McBride, Miller, De Graaf, Miller, Stokes, Riordan.

Subs:

Brown, Thicot, Stevenson, Rankin, Currie, Galbraith, Murray.

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