Sean McCarthy was the first keeper called into action at the
beginning of the second half – cutting out a pass from Jamie Gullan before
Innes Murray could tap home from two yards out.
A midfield battle ensued for the next ten minutes with
neither side getting the upper hand until Davie Allan drove powerfully into the
18 yard box only to see his shot in past the wrong side of the far post.
Almost immediately Hibs were up the other end and a good run
in from the right by Callum Donaldson saw McCarthy saving low at his near post. A minute later Innes Murray ended a promising
break by Wick, bringing down Davie Allan at the edge of the penalty box after
good link up work from Gordon MacNab and Alan Hughes had set up for his run.
Midway through the second half an Hibs were increasing the
pressure – a break down the left saw Innes Murray force a fingertip save by
McCarthy to push the ball around his far post – A minute later the Wick keeper
was called on again – this time to cut out a cross heading for Lewis Allan waiting
a couple of yards out. And then Jamie
Gullan must have thought he had made the game safe for the visitors as his shot
from the right edge of the 6 yard box beat the outstretched leg of the Wick
keeper, but his shot flashed across the face of the goal and went out inches
wide of the post.
Into the final quarter and Wick were nearly level when Hibs
keeper Martin let a cross from Alan Hughes slip between his hands – the ball
bounced off the post and back out into play – Martin though was just quick enough
to turn and dive on the ball as Davie Allan raced in.
The last chance for Wick came in the eightieth minute – a pass from Davie Allan put Jack
Henry through on goal but keeper Martin redeemed his earlier slip and saved the
midfielder’s shot.
Full Time: Wick 0 v
Hibs 1
