The Hanlon Stevenson Foundation ‘Family Reunion Match’ proved to be a great success both on and off the field.
Dozens of Hibees both past and present were reunited at Easter Road for the fundraising match for the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation.
Of course, originally named ‘Le Match’ to celebrate Franck Sauzée’s return to Easter Road, a Sauzée Select side was named and featured several fans favourites including John Hughes, John Burridge, Garry O’Connor, Laura Kennedy and Derek Riordan, to name a few.
The man in charge of the Sauzée Select was none other than Alan Stubbs – 2016 Scottish Cup winning Manager – supported by Darren McGregor and Jimmy Brydon.
Their opposition was the Hanlon Stevenson Foundation Select – managed by Paul and Lewis themselves, alongside Peter Keenan.
Ivan Sproule, Dean Shiels, Leigh Griffiths, Mickey Weir and Rob Jones all rolled back the years and graced the Easter Road turf once again for the HSF Select.
Ahead of kick-off Graeme Hunter and Jack McLeod got the crowd going with some pre-match entertainment before Hibs Legend, Pat Stanton brought the match ball out ahead of kick-off.
As predicted it was a frantic start with both sides clearly up for the occasion. John Burridge – the goalkeeper who won the 1991 League Cup with Hibs – was called into action inside five minutes – holding onto Leigh Griffith’s powerful shot from outside the area. It was the first of many saves for the 70-year-old shot-stopper in an action-packed first half.
The game was paused on eight minutes as players, coaches, staff and supporters paused for a moments appreciation to remember the late Jimmy O’Rourke – a Hibs legend in every sense of the word.
Leigh Griffiths eventually got the better of Burridge and opened the scoring for the HSF Select – his deflected free-kick wrong-footed the ‘keeper and crept in at the near post.
Steve Archibald proved that a striker’s killer instinct never leaves you and made it 2-0 to HSF with a brilliant finish into the bottom left-hand corner.
That sparked the Sauzée Select into gear and Danny Swanson pulled one back with a fine finish from the edge of the box. Josh O’Connor who was playing up front alongside strike partner Garry, played an excellent ball across the box to Swanson who curled the ball past U18 ‘keeper Freddie Owens.
Alan Stubbs made his first change of the afternoon, introducing Kevin Harper in place of Garry O’Connor and the former Hibs striker made an immediate impact. His cross was turned in by Niklas Gunnarson at the far post to level things up.
There was more drama to come in the final few moments of the half. Having provided the assist for the second goal, Harper got his name on the scoresheet to put the Sauzée Select in front for the first time in the match. Josh O’Connor hit the post, then his follow-up effort came back off the bar before Kevin Harper made it third-time lucky and swept home.
With just seconds remaining in the first half, Lee Griffiths produced another moment of magic. From kick-off, Griffiths spotted Burridge off his line and tried his luck from the halfway line. His effort was inch-perfect and Burridge could do nothing but watch the ball sail over him and sneak in under the crossbar. A fitting end to an action-packed first 45.
Half time: Sauzée Select 3-3 HSF Select
It was always going to be difficult to follow such a dramatic half of football that had it all.
Both sides ran the changes with several of the thriving Academy youngsters getting a run-out in the second period.
Having started for the Hibernian Women's team in their 6-0 victory over Glasgow Women earlier that day, Joelle Murray made it two games in one day as she joined centre-back partner Rob Jones for the HSF Select.
Both defences were on top in the second half and it took until the 80th minute before substitute Dirk Lehmann fired the Sauzée Select back in front with a smart finish.
The lead didn't last long, however, with Colin Nish providing the finishing touch to a well-worked move from HSF Select.
That proved to be the final goal of the game and both sides had to settle for a draw - sharing 8 goals equally.
Full time: Sauzée Select 4-4 HSF Select
Sauze Sauzée Select: Burridge, Miller, Hughes, Gunnarsson, Fontaine, Rankin, Swanson, Craig, Josh O’Connor, Garry O’Connor, Riordan.
Subs: Carter (GK), Dods, McAllister, O’Neil, Lehmann, Harper, Hastie, Kennedy, Smith.
Hanlon Stevenson Select: Owens, Hunter, Jones, Tweed, Weir, Murray, Shiels, Evans, Lovell, Archibald, Griffiths.
Subs: Molotnikov, McGeouch, Sproule, J MacIntyre, Brewster, J Murray, S Murray, Nish, Zaid.
Player of the Match: Rob Jones
