Paatelainen proud of derby win

15 March 2009 13:51
Hibs moved nine points behind their third-placed rivals Hearts thanks to Fletcher's 14th-minute header, which looped off his shoulder and over Janos Balogh.[LNB]Balogh and Hibs full-back Sol Bamba were sent off in first-half injury time and Hibs deservedly held on to strengthen their top-six hopes.[LNB]Former Hibs striker Paatelainen said: "These matches are special days whether you are a player, manager or supporter.[LNB]"They mean everything to so many people and I'm delighted with the three points. It's a great feeling. It's only three points to add to your tally but the pride of winning derby matches makes it special."[LNB]The victory was Hibernian's second in succession and third clean sheet on the trot after Paatelainen had criticised his players' attitude during their 2-0 defeat at Inverness.[LNB]"I've said that 99% of the time the work rate is there," the Finn said.[LNB]"Their determination and effort was fantastic, and visible from the back all the way to the midfielders and through to the strikers."[LNB]Paatelainen disagreed with referee Charlie Richmond's decision to send off Bamba for bringing down Christian Nade, whose run to goal was arguably covered by Hibernian's central defence. Richmond had looked uncertain at both dismissals and consulted his assistant before showing the red card to Balogh for taking down Fletcher.[LNB]"I don't think there are any questions about the first one, it was very clear-cut," Paatelainen said.[LNB]"I thought the second one was questionable. Sol Bamba is looking in the other direction, he turns and it was more of a collision. It wasn't over-aggressive play and I didn't feel it denied a goalscoring opportunity.[LNB]"The referee saw it the other way and wanted to level it."[LNB]Hearts manager Csaba Laszlo felt Richmond got both decisions correct and also claimed his team deserved a point.[LNB]Michael Stewart hit the post with a 30-yard free-kick which Grzegorz Szamotulski touched on to the upright just after Bamba's red card.[LNB]Nade also headed against the crossbar with the goalkeeper stranded but he passed up several opportunities in unconvincing fashion.[LNB]And Laszlo admits his lone striker needs to be far more clinical.[LNB]"We had plenty of chances and didn't score," Laszlo said.[LNB]"In the second 45 minutes, I think about 35 were played in the opponents' field. We didn't have the luck.[LNB]"We must not talk only about the striker but this is the difference between professional and amateur football, if you have a chance you must score. If you need five or six chances, this is very bad.[LNB]"We cannot talk just about Christian Nade. He didn't have the killer instinct and took too many touches but we lose together.[LNB]"But, definitely, if he has a chance next week he must be more focused."[LNB]Laszlo revealed winger Andrew Driver is a major doubt for next Saturday's trip to face Rangers.[LNB]Driver was forced off after 25 minutes today after pulling up with a hamstring injury.[LNB]Club medical staff have conducted an initial assessment with further tests due over the next 24 hours.[LNB]If there is a minor tear, it is unlikely Driver would be fit for the trip to Ibrox.[LNB]Laszlo said on his club's official website: "I hope he does not miss any games, but we must see how he is.[LNB]"We hope we got him off early enough to prevent any serious injury, but we must wait."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk