Source: Team_Talk
Riordan curses Esson penalty 'jinx'
Derek Riordan cursed his luck after losing his personal battle with Ryan Esson for a third time in Hibernian's 1-1 draw with Inverness.[LNB] The 27-year-old looked set to add to his early opener when Hibs won a penalty in the 66th minute of the Scottish Premier League clash at Easter Road on Saturday.[LNB]But Riordan, who had been felled by David Proctor, hit the post to continue a tale of missed chances for the hosts.[LNB]Inverness responded from their let-off and striker Adam Rooney made no mistake with his spot-kick eight minutes from time to earn the Highlanders a point.[LNB]Riordan revealed it was the latest in a series of missed penalties for Hibs, and against Inverness goalkeeper Esson.[LNB]He said: "I think I've missed my last three penalties, and that's also three I've missed against Esson. I think he's a jinx.[LNB]"I've hit two off that right post against Esson and I think the other one was away from home.[LNB]"I actually tried to put it in the bottom corner, but I connected with it too well and it's just flown towards the top corner off the post.[LNB]"We created enough chances to win any match, but that's football for you. We didn't take them."[LNB]Hibs remain without a win at Easter Road since early March, a run of eight games.[LNB]John Hughes' men were booed off at the end while the manager has lost new signing Darryl Duffy to a broken metatarsal for up to eight weeks.[LNB]Riordan added: "We should be winning games at home, especially after dominating for so long.[LNB]"I enjoyed the goal. I put it through the guy's (Grant Munro) legs and just slotted it past the goalie. But I missed a penalty, so I'm disappointed with that."[LNB]Rooney, however, was delighted with his fifth goal of the season as Terry Butcher's men showed their battling qualities to earn a draw.[LNB]The Irishman netted 26 last term on his way to helping Caley Thistle win the First Division and feels the entire side carry a goal threat.[LNB]Rooney, who also struck the post and was denied by a point-blank save from Mark Brown, felt the game was more balanced than Riordan claimed.[LNB]He said: "I had a chance in the first half when the keeper made a good save, I hit the post and we had a couple of other chances.[LNB]"They also missed a penalty but it was a fairly even enough game. We could have taken three points at the end and they could have had it as well.[LNB]"A lot of the lads have SPL experience but everyone is just enjoying being back up, looking forward to every game really.[LNB]"The main thing is we got something out of the game. We are creating chances and there are goals throughout the team."
