Now that the finalists have been decided for the William Hills Scottish Cup Final, the media will be full of stats and historic references about they last time two Edinburgh sides met for a major prize. Hibs saw off Aberdeen on Saturday and Hearts dealt with Celtic on Sunday. The goals on Saturday were not as controversial as on Sunday and have been displaced from being talked about due to the happenings at Hampden yesterday. All three goals were excellent in their own way and Rory Fallon must be sick that his classic half-volley strike counted for nothing in the end. It was a goal worthy of gracing any final.Both finalists have players who can turn games if they are on song; Rudi Skacel and Craig Beattie for Hearts and Garry O'Connor and Leigh Griffiths are the danger men for Hibs. Skacel is a player you ignore at your peril and will punish you in the blink of an eye. His skip past Fraser Forster before he slotted the first goal for the Jambos was delightful. Beattie brightened up the Hearts side when he came on for the second half. Celtic had the majority of procession in the first 45 minutes but they failed to truly threaten Jamie MacDonald in the Hearts goal. Ki did make the goalpost shudder with a fine header but the Hoops will be regretting they did not manage to break down a stubborn defence in the first half. O'Connor must have wondered if he had gone deaf for his goal in the first five minutes of the game against Aberdeen. Everybody in red appeared to stop when the ball was partially cleared to Pa Kujabi who passed the gently for O'Connor to guide into the net. Did the Dons' defence hear a whistle to halt their defensive instincts? O'Connor was not about to hang back and did his job. He was on the 'assist' list for the second and winning gaol for Hibs when he crossed to his strike partner Griffiths late in the second half. Hibs know they have two out balls that can hurt a team. Either left or right to O'Connor or Griffiths. The latter likes his long shots but having the confidence to have a go will pay off if you keep going at it. An intriguing question ahead of both semi-finals was which version of the teams would take to the Hampden turf. The same question will be on the lips of many fans ahead of the Edinburgh Derby on 19 May. Hearts have history on their side regarding beating their old rivals no matter where they play. Hibs have the weight of history on their backs but as most of the side have not had a chance to read up on that (as they are on loan) that may not be a significant factor. A game to look forward to but perhaps watch through my fingers.
Source: FOOTYMAD
