Source: FOOTYMAD
Just Like Playing At Falkirk
Hibs will play Hearts on Saturday with flats dwellers getting a look in at the game with the east stand demolished Saturday will see Hibs welcome Hearts to the final Edinburgh derby of the season but it is not expected to draw a full house. Mainly due to the fact that Easter Road will only have three stands around the pitch the ground. However, Ian Murray reckons that the void will not deter both sets of fans from making the atmosphere red hot. Murray has already played against Hibs' city rivals in similar circumstances. The Easter Road main stand which was built in the 1920 was knocked down and rebuilt in 2001. During the re-building phase once again Hibs hosted Hearts in a game which ended in a goalless draw despite a breathtaking finale. Hibs were awarded a penalty kick but Murray was dismayed to see ex-manager Mixu Paatelainen to hit his effort over the bar from the 12 yards spot.Looking forward to the early kick-off game on Saturday, Murray said: "It will be a bit strange with the stand not being there at the moment and behind the goals being split. I have played in a derby like that before though, back in May 2001, when the Main Stand was gone and it was almost eerie. Mixu missed a penalty in the last minute – and he actually chipped it over the bar, I don't think even he could believe it. I was just a young boy at the time, obviously, but I will always remember the really strange atmosphere. I have done it before, but it will still be unusual. There won't be many Hearts fans there so hopefully we can use that to our advantage. I know that there will be fewer fans there than normal but I am sure that the fans who have got tickets will make sure that there is a lot of noise as usual, it was loud on Sunday against Rangers and I think it will be the same again." Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is Scottish-Fitba Net
