Spirit impresses Calderwood

Hibernian manager Colin Calderwood praised his players' spirit after they absorbed long spells of Motherwell pressure to grind out a second consecutive Clydesdale Bank Premier League win. Derek Riordan overturned Motherwell's early lead by the 27th minute and Hibs limited the visitors' chances as they sat in for much of the second half to follow up their Ibrox triumph with a 2-1 victory. Calderwood was delighted with his first Easter Road win and said: "In some ways the way it happened was rewarding; to come back from a goal behind and be the team not in the ascendancy, and hang on and show spirit, endeavour and a willingness to work for each other." Hibernian's resolve has been questioned in recent months, most notably when they let slip a four-goal lead to draw 6-6 with Motherwell in May, but they shut the door on a Motherwell comeback today. Hibs ended the game with natural defenders Ian Murray and Steven Thicot in central midfield while Valdas Trakys added a physical edge up front, having a hand in both goals by helping on high balls for Riordan. Riordan repaid his manager's faith following his recall from suspension after a needless red card against Hearts deprived him of the opportunity to play in the 3-0 win over Rangers. The former Celtic player almost snatched a late hat-trick with a brilliant turn and volley which was tipped over by Darren Randolph. "He's a goal threat as always," Calderwood said. "He was very unlucky not to get his hat-trick. He has produced our one moment in the second half. That would have sealed the game and made it less anxious in the last few minutes." Riordan lost the captain's armband to Murray following his suspension but Calderwood would not say whether it is for the long term. "It was just because of Ian Murray's display at Ibrox and because, along with Derek, he is very much a Hibernian player," he said.

Source: PA