Tortolano cites poor defending

Published on 27/05/2013 12:00

JOE TORTOLANO believes Hibs will be disappointed by the way they conceded the two crucial first-half goals that left them with a mountain to climb in the William Hill Scottish Cup final.

Former Hibs full-back Tortolano reckons that Gary Hooper was allowed to score his double too easily – and that Anthony Stokes was also given too much change down the left-hand side.

After seeing Celtic lift the Cup with a 3-0 victory, he said: “Hibs started pretty well and dominated the first ten minutes, but they then lost two very similar goals.

“It was two crosses from the left-hand side and Gary Hooper got between Paul Hanlon and Ryan McGivern and slotted the two goals.

“It was poor marking from Hibs’ point of view and a mountain to climb after that.

“The first goal was a quality cross from Anthony Stokes. It deceived everyone, but, defensively, Hibs could have done better.”

Taken from the Scotsman