Rob glad to finally get a peek at Deeks

Sep 21 2008 By Brian Welsh

ROB JONES has been told all about Derek Riordan's finishing skills for two years since the striker joined Celtic the day after the Hibs captain arrived at Easter Road.

Jones and his backline buddies shut out Accies for a first clean sheet of the season but the game's magic moment came at the other end.

Riordan lit up the match just a minute after coming on and in that instant everything Jones had been told about the Hibs hero rang true.

Rob said: "Derek left the day after I arrived but the lads had told me all about him and the main thing they mentioned was his finishing.

"He worked really hard and thankfully got his goal which made all the difference. Derek and Sol Bamba have added something to the club since they came.

"Now we can enjoy our first clean sheet and look Rangers to look forward to on Sunday."

Easter Road boss Mixu Paateleinen was equally impressed with Riordan's contribution and said: "He went on a lot earlier than I anticipated, now I'm thankful that he did.

"He worked hard all week and the goal was first class."

The only sour note for Hibs was losing both strikers but Mixu explained: "Steven Fletcher had been sick and missed training. He wanted to play but started to feel powerless. Colin Nish went over on his ankle but he'll be okay."

Accies boss Billy Reid said: "I didn't see a massive gap between the teams.

"My only disappointment was our play in the final third where too often we chose the wrong option."

MATCH STATS

Shots On 4

Shots Off 10

Offside 1

Fouls 10

Corners 12

Bookings 2

Shots On 4

Shots Off 6

Offside 2

Fouls 6

Corners 7

Bookings 2