NEIL LENNON described himself as a ‘very happy man’ after seeing his Hibernian team edge out Livingston in a 3-2 thriller to reach the Betfred Cup semi-finals.
The former Celtic manager didn’t hold back in his criticism of his players for throwing away a two-goal lead in Saturday’s Ladbrokes Premiership draw with Motherwell, but insisted he was delighted with his team’s efforts on Tuesday despite falling behind to Championship opposition twice.
Hearts youth product Alan Lithgow and winger Rafa De Vita both gave David Hopkin’s side the lead in the first half, with strikes from Danny Swanson and Martin Boyle pegging them back before an Anthony Stokes penalty with eight minutes remaining secured progress for the Hibees.
Lennon was encouraged by his side’s attacking performance as he eagerly awaits Thursday’s semi-final draw.
“I thought we were excellent,” he said. “From an attacking point of view, I think we could have scored three goals in the first 10 minutes. We scored two beautiful goals.
“Their second goal was beautiful, there wasn’t much defensively we could do about that, their first goal was poor from us because it was set play which we worked on yesterday, but we dealt with it and the character the team showed was fantastic. You’re looking at a very happy man here.
“We’re in the semi-final, we got the win, we played good football, we created umpteen chances and thoroughly deserved to win the game. It might have been a bit nervy at times but I thought we had good control of the game for long periods.”
Hibs started strongly with early chances for Boyle and Anthony Stokes saved by Neil Alexander, but it was the visitors who took a shock lead after 10 minutes when Hearts youth product Lithgow nodded in from a free-kick. The lead didn’t last long, as Swanson swept in a tidy finish eight minutes later to level, but David Hopkin’s side soon regained the advantage in stunning fashion.
Efe Ambrose failed to head clear from a cross and De Vita raced onto the loose ball to lash a half-volley off the crossbar and in from just inside the area. Hibs again replied quickly, as Boyle was sent through on goal from a well-worked corner routine four minutes later before lashing in a low finish.
More concerted pressure came from Lennon’s side in the second half but they struggled to break down the Lions’ defence until Paul Hanlon was tripped inside the box with eight minutes left on the clock. Stokes stepped up to convert superbly, driving low into the corner past the sprawling Alexander.
Lennon made four changes to his team from the eleven that faced the Steelmen, bringing in goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw as well as Lewis Stevenson, Danny Swanson and Vykintas Slivka.
When asked if he was always going to mix up his lineuep or if it was a response to last weekend’s performance, the Northern Irishman responded: “A little bit of both. I think Danny was ready to play, I thought he was outstanding, his finish was brilliant and we worked the corner really well.
“We have to work short corners because we’ve got nobody at the club who can take a set play at the minute. We scored a beautiful goal that was really well worked so from that aspect I’m pleased.”
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