COLLINS CELEBRATES FIRST WIN

By Gavin McCafferty, PA Sport

John Collins savoured his first win as Hibernian boss despite admitting some concern over his side's inability to add to their 1-0 lead over Hearts.

A Rob Jones goal proved sufficient as the Hibees reached the CIS Insurance Cup semi-finals in a one-sided Edinburgh derby at Easter Road.

Collins said: "We played ever so well. It should have been more but one was enough. It is a special second game in a cup quarter-final against Hearts.

"If we had got a second goal it would have made it a bit more enjoyable.

"There is always that in the back of your mind when you miss chances that it comes back to haunt you.

"But deep down we never looked in danger. We defended well as a team and the keeper was excellent."

Hibs goalkeeper Zbigniew Malkowski was not troubled once by the Jambos.

But Collins said: "That is because we made it difficult. As soon as they got possession we were hunting in packs. We have been working on that in training.

"When you press teams as a unit inevitably they give the ball back to you."

Hibs will now be favourites for the trophy after Rangers followed Celtic out the cup with a 2-0 home defeat to St Johnstone.

Falkirk and Kilmarnock make up an unlikely last-four combination.

Collins said: "Who would have thought two nights ago that Celtic and Rangers are both out.

"It's a great opportunity for one of the four of us to go on and win the cup. Everyone will fancy their chances."

No explanation was given for the failure of any of the Hearts coaching staff to attend the post-match press conference.

Eduard Malofeev continued in charge of the team as head coach Valdas Ivanauskas remains on sick leave but his 4-5-1 formation with Robbie Neilson at right midfield had his players confused.

Fans' favourite Julien Brellier apparently left the ground in a taxi before kick-off after being told he had failed to make the 16.

It was left to defender Jose Gonclaves to explain Hearts' poor pefromance.

He said: "We weren't ready from the beginning of the game. I think we need to work harder to win the game."

Taken from sportinglife.com