Hibernian vs Arbroath – Match Preview
Hibernian vs Arbroath – Match Preview
Betfred Cup – Group D – Match 3
Tuesday 25th July – Easter Road, Edinburgh – 7.45pm kick off.
The Lichties travel down to Easter Road tonight to take on Neil Lennon’s Hibernian. It is the first time the two sides have met since February 2015 when the Lichties lost 3-1 in the 5th round of the Scottish Cup.
Dick Campbell’s team have nothing to lose as they currently sit in 2nd place with 5 points and regardless of the results against Hibernian and Ross County should have enough points to consolidate 3rd place unless Alloa Athletic can pull a shock result against Hibernian on Saturday.
It has been an extremely busy summer at Easter Road with Hibernian rebuilding for life in the Premier League. Former Lichtie Simon Murray was one of the first new signings and it will be the second season in succession that the Lichties face their former star.
Deals haven’t yet been completed for former Celtic duo Anthony Stokes and Kris Commons but Steven Whittaker will be playing although new striker Deivydas Matulevicius will miss out as Hibernian still await international clearance and his move from Royal Mouscron.
IN: Efe Ambrose (Celtic), Deivydas Matulevicius (Mouscron), Simon Murray (Dundee United), Danny Swanson (St. Johnstone), Steven Whittaker (Norwich City), Ofir Marciano (Ashdod, loan made permanent)
OUT: Jason Cummings (Nottingham Forest, £1.5m), Jordon Forster (Cheltenham Town), Scott Gallacher (Dumbarton), Alex Harris (Falkirk), Chris Humphrey (Bury), James Keatings (Dundee United), Lewis Allan (Edinburgh City, loan), Sean Mackie (Edinburgh City, loan), Sam Stanton (Dundee United, loan), Fraser Fyvie, Grant Holt, Jamie Insall, Brian McLean, Andrew Shinnie (Birmingham City, end of loan)
Arbroath will be hoping to have a full squad at their disposal and should welcome back Gavin Swankie to the squad as he returns from his honeymoon.
Having already put in good displays against full time teams during pre-season it will be a chance for the Lichties to enjoy playing in a wonderful stadium in front of a large crowd.
It will also be a return to Easter Road for David Gold where he spent 13 years coming through the youth ranks. Let’s hope for another Gold goal!
Neither team have any players suspended.
Referee will be Stephen Finnie and he will be assisted by John McCrossan and David McKniff.
Arbroath supporters will be accommodated in the South Stand.
This is located at the end of Albion Road and it is the same stand that we were accommodated in for our Scottish Cup tie fixture 3 seasons ago.
Please purchase a ticket from the South Stand Ticket Pod then proceed to turnstiles 5 & 6. It would be advised to take cash. The Ticket pod will be open from 5.45pm
Wheelchair users and attendants have an acceptable entry gate at the South Stand.
(over 65, Under 18 and full time students – concessions may be asked for proof of identity to confirm eligibility).
Please arrive in plenty of time to make sure you have your seat before kick off at 7.45pm
Easter Road is a no smoking stadium and this includes the use of e-cigarettes and vaping.
Flags will be permitted after they have been presented to Stewards and checked on camera by
Hibernian’s matchday programme will be on sale for £3 and feature’s former Lichtie Simon Murray on the front cover.
Easter Road Stadium, 12 Albion Place, Edinburgh, EH7 5QG
Easter Road Stadium is approx. thirty minutes from Edinburgh Airport, five minutes from Waverley Station and within easy reach of the main routes to Glasgow, the South and North. The Stadium is situated on the north east side of the City of Edinburgh and is on the east side of Easter Road, in Albion Place/Road. Visiting Supporters will be accommodated in the South Stand.
Local Bus Service – The Lothian Region Transport buses depart Princes Street every few minutes and stop in London Road at Easter Road, which is only a few minutes walk to the Stadium. Route maps are located at most bus stops.
Train Service – Edinburgh Waverley is served by trains from all over the country and adjoins Princes Street. The Stadium is about a 20-25 minute walk from Princes Street. There is a taxi rank situated within the Station.
From the West – From the M8 Motorway the recommended route is via the City By-Pass – South (A720) at the Hermiston Gate Roundabout. Travel on the A720 to the Old Craighall Junction taking the first exit for Edinburgh (A1), following signs for Portobello. Take first exit for City Centre (A1140) at the third roundabout and travel via Portobello Road, Jock’s Lodge, (rejoin A1), Meadowbank and London Road into Easter Road, Albion Road or Bothwell St (Footbridge) to the Stadium.
From the South – The recommended route is via the A1 (North) following signs for Portobello on the approach to Edinburgh. Take first exit for City Centre (A1140) at the third roundabout and travel via Portobello Road, Jock’s Lodge, (rejoin A1), Meadowbank and London Road, into Easter Road, Albion Road or Bothwell St (Footbridge) to the Stadium.
From the North – From the A8000, the M9 Motorway and then the M8 Motorway for Edinburgh. Directions are then as “From the West”.
Coach Parking – Coaches (including Minibuses) should follow the routes detailed above up to London Road, then into Montrose Terrace and Regent Road. Regent Road is reserved for Visiting Coach Parking only, under Police direction. Supporters are required to disembark and embark in this area, then walk down Easter Road, right into Bothwell Street, over the footbridge to Albion Road. This is approx a 10 minute walk. Please note that Coaches /Minibuses are not permitted in the vicinity of the Stadium either to drop off or pick-up supporters.
Parking in the area of the Stadium is controlled by a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (coned areas).
A tow-away scheme is in operation for illegally parked vehicles. Persons with disabilities displaying a valid Disabled Parking Badges on their vehicles will be permitted to park on the south side of St Clair Street under the direction of Parking Attendants/Police.Travel by Road: The postcode for sat nav used is EH7 5QG.
Please check signs and cones. Edinburgh parking attendants are known for issuing tickets and this area is well patrolled on match days.
Edinburgh is notoriously busy and with the traffic and possible roadworks please allow yourself plenty of time to get there.
Edinburgh City Council have also introduced new 20mph speed limits throughout the city and several around the Easter Road and Leith area in particular. Cameras are in use for the new speed limits.
We hope to see you there cheering on the Lichties!
Images courtesy of Google Maps and Easter Road Information from http://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/stadiumdirections
