PARTI IS NOT OVER

Belgrade aren't out of Euro tie yet especially if Hibs run out of gas like they did against Killie

- TAM MCMANUS

BELGRADE was a job well done for Hibs last week.

But if Sunday's result against Kilmarnock proves anything, it's that it is still far from job done against Partizan.

All it took was one moment of sloppiness from Rocky Bushiri and a win Hibs thought they had wrapped up soon slipped through their fingers.

That's why it's so crucial David Gray's side get off to a fast start and maintain their focus from the first minute until the last this time out against the Serbs.

Goals change games and at the weekend, Liam Polworth's strike right on the stroke of halftime did more than just that.

It altered the atmosphere and introduced a sense of nerves and tension that hadn't been felt at any time until before Killie pulled one back.

When Hibs came out for the restart, you could feel the mood had changed along with the momentum and it was no surprise to see Stuart Kettlewell's men feed on the anxiety levels spreading through the home support and use it as fuel for the second-half push that earned them a 2-2 draw.

That’s why I believe the crowd at Easter Road tomorrow night have just as big a role to play as the team Gray selects.