McGrath On Disappointing Draw & Backing From Fans

Jamie McGrath admits the team are “disappointed” not to have rewarded the “unreal” Hibs faithful with all three points against Dundee United. 

Hibs fought back twice, from 1-0 and 3-1 down, respectively, in a barnstorming encounter that ended 3-3 on the night. 

McGrath slotted home a late leveller from the penalty spot to secure a singular point against his former side, admitting the team must tighten up defensively – an issue that involved all players on the park, including midfielders and attackers – if they are to succeed.

“It was such a great build-up to the game. A special atmosphere walking out, obviously everything that goes with it. 

“I thought we started well, really on the front foot and it was just disappointing goals to concede. We can't be scoring three every week to give ourselves a chance so that comes from the front. 

“That's how we set up the press. It's not just the defensive line, it's everybody working in tandem. But from an offensive point of view, I thought we were good in spells and we created a lot more chances.

“We could have had a lot more goals but I’m disappointed to draw it again.

“When we go a goal behind, we know we're going to get one back. It's not the end of the world but it's just we keep giving ourselves a mountain to climb. If we can eradicate a few things in a game, we could win that game today comfortably."

The pressure rested heavily on McGrath’s shoulders with four minutes of regular time remaining, but the Irish international made no mistake in driving in his first league goal of the season from the spot.

Unfazed by the responsibility, McGrath admitted he “just wanted to try and get us back into the game.

“I backed myself and luckily enough I went in,” he continued. “I’m just disappointed we couldn't get that winning goal at the end with seven minutes added on. Probably should have been another few minutes added on but that happens. 

“We had 97 minutes in the game and we didn't get it done, but there are a lot of positives in there as well. We could have had, like I said, a lot more goals today and Smudge kept us in the game at times. 

“There's a lot of positives in it but of course, you're disappointed when you don't win at home. 

“Since the start of the season [our fans] been unreal,” McGrath added.

“They’ve really cheered us on when we've had setbacks. They've been the 12th man. It was a class atmosphere today but we would have liked to give them a win.”