Hibee History: Scott's finally accepted by fans

ALEX SCOTT wore a particularly broad smile when he left Easter Road on Saturday. There was a good reason for it. After 13 months he had been accepted by Hibs fans and celebrated a five-star performance with a glorious goal.

Pat Quinn was the first to pay tribute to Scott for his part in the 5-1 thrashing of Airdrie. "He crosses a great ball and keeps a defence under pressure all the time."

Manager Bob Shankly was relieved to see his team strike form at last and spoke of Scott's contribution: "Experienced players like Alex have always something to give us. Peter Marinello has made a brilliant start to his career but all youngsters need a break from the strain of league football."

The switching of Pat Stanton to centre half and the recall of Scott and industrious Alan McGraw helped Hibs to banish the blues and they were geared up to do well in the League Cup semi-final against Dundee at Tynecastle the following Wednesday. Indeed, they won 2-1, before losing 6-2 to Celtic in the final at Hampden.

Seven thousand fans repeatedly cheered Hibs for their slick football and Airdrie could have been hit even harder.

Colin Stein had his best game of the season with two well-taken goals, Peter Cormack demonstrated his class and scored a soft goal after several magnificent tries when his luck was out, and Eric Stevenson had a superb first half.

Joe Davis started the goal blitz with a penalty in 18 minutes and Stanton hadn't the slightest trouble in halting any Airdrie raids through the middle.

A tonic win, indeed, against a side which never showed the ability that made them such awkward opponents for Hearts earlier this season.