Raith Rovers interim player-manager Paul Hanlon recalls 'crazy' 2010 Fir Park encounter
Newly-installed Raith Rovers interim player-manager Paul Hanlon has been reminiscing about playing in the Scottish top-flight’s highest scoring match ever – the incredible 6-6 draw between Motherwell and his then employers Hibernian at Fir Park on May 5, 2010.
Despite leading 6-2 in the second half – and Motherwell’s Ross Forbes later having a penalty saved by visiting keeper Graeme Smith at 5-6 – Craig Brown’s Steelmen secured a sensational point in injury time when Lucas Jutkiewicz evaded Hanlon to spectacularly volley into the postage stamp corner.
Hanlon, 35, newly installed as interim Stark’s Park gaffer after Barry Robson’s sacking, told the Fife Free Press: “It was obviously a bit of a crazy game. One of the mad games that had a bit of everything. As a defender you obviously want to see out the 6-2 win.
"All I remember is the up and down nature of the game.
"Even though we were well ahead there were still chances either way, including Motherwell missing the penalty.
"It was just one of the freak games, and that's probably why it's the highest scoring.
“The volley from Jutkiewicz is the one that gets the headlines. I remember our manager John ‘Yogi’ Hughes was angry after the game.
"Being a defender himself, he didn’t want us to concede that many goals and you expect to win in those situations.
"But I think once the dust settled and we qualified for Europe at the end of that season, it wasn't too bad.”
Hibs ended that campaign fourth to make the Europa League third qualifying round, with Motherwell fifth to make the Europa League second qualifying round.