Ladies back and winning

Hibernian Ladies continued their good start to the season with a convincing win over Edinburgh Ladies on Sunday, running out 4-1 winners. Edinburgh Ladies had beaten Kilmarnock in their opening game of the season and are expected to be challenging for honours this season.Hibs were without three players going into the game with Donna James missing the game due to work commitments, while captain Suzanne Robertson was on holiday and recent signing Tracey Burns is out with a long-term injury. The loss of these players meant Hibernian were forced into changes from their opening day win over Hutchison Vale.

It was Edinburgh Ladies who broke the deadlock early in the first half when former Hibs Girls player Diana Barry netted for her side. The goal was deserved on the balance of play in the opening period and in truth Edinburgh Ladies could have gone further ahead but could not take the chances when they came along. It is often said when you are on top in a game against quality opposition you have to take your chances, Edinburgh Ladies unfortunately did not and they were made to pay when Hibernian equalised. ELFC were reduced to ten players when their defender was adjudged to have been the last defender and brought down Kennedy with a wild challenge and Hibernian were awarded a spot kick, Kim Little stepped forward and slotted home the penalty to pull her side level.

Midway through the first half Hibernian midfielder Natalie Ross was the victim of a tackle from behind. Ross having to be stretchered off before being taken to hospital with ligament damage. meaning she will be sidelined for a few weeks. Hibernian then raised the tempo of the play and took the game to ELFC and they were duly rewarded when they went ahead. A good passing move saw Laura Kennedy release Kim Little who made no mistake, firing across the goalkeeper and into the far corner.

Hibernian again kept pressing the ELFC defence and another good move saw them win a free kick wide left of goal. Kirsty McBride swung in a deep back post ball and Julie Ferguson rose highest to head the ball into the net and get her first goal of the season and so extended Hibs lead to 3-1.

Half Time: Hibernian Ladies 3 Edinburgh Ladies 1

The second half was a one sided contest with Hibernian creating a number of chances but passing them up as Edinburgh Ladies struggled with the numerical disadvantage. Midway through the second half a good move from the right saw Kim Little pick the ball up on the edge of the box and drive the ball into the back of the net to complete a hat trick. It was Little’s second treble of the season having also got one in the opening day win over Hutchison Vale.

After the game Scotland Internationalist Julie Ferguson commented: “We won but we made a little hard for ourselves early in the first when we lost a poor goal but we bounced straight back. I thought the sending off was a bit harsh but we kept pressing the Edinburgh defence and got our rewards. In the second half we pretty much dominated the game and created many chances but did not take them.

“All credit to Edinburgh Ladies, they played really well in the early minutes of the fist half and they could have extended their lead but once we got level there only looked one team who would go on to win it. It was not our most impressive football, but we did dominate the game and it’s our first game in three weeks due to Cup and International games. All in all it was a good win against a good team, we are delighted with the three points and know we can still play better football than that what we showed on the day.”

Hibernian Team: Jenna McCandlish, Louise Young, Frankie Brown, Julie Ferguson, Joelle Murray, Natalie Ross, Mandy Burns, Kirsty McBride, Kim Little, Karen MacKenzie, Laura Kennedy. Subs: Marlene Pearson, Alison McDonald, Ashleigh McCallum, Debbie McDonald.

There was some positive new for Hibernian Ladies with Scottish Internationalist Stacey Cook about to resume full training following a lengthy lay off due to injury. The return of Cook will be a major boost for the club and add more competition for places as the club look to from strength to strength this season.

Stuart Crowther

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