Hibs Ladies 8 v Hutchison Vale 0 

Ladies 8-goal flyer

On Sunday Hibernian Ladies began their defence of the Scottish Women’s Premier League title they won last season.  After the disappointment of crashing out of the UEFA Women’s Cup last weekend, the girls ensured there was to be no European hangover as they went out and crushed Hutchison Vale Ladies 8-0. Co-Managers Paul and Iain Johnston made two changes to the side that were defeated by French Champions Juvisy FCF with Donna James and Louise Young both dropping to the bench to be replaced by Karen McKenzie and Laura Kennedy.

Sunday was supposed to see Hibernian travel to face Clyde but that Club made a late decision not to compete in this season’s Scottish Women’s Premier League and Hutchison Vale were promoted in their place.Desperate to get last weeks disappointments out of their system, Hibernian started the game with all guns blazing as they took the game to the newly promoted side. Hibs passed up a number of chances before Laura Kennedy opened the scoring in ten minutes. Only five minutes later 16-year old Kim Little doubled her side’s advantage. After thirty minutes Karen McKenzie got her name on the score sheet with a fine looping header to make it three nil and that is how it remained as the first half ended.

After the restart Hibernian continued to display the same dominance and it seemed only a matter of time before they added to their tally. That goal duly came from Natalie Ross, who scored with a fine strike from the edge of the penalty box. Midway through the second half Kim Little grabbed her second goal of the game before Scotland Internationalist Kirsty McBride made it six-nil with a left foot strike. Soon after Kim Little completed her hat-trick to make it seven and Karen McKenzie got her second goal to complete the rout.

Co-Manager Iain Johnston commented on his sides fine win: “There was no European hangover it was a dominant performance and we played some really nice football, with some great goals into the bargain, probably the best I’ve seen us play in a while. We were 3-0 up by half time but it could have been a lot more, but we are delighted that we have made a good start to the season.”

Midfield Julie Ferguson echoed Iain’s comments: “We played really well against a team who has just been promoted to the Scottish Women’s Premier League. Not only was the result pleasing the performance was too, everyone worked hard off the ball and never game the other team a chance to get back into the game. We know there will be harder games to come, but it was a good start for us and it was good for some new players to get some goals under their belts. We know we can still up our performances even more but to score eight goals in the opening game is pleasing for everyone.”

Hibs then returning to the Scottish Women’s Premier League in breathtaking form but they know there will be many harder games to come for them this season. Next up for the Ladies is a home game against Edinburgh Ladies on September 10th. Edinburgh started their own season with a fantastic 2-1 victory over last seasons third placed Kilmarnock.

Richard Payne - Hibernian

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Hibernian Ladies 8 - 0 Hutchison Vale Ladies

After finding out that they had been promoted to the Premier League just four days before, the Ladies team faced a stern test against the League Champions Hibs in the first game of the season.  Hibs were ready for the challenge after competing in the group stages of the UEFA cup earlier in the month.

Hutchie battled throughout the game but found it difficult to match an organized Hibs team.  Debutant goalkeeper Rachel Harrison was awarded player of the match by the Hibs management team.  Alongside Rachel were two other products of the Hutchie youth system, Jen Mowat and Nikki Russell also making the step up to the senior team.

Next up for Hutchie is a tricky home tie against Raith Rovers which will be played at Patties Road at 2pm on the 10th September.

Hutchie Team: Rachel Harrison, Jen Wales, Pam Quin, Karen Keighren, Jen Mowat, Gemma Gilchrist (sub Pam Livingston 65), Lynsey McFarlane, Anna Donald (Captain), Nicola Russell (sub Lissa McIntyre 75), Lyndsay Nimmo, Carla Hanson (sub Rosie Welch 45).
Subs not used: Lynsey Cowan, Lauren Miller, Suzanne Jackson