A Little closer to the title

Last weeks fantastic result over Glasgow City allowed Hibernian Ladies to open up a five-point advantage at the top of the Scottish Women's Premier League, it was however imperative that Hibernian did not slip up against Newburgh on Sunday. A fantastic second half performance from the girls however ensured they collected all three points as they close in on the league title.
 

Hibernian were forced into two changes as Shelley Kerr and Laura Kennedy dropped out due to injury and exams respectively, Julie Ferguson returned to the side having served her one game suspension and she was joined by Natalie Ross in the midfield. Also missing for the Hibees were Kirsty McBride and Marlene Pearson.

 In their usual 4-4-2 formation Hibernian took the game to their opponents from the kick off and almost opened the scoring in the early minutes, Kim Little and Suzanne Grant combining well before the latter's shot went narrowly past the post. Hibs did not have long to wait until the got the opening goal, a through ball from Natalie Ross found Kim Little who outran her marker before squaring along the six yard box for Suzanne Grant to turn the ball home and give the Edinburgh side the lead.

Despite grabbing the lead nervousness crept into Hibs play and instead of pushing for a second goal they stood off their opponents and allowed them to play, the pace of Duncan and Hare was causing the visitors defence problems. On one occasion a ball from Ross over the top of the Hibs rearguard found Duncan and she was hauled down by Shelley Grant, Ross picked up the free kick on the edge of the box and brought off a fantastic stop from Joanne Hutcheson, who had to be at her best to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Newburgh continued to press forward looking for their equaliser, and they finally got the breakthrough when confusion at the back for Hibs saw Ross slip in behind her marker, she latched onto the through ball and calmly slotted the ball past the helpless Joanne Hutcheson to give Newburgh a deserved equalising goal. Soon after they almost scored again when a good ball from the right by Duncan was missed in defence and Hare narrowly missed the ball from close range.

As the first half was coming to an end Hibernian restored their lead when Frankie Brown picked up the ball on the left and found Natalie Ross, she outran the right back and crossed the ball into the six yard box where it was cleared but only to Suzanne Grant and she unleashed an unstoppable shot to fire Hibs in front. Hibs ending the half in front but it was a lead they scarcely deserved.

Half Time: Newburgh 1 Hibernian Ladies 2

The loss of the second goal stung Newburgh and Hibernian started the second half in dominant mood as they pushed Newburgh deep into their own half. Hibs began the half with a change to their formation, the girls now lining up 4-3-3 and they created an early chance when Kim Little found her shot save well by Mills in the Newburgh goal.

The breakthrough came a short time later when Joelle Murray played the ball into Mandy Burns who found the run of Kim Little and this time the forward on the right hand side, went past her marker and with the keeper coming to close her down she calmly rounded the shot stopper to claim her first of the game. Hibs were relentless and a few minutes later had secured another goal, a good clearance from Stacey Cook found the feet of Natalie Ross, she played the ball infield to Julie Ferguson and she slipped the ball beyond the Newburgh defence finding the run of Suzanne Grant who coolly rounded the goalkeeper to fire her hat-trick and sent Hibs on their way to an important victory.

Hibs continued to twist the knife and were looking for their 5th, this duly came when Julie Ferguson won the ball in her own half and played it out wide to Natalie Ross, she found Kim Little who again raced from the defender given the ominous task of marking her and as she got into the box she found Mandy Burns who cut the ball back to Julie Ferguson and she struck an unstoppable shot from outside the area giving Mills no chance. Everyone was looking to get in on the act and Hibs were not letting their standards drop, Shelley Grant won the ball on the right hand side before passing to Joelle Murray, Murray played a defence splitting pass into the run of Suzanne Grant who played the ball into Kim Little who in turn passed to Mandy Burns to fire into the net, a great move from every section of the Hibs team.

Hibs final goal came from good defensive work, Suzy Robertson cleared the ball out to Shelley Grant and she played it inside to Joelle Murray who found Kim Little running along the line, the youngster fired a first time shot which ricochet off the goalkeeper and into the net.. It was incredibly the youngster’s 50th goal of the season in all competitions.

Hibernian began to take their foot of the pedal and late into the game Ross fired a long ball into the box, with Joanne Hutcheson collecting the ball but unfortunately for the Hibees, she dropped it to the feet of Duncan who fired in a consolation goal The game finished with Hibs running out deserved winners following a fantastic second half performance, they started the game slowly and Newburgh had the better of the first half, however Hibs raised their game in the second half and were simply outstanding.

Full Time: Newburgh 2 Hibernian Ladies 7

Hibernian Ladies: Joanne Hutcheson, Shelley Grant, Suzy Robertson, Stacey Cook, Frankie Brown, Natalie Ross, Julie Ferguson, Mandy Burns, Joelle Murray, Suzanne Grant, Kim Little. Subs: Debbie McDonald, Alison Donnelly, Louise Young.

A delighted Julie Ferguson commented: "Over the last few years games against Newburgh have always been good but difficult games, they are such a hardworking and physical team with talented players. Our confidence was high going into the game following our fantastic win over Glasgow City, however, we let ourselves down in the first half, although we took the lead we didn’t capitalise on it and for large parts we let Newburgh dominate the game. Our coaches had a few harsh words for us at half time and we came out second half a different team – we completely dominated the second half and scored some fantastic goals the attitude of the whole team was fantastic."

"I haven’t scored a lot this season but to grab a goal in a vital game was pleasing. We have played against two of the best teams in the country this week and have managed to come through with 6 points and with an extended goal difference. The girls have been fantastic and responded to what the coaches have asked us to do. The finishing line is in sight but we know we have difficult games coming up and we have to be prepared for that.”

Kim Little is the subject of a special feature in a bumper 36-page final edition of the Hibernain Matchday Magazine 'Goalmouth' this weekend.
 

Richard Payne