Spartans Oust Holders

 Unite Scottish Cup holders Hibernian are out of this season's competition after they were beaten 2-0 by local rivals Spartans in their quarter final tie. 
 
Hayley Lauder gave Spartans a first half lead and Diana Barry wrapped up the win on the hour mark.
 
The Edinburgh side now face an intriguing semi final clash with Rangers, who are the solitary remaining club from outside the Scottish Women's Premier League. Rangers booked their place in the last four by coming from behind to beat Glasgow City Girls 4-2.
 
Glasgow City enjoyed better fortunes though, they eased through with a 3-0 victory over Dundee Utd SC. Leanne Ross gave City a first half lead which was doubled by Jane Ross, before Jane Ross wrapped up the win after the break with her second goal.

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Hibernian Ladies Update

Hibernian Ladies were knocked out of a second cup competition this season by city rivals Spartans who ran out 2-0 home winners of the Scottish Cup holders at the weekend. The result means it is now likely that Hibernian will end the season empty handed for the first time in six years, although it has been a season of transition for the Ladies side that will now be determined to bounce back a lot stronger next term.

Hibernian suffered a blow before a ball was even kicked in the Quarter Final tie when goalkeeper Gemma Fay was unable to shake off an injury picked up on International duty recently in the Cyprus Cup that meant ‘B’ side goalkeeper Laura Connolly was drafted into the side for her first senior appearance having only just recovered from injury herself.

Hibernian had signed two new players ahead of the tie but both were ineligible meaning Hibernian only had eleven players available. With no substitutes on hand the Ladies could only hope to get through the tie unscathed - but their luck ran out in more ways than one at the Ainslie Park centre.

A fairly large crowd had gathered to watch the game, and the early stages were fairly even. It was the home side who created the first opportunity, a long ball over the top catching out the Hibernian defence but goalkeeper Connolly saved their blushes with a fine save. Hibernian created a few chances but a lack of composure in front of goal ensured the game remained goalless. Given their reputation for the passing game it was a little surprising that Hibernian were resorted to a long-ball game, that perhaps demonstrating the unease the side was feeling due to their lack of numbers.

Spartans made the breakthrough after 20 minutes with a goal coming from their left-wing and drilled into the net with Connolly having little chance. Hibernian continued to work hard despite the set back and they created a couple of chances without really testing the Spartans goalkeeper. The game was largely being played in the middle of the park and this was isolating the Hibernian wide players who were infrequently involved. Their best chance of the first half came when a chipped pass from Hollie Thomson became a race between Joelle Murray Spartans goalkeeper Jo Hutchison.

Despite Murray getting to the ball first the goalkeeper did just enough to save with her legs at the expense of a corner. Early into the second half Hibernian suffered a major setback when influential midfielder Mandy Burns received a bad head knock and was unable to continue. With no substitutes Hibernian were forced to continue a player short. Spartans utilised their numerical advantage and from then on there was only ever going to be one winner.

 A soft penalty kick provided Spartans with a second with only 10 minutes remaining and Hibernian were out of the Cup. Because of the lack of playing options available to Hibernian, striker Laura Kennedy was perhaps brought back from injury quicker than she would have liked: "We under performed and given the fact that it was our only real chance of silverware this season, we are absolutely gutted. We managed to retain possession in spells but we never really tested the goalkeeper.

"After conceding an early goal it was always going to be difficult but then to lose Mandy after because of a head knock and having no substitutes, we had to play for 30 minutes with just 10 players. We just have to concentrate on trying to win our remaining league games and look forward to next season."

Richard Payne - Hibernian Ladies

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