Hibs triumph against rivals

The first ever meeting between Hibs and Hearts in Ladies football saw Hibs record an emphatic 6-2 victory over their rivals at Redford on Sunday.

With the girls chalking up an impressive 5-1 away from home in their first game of the season, they were keen to keep the momentum going into their first ‘Edinburgh Derby’.

With Hibs playing at home for the first time in the league this season, they didn’t waste any time finding their feet and showing Hearts what their older neighbours are capable of.  Within minutes of the start, the tricky Hibs’ attack had cut open the Hearts defence with a well worked passing move that ended with Ellen Reid clattering her powerful drive off the bar.   It was a statement of intent that left Hearts under no illusion that they were in for a tough test for the remainder of the game.  It also set the tone for Hibs’ first half performance in that a number of chances fell wide of the mark and left the attackers scratching their heads in frustration.

With Hibs’ enjoying the bulk of possession in the opening 20 minutes, it was no surprise when they eventually took the lead.  After some good work by Anja McConnachie and Gemma Bartie down the left, Anja’s cross eventually found its way to the ever impressive Caroline Weir.  Caroline turned her marker and battered a shot that gave the Hearts keeper Lorna Esson little chance of keeping out.  Despite the mounting pressure, Hearts grew with confidence as the half wore on and to their credit battled hard to get back into the game.  Their pressure was beginning to tell and after two successive corners, they scored through a headed own goal that was fairly fortunate but deserved due to their resilience and impressive determination.

With the game swinging from end to end, it was Hibs who took the lead again after Ellen Reid was upended in the box.  The Hearts defence was well organised and fought for every ball throughout the game.  However, on this occasion, their determination culminated in a clumsy challenge with Siobhan Hunter making no mistake with the penalty.  Hibs then took the initiative and found their feet again to exert their previous lost domination. The girls created a couple of chances before the end of the half with Hunter coming close with a powerful drive.  It proved to be the last kick of the half and was a timely reminder for Hearts that Hibs were far from finished.

HALF TIME: 2-1

Within seconds after the break, Hibs started off where they had left, with the girls adding to their tally in what could be some sort of record for scoring so quickly after a restart.   Rachel Walkingshaw was played through literally within 10 seconds of the restart and made no mistake in slotting the ball home.  Rachel had previously come close on a couple of occasions and her hard work paid off this time round. 

Within 10 minutes, Hearts pulled one back by the ex- Hibee Emma Watson.    The age old irony of ex players scoring against their old clubs continued as she dispatched a fierce free kick in off the underside of the bar.   Again, Hearts had fought their way back in to the game but it only proved to be the nudge in the ribs Hibs needed to put this game to rest.  Within minutes Hibs restored their 2 goal advantage.  After a quick break up field, Ciara Donaldson swung in a low cross that seemed to be falling behind Gemma Craig only for the quick striker to wrap her left foot around the ball and smash home her first of the season.  It gave Hibs some breathing space again as they looked to increase their lead further. 

The fifth came in a period where the midfield dominance was again beginning to show.  Having thwarted a Hearts attack, Caroline Weir picked up the ball on the left of the Hearts midfield and proceeded to dance her way though their midfield and defence.  Once into the penalty box, she coolly slotted the ball passed Lorna Esson in the Hearts Goal.

Hibs were now playing attractive and free flowing football.  The girl’s build up play increasingly stretched Hearts as the team utilised the full width of the pitch and cleverly switched play with some quick cross field passes.  With play concentrating down the left hand side, Siobhan Hunter cut back onto her stronger foot and spotting Shannen Lamb’s lung bursting run down the right, swung in a 40 yard pass that curled with perfect weight onto the foot of the on rushing Lamb, who by that point had breached the Hearts defence.  Without breaking stride, Lamb controlled the ball and dispatched her shot in one lethal movement.   It was a stunning goal from a full back that epitomises Hibs attacking prowess and technical ability that emanates through the side regardless of a player’s position.  The right side of the pitch had been a source of pain for the Hearts side especially in the second half with the super fit Stephanie Briggs teasing the Hearts defence on a number of raids in both halfs.

It was a fitting end to an entertaining game that the girls will take confidence from.  Hearts have only started in their quest but the foundations for a strong side have been laid down.  Expect more from this team as the season passes.

Despite the attacking options Hibs carry, it would be unjust not to mention the brilliant work by those who shared defensive duties in this game.  Gemma Bartie, Rebecca Murdoch, Shannen Lamb, Fern Quinn, Amber Hunter, Anna Green and Kirsten Irons all deserve credit for their hard work with the tough tackling Yasemin Emek making a welcomed return from injury with an impressive display.
 

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