Hibs U15s v Monifeith - Match Report

Hibs 15s Back in The Groove

Hibs travelled to Monifeith to play their 2nd round match in the Scottish Cup. Supporters and players boarded the bus at the barracks and headed north on what they hoped would be a return to winning ways following the disappointment of last weeks game.

It was a bright, calm morning and with temperatures a few degrees cooler than last week, conditions were more suited for a good game of football. Arriving in plenty time the players had a good warm up and hit the ground running from the referees first whistle. Hibs quickly settled into their familiar pattern, maintaining possession with good passing and support play and by taking advantage of the big pitch.

Hibs had to make a couple of changes to the usual starting line up as both Robyn and Tasha were unavailable for selection. Anna in goal, Lara, Crunchie, Eve, Lyndsey in defence, Ash, Simone, Caitlin and Shannon in the middle, with Bianca and Chloe up front.

From the start the signs were all positive for Hibs as they created a number of scoring opportunities. Ash was first to fire off a shot following a run down the wing and cut in field across the front of goal, only to see her effort go over. A throw from Ash found Lara in space who played the ball through for Crunchie she took aim and let fly but this too went over the bar. Chloe latched onto a loose ball and crafted a shooting chance and although on target the goalie managed to save. It wasn’t all one way traffic,  Monifeith had good pace in their forward line and showed some threat without creating any clear chances, however Anna had to be vigilant and showed great safe hands in cutting out a cross ball.

The majority of the early play was taking place in the Monifeith half and the pressure finally paid off after only 10 minutes when Caitlin sent over a long cross ball from the right which cleared everyone, Ash regained possession on the left, skipped past her marker then slammed the ball into the far corner of the net. Monifeith 0 – 1 Hibs.

Five minutes later Hibs doubled their lead. From all of 30 yards out on the left Eve launched a free kick goal wards, perhaps not expecting a shot from this distance the Monifeith goalie was unable to get back on her line in time as the ball crept under the bar and into the net. Monifeith 0 – 2 Hibs.

Moments later Eve had an opportunity for a second when she headed Caitlins corner but this went just over. Shannon was next to have an attempt from the edge of goal but her shot went wide. Bianca had a run on goal and despite being under pressure showed good strength to hold off the challenge from the defender, she managed to get her shot away only to see it go wide.

Half Time – Monifeith 0 – 2 Hibs

It was good to see scoring chances being created from all areas but just as pleasing was the work rate, communication and support play on display, this was typified by Chloe and Shannon who showed good link up, playing some neat one twos in the middle of the park, while at the back Lyndsey was playing a terrific game closing down her opponent and fighting hard to win back possession then playing good forward passes to set up attacks.

The second half fell into the same pattern as the first with Hibs quickly onto the front foot. Lara laid the ball off perfectly to Caitlin, her driving shot was only stopped by a tremendous diving save from the Monifeith goalie. Bianca was the provider for Hibs third, spotting the run from Ash she played a great ball into space, Ash took a touch to control then smashed her second of the day past the goalie. Monifeith 0 – 3 Hibs.

Bianca almost grabbed a goal of her own, after pouncing on a loose ball, her shot beat the keeper but the ref chalked it off for offside. Toni brought out a save from the keeper after a fine spin and shot. Eve had the ball in the net only for the ref to pull play back for a Hibs player being offside and obstructing play. Eve produced another fine save from the home goalie after latching onto a loose ball. Ash showed good skill playing a first time lay off to Crunchie, she looked up and sent in a powerful shot but this went just wide.

Ash almost got her hat trick this time from the bye line she curled her shot to the far post, and actually hit the upright unfortunately the ball bounced across the goal and was then cleared. This was almost immediately followed by Shannon dispatching a fantastic strike, from just inside the 18 yard box, her shot smashed off the underside of the cross bar and into the net. Monifeith 0 – 4 Hibs

Full Time – Monifeith 0 – 4 Hibs

This was a good game which sees Hibs return to winning ways, and in the process produced an excellent all-round team performance. Praise should go to Monifeith for never giving up and for fighting all the way to the final whistle. Thanks are due also for laying on refreshments for the visitors before they headed home.

Hibs Line Up : Lara Falconer, Eve Hunter, Cristie (Crunchie) Kerr, Shannon Leishman, Ashley Fish, Caitlin Darge, Simone McMahon, Bianca Murphy, Chloe McMillan, Lyndsey Peterson, Toni Bertram

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