03 February 2007 Hibs v Dunfermline - Match Report

 

With the weather holding up for the second week in a row, the two teams served up a well fought match to compliment the playing conditions. Having been defeated in the first encounter earlier in the season, Dunfermline were in no mood to be beaten this time round. Despite the break in games recently due to the weather, both teams shook off the Winter blues to show why they are both at the top end of the table.

 

Hibs had slighhtly more possession in the first half but were thwarted by a resolute and determined Dunfermline defence time and time again. Both teams created chances in the first half but a combination of excellent goal keeping and poor finishing ensured the score remained goalless at half time. Both teams were unfortunate not to score. Claire Emslie produced a thunderous drive that not even the magnificent Dunfermline goalkeeper could keep out. Unfortunately for Claire, the ball thumped the bar and struck the goal line before being cleared to safety. Dunfermline had one excellent effort deflected wide that looked destined for the top corner before the defender's intervention.

 

With the score poised at 0-0 going into the second half, it would have been a brave person to wager a bet on the outcome of this game. With Hibs now shooting into the sun, it seemed that this scant advantage may have been the difference on the day for Dunfermline. However, the Hibs Girls took the game by the scruff of the neck with the arrival of Ellen Reid 5 minutes into the second half. Ellen finally opened the scoring when she cut in from the wing and made room before smashing the ball past the helpless Dunfermline keeper. Hibs made it 2-0 shortly after from a Caroline Weir shot. Having been involved with most of Hibs' attacks, Caroline eventually found space 15 yards out and finished with one of her trade mark shots, a low angled drive flashing across the goal mouth into the bottom corner.

 

With the Hibs Girls sensing victory, they pushed forward once again with Caroline playing Siobhan Hunter through on goal from the half way line. It looked like the ball carried too much weight and would make it back to the goalkeeper safely but Siobhan's pace and determination proved to be the deciding factor as she poked the ball past the oncoming goalkeeper into the bottom corner. Ellen added a fourth 5 minutes from the end swivelling on a pass from Siobhan to power it into the bottom corner in off the goalkeeper's outstretched hand.

 

It was an impressive 10 minute perioed in the second half from Hibs which proved to be the difference on the day. Dunfermline are an excellent outfit with superb organisation and team spirit and with a little more luck, the may have taken something from the game today. Hibs showed why they are the current league champions with their belief and drive on full show today.