FC Kilmarnock v Hibs Girls - Scottish Cup Semi Final - 29 April 2007

The under 13s stormed into the final of the SC with a convincing 9-1 win against Kilmarnock at Kilwinning. The sun was shining but the wind threatened to spoil the game at every opportunity. Both teams did well to cope with the unwanted intrusion but it was Hibs who adapted better, especially in the first half.

 

The opening stage was a tight and scrappy affair with both teams struggling to get any rythym going. However, Kilmarnock, with the wind at their back, failed to take advantage of it. Due to the wind, a number of Kilmarnock through balls were over hit and by-passed the front players, with possesion given to Hibs on a number of occassions. Sensing their opponents discomfort at the conditions, Hibs were able to take control of the game and eventually break the deadlock through Caroline Weir.

 

Caroline had a good claim to player of the match as she teased and tormented Kilmarnock from the start. Finding space around 10 yards from goal, she unleashed a right foot drive that zipped past the impressive Kilmarnock goalie. Within a few minutes, Hibs went two up after a brilliant counter attack from defence that Shivon Hunter finished off. Shivon helped herself to another goal before half time with Kirsty Smith notching a great strike to take the score to 4-0 at half time.

 

Into the second half, Hibs got the measure of the wind quicker than their opponents did in the first half and pressed for more goals. Despite Kilmarnocks determination and unwillingness to give in, Hibs eventually put the game past them with another couple of well taken goals through Shivon and Claire Emslie.

 

Determined to get something from the game, Killie managed a consolation goal from a well struck free kick that was cleverly placed low into the bottom corner. It was the least Killie deserved for their battling performance.

 

Before Killie had anytime to contemplate scoring another, Hibs responded through Ellen Reid who scored from a near identical goal to her volley in the previous round. Meeting a corner on the volley with her apparantly weaker left foot, she despatched the ball into the far corner of the net. It was another goal of the day award for Ellen and she possibly won the goal celebration of the day as well. In the dying moments of the game, Hibs added another through Caroline Weir and to rub salt into Killie's wounds, they turned a cross into their own net. It was a cruel ending to a battling performance from them.

 

The Kilwinning venue hosted another great day which is a credit to the girls game in Scotland. Twice Hibs have played there this season and all involved with the club were again impressed with the host's friendly and welcoming attitude.