Hibernian remain top of the Scottish Building Society Scottish Women’s Premier League with a 4-1 victory at Ainslie Park on Sunday afternoon.
Report: Hibernian FC Image: Craig Doyle
After a 5-0 victory away to Hamilton Academical after the mid-season break, Hibernian moved to the top of the table on goals scored.
Sunday’s result, coupled with Glasgow City’s 2-0 win saw Grant Scott’s side extend their lead at the summit by virtue of having a goal difference of +42 to City’s +41.
From the start, Hibernian had more of the territory as they looked to race into an early lead, but found Stirling’s defence difficult to breach.
A header from Shannon McGregor was saved by Chloe Logan, before the shot-stopper was called into action again as she saved well from Amy Gallagher. Prior to Gallagher’s chance, McGregor caused issues again as she cracked an effort off the woodwork.
Under the pressure Stirling eventually buckled as Hibernian took the lead through Jamie-Lee Napier’s fortuitous finish from inside the six-yard box in the 34th minute, with the ball appearing to ricochet off her heel and get on.
On the stroke of half-time the advantage was doubled when Lisa Robertson coolly volleyed into the back of the net from 18 yards out.
After being on top in the first half, the second 45 played out in much the same fashion and it didn’t take long for the lead to be further extended.
With 57 minutes gone Abi Harrison found herself in acres of space on the left-wing and audaciously chipped Logan from 35 yards out to make it 3-0.
Kendra Bonsall scored on a breakaway for Stirling as she slotted underneath Jenna Fife, but Hibernian soon restored their three goal advantage.
In the 76th minute new debutant Beth McKay crossed in for Lauren Davidson, who guided a header into the top corner to seal the emphatic victory over dogged opponents.
Hibernian are next in action in the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup against Dundee United on Sunday 12 August with a 12:30pm at Ainslie Park.
