Report: Hibernian FC & Image: Craig Doyle
Hibernian were victorious over Rangers at home in the Scottish Building Society SWPL after putting five goals past the Glasgow outfit in a 5-0 win.
Goals from Lizzie Arnot (2), Lisa Robertson and Abi Harrison and an own goal ensured another three points for Hibernian in their mission to win the league title for the first time in over a decade.
The Main Talking Points
The game began as a contrast to last week’s 9-0 win over Celtic in the SWPL Cup Final. Unlike last week, the game began quite scrappy and it was 25 minutes before the scoreline was opened through Arnot who, after the end of today’s game, has now scored seven goals in two games.
A cross from Harrison landed at Arnot on the 18-yard line who was only able to get her shoulder onto it when she tried to control. For Lizzie Arnot, however, a shoulder from 18 yards out is as good as a clean strike from 5 yards out as the ball went straight towards goal and made the back of the net after a fumble from the Rangers goalkeeper.
The teams went in at half time after a relatively poor first half which ended 1-0 to Hibs, but more goals game in the second.
Robertson picked up the ball in the middle of the attacking half and aimed at goal after noticing the keeper was slightly far out. She managed to get a touch on the ball, but it still continued to go over her and into the goal.
Arnot doubled her goal tally on the hour mark after Harrison drove towards goal and was in a great position to slot it home past the keeper, but she selflessly played in Arnot who was able to tap the ball in from a couple of yards out.
Five minutes from time Kirsty Smith whipped in a cross for Jamie-Lee Napier which a Rangers defender managed to get to first but fortunately for Hibs it was knocked into her own goal.
The fifth and final goal sealed the victory for Hibs with Harrison knocking the ball past the keeper after a low cross from Arnot.
What It Means
The three points ensure Hibs continue to put pressure on league rivals Glasgow City who are in 1 place due to being +1 goal difference ahead of Hibs. The pair don’t meet again in the league until Sunday 21 October in the penultimate league game, which could potentially be the decider of the league winner.
The win also adds to Hibs’ unbeaten run this season, which is now at 13 matches.
Thoughts from the Camp
With Head Coach Grant Scott missing out this week, Goalkeeping Coach Chris Flockhart stepped in to give his thoughts after the match. He said: “It was a hard game. We didn’t manage too well in the first half, it was a bit scrappy. Rangers were well organised so they made it hard for us.
“I spoke to them at half time, we just wanted to move the ball a bit quicker. Eventually we got into a bit more rhythm in the second half, and some of the goals were a bit lucky but I think we deserved the win.”
What’s Next?
Hibernian are next in action at Ainsley park on Sunday 3 June against Spartans in our tenth league match of the campaign.
