Hibernian shook off their energy-sapping midweek Champions League exertions to progress to the semi-final stage of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup.
Report: Struan Garvie / Image: Craig Doyle Media / Hibernian Ladies.
SWPL 2 visitors Hamilton proved to be stubborn opponents at Ainslie Park, but Grant Scott’s side emerged victorious with a professional performance.
Hibs took it to the visitors from the off, taking the lead after just nine minutes.
Lauren Davidson’s ball in from the left found Amy Gallacher at the near post, who finished high into the net.
Jamie-Lee Napier looked like doubling the lead on the half-hour mark, only for her chipped effort to be cleared off the line.
Siobhan Hunter also came close after 42 minutes with a header at the far post that flew just wide of the target.
With 61 minutes on the clock, 15-year-old Eilidh Adams enjoyed a memorable moment.
She replaced Davidson for her first ever competitive run-out for the senior side.
Hibs’ edged further in front on 65 minutes as prolific centre-back Hunter grabbed her seventh goal in the last four games with a poacher’s finish inside the box.
Hunter didn’t have to wait long to bag her brace.
Cailin Michie was brought down inside the area and the referee wasted no time in pointing to the spot.
Hunter showed considerable composure to tuck the ball into the bottom-left corner, sending the keeper the wrong way.
Following in the footsteps of Adams, Abbi McDonald then won her own first-team debut after replacing Gallacher on 74 minutes.
So, all in all, it was a day of positives for Hibernian, who advance into the semi-finals of the SSE Scottish Women’s Cup along with Glasgow City, Motherwell and Rangers.
They’ll learn their opponent when the draw for the final four is made on Tuesday at 12.30pm, and supporters will be able to watch it live on @ScotWFootball on Facebook.
