Aberdeen welcomed Hibs to Heathryfold Park in the first home game of the 2016 season.
Last years SWPL runners up, Hibs are a talented squad tipped by many to challenge for the League title again this year.
For the Dons, Cassie Cowper, Cheryl Anderson and captain Rachael Small returned to the starting 11 this week.
The match started evenly with both sides playing some good possession football.
It was the home side who were looking threatening from a number of set plays. Kelly Forrest was unlucky not to get on the end of a free kick from Murray, and Paterson headed over from a Smith corner.
Aberdeen looked comfortable in defence with Aitkenhead and Murray controlling the back line, but despite enjoying some good spells of play couldn’t find a breakthrough.
HT Aberdeen 0-0 Hibs
Hibs started the second half brightly and made a number of attacking changes, including the introduction of ex-Don Rachel McLauchlan.
Hibs pushed forward and had the home side on the back foot.
Aberdeen goalkeeper Flaherty kept the scores level with some good handling and showed great bravery diving at the feet of Smith to deny the Hibs full-back.
Despite Hibs’ best efforts, Aberdeen remained compact and solid in defence as the game drew to a close, leaving both teams with a share of the points.
FT Aberdeen 0-0 Hibs
Manager Allan Smith commented “We knew that today’s game was going to be extremely tough as Hibs have a fantastic squad and are tipped to challenge for the League this year.
However, we are always confident at home, and had prepared really well for the game.
I thought we played very well in the first half, but could perhaps have had more composure in the final third. We were extremely well organised and our back 4 was outstanding today.
We knew Hibs would come out strongly in the second half but credit to our players, we kept our formation and thoroughly deserved to come away with a point.
We now turn our focus to next weekends Quarter Final against Spartans and will look to improve on last weeks defeat at Ainslie Park.
NEXT FIXTURE:
Aberdeen v Spartans Sunday 27th March 1pm Heathryfold Park
Reported by Aberdeen FC Ladies
Picture: Aberdeen FC Ladies
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