Hibernian Ladies bounced back from last weekend’s disappointment with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Spartans at Ainslie Park.
First half goals from Rachael Small, Lia Tweedie and Lucy Graham put Chris Roberts’ side in control, and Amy Gallacher added a fourth in the second half to keep pressure on Glasgow City at the top of the SWPL.
Hibs started strongly and were almost ahead inside 8 minutes – Rachel McLauchlan delivered a teasing cross to the far post but Small just couldn’t connect.
The same due did connect 5 minutes later to put Hibs ahead. McLauchlan was set free down the right, and her cut-back found Small to convert.
Tweedie added a second moments later, battling for space in the Spartans penalty box before driving low past the keeper.
McLauchlan, Abi Harrison and Chelsea Cornet all came close before Graham added Hibernian’s third of the match to kill the contest. Kirsty Smith crossed from the left and midfielder Graham pounced with a near-post header.
The second half was less eventful, but Hibernian controlled possession and continued to create chances. Graham set up Harrison on 58 minutes with a low cross, but the striker couldn’t add her name to the score sheet, and Hunter powered a free-kick over the crossbar on 75 minutes.
Substitute Gallacher smashed the woodwork with a shot on 78 minutes, but found the net a minute later with a superb curling finish from the edge of the box – the last of the scoring.
The second half was also notable for the return of captain Joelle Murray following a long-term injury lay-off.
The Ladies face Celtic in league action on Tuesday night before the SWPL Cup Final against the Glasgow side at Broadwood Stadium on Sunday.
Hibernian: Fife, Hunter (Turner, 82’), Michie, Smith (Leishman, 62’), McLauchlan, Graham (Notley, 69’), Cornet, Harrison (Gallacher, 62’), Small, Brownlie (Murray, 62’), Tweedie. Substitutes: Reid.
Report: Hibernain FC
Picture: Callum Landells
Match Highlights: https://hibstv.hibernianfc.co.uk/tv/video/vod/2132
