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A goal from Scotland midfielder Lizzie Arnot midway through the first half secured a victory over Celtic in the Scottish Premier League Cup at K-Park in East Kilbride yesterday.

Sarah Ewens and midfielder Lucy Graham both made their competitive debuts for the club whilst fellow new recruits Rachel McLauchlan and Abbi Grant were listed amongst the substitutes.

After the game, Hibs’ manager Chris Roberts told the club website:

2It was a scrappy game and you could tell it was the first game of the season for both clubs.

“I was impressed by Celtic, the players they have signed have made them a stronger side and I’m delighted to be in the hat for the next round.

“I think the way both teams play clashes and as usual it was a tense, tight match with neither side enjoying a lot of possession.

“Both teams play an aggressive pressing game and that clash in styles doesn’t make for more open or expansive game for fans to watch.

“We certainly were not at our best however, we limited Celtic to very few half-chances and had we taken the opportunities we had it would have been a lot more comfortable.

“We are pleased to have won, kept a clean sheet, created opportunities – despite being not at our best – and Lizzie’s goal was worthy of winning any game.”

Hibs return to action on Sunday 14th March when they open their league campaign against Rangers.

Roberts continued “Rangers finished last season on a real low but I expect them to be much more competitive this term.

“They have added lots of experience and it’s not a match that we will take for granted. We want to win and get the season off to a positive start.

“After last season we are perhaps expected to do well however the only pressure on the girls is coming from themselves. They have set high standards and expectations and it’s up to us to meet them.”

Celtic: Cunningham, Middleton, Craig, Rafferty, Knox, McGuire, Ross, Clark, Montgomery, Mulvey, Paton.

Hibernian: Fife, Williamson, Hunter, Robertson, Arnot, Ewens (Heron 64’), Smith, Graham, Murray, Harrison (Cornet 89’), Richards (McLauchlan 70’).  Substitutes not used: Michie, Grant, Brownlie, Tweedie.

John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.