Champions League disappointment for Hibs

Hibs’ Ladies lost to a strong Slavia Praha side in front of 1,287
spectators at Easter Road last night.

Hibs initially threatened a major shock when Siobhan Hunter opened
the scoring after only two minutes with her sixth goal in three games after
connecting with Rachael Boyle’s corner.

Mia Persson and Diana Bartovicova
were both shown yellow cards as Slavia fought to get back onto the game but the
Hibs’ defence stood firm.

Hibs lead lasted until the 36^th
minute then conceded three times in a disappointing seven minute period.

Tereza Kozarova twice breached the Hibs’ defence to score
before Andrea Jarchovska’s long-range strike gave the visitors a 3-1 half time
lead.

Hibs fought back and Shannon McGregor shot wide and had a
header saved.

Amy Gallagher’s powerful shot was tipped over by goalkeeper
Olivie Lukasova.

Hibs keeper Jenna Fife’s produced a superb save to deny
Katerina Svitkova but this only postponed the visitors’ fourth goal and, on 75
minutes, Kozarova completed her hat-trick in the 75^th minute.

Hibs have it all to do in the second leg on 25 September.

After the game Hibs’ Head Coach Grant Scott said:  “It is one of these situations where it
feels like the score flatters them, but ultimately they’ve had the chances and
they’ve taken them really clinically.

“Each and every one of them we could have done better
on, but credit to them, they have taken the chances when they’ve came along.

“But I felt we contained and minimised the
opportunities that they had, so it is a wee bit difficult to swallow that one.

“We need to stop them scoring early over there and give
ourselves a chance. They are a quality side and at the moment we are out of the
tie, but an early goal for us might give them some doubts.”