Comfortable victory for Hibs over neighbours Spartans at Ainslie Park

Hibs took all three points after a comfortable 4-0 victory over Spartans at Ainslie Park on Sunday. 

Eilidh Adams scored twice within the opening 10 minutes, before Michaela McAlonie fired in a third shortly before the break. 

Adams sealed her hat-trick in the second half from the penalty spot. 

After the final whistle head coach Grant Scott told Hibs TV: “The players were at it. It settled us getting the early goal. If we hadn’t done, Spartans would have made it more of a contest. 

“But we got our noses in front – and from that point on we controlled and dominated the game. We played some really nice football today. 

“That’s probably the one downside today. We created more opportunities than we’ve converted. There’s always things to work on. 

“It’s difficult to dominate a full 90 minutes like we did today, so that is really pleasing.” 

Next up for Scott and his team is the visit of league leaders Rangers to Meadowbank next Sunday (20 October). 

Hibs currently sit fourth-place in the SWPL standings, but The Gaffer is aware of how much of a challenge taking on Jo Potter’s side will be.  

“We know on our day we can play any of these teams and give them a right good game. We fell short last season a couple of times. 

“We go into the game with no fear. We know it’s a step up in opponent but I think the group and the mentality we’ve got at the moment feels good.  

“We will be wary of a strong side. We’ve got nothing to lose and we go into the game with positivity.” 

Kirsten Reilly was ‘delighted’ by her side’s ‘dominant’ performance  as she reached a half-century of appearances for the Club. 

Reilly, a childhood Hibernian fan, effortlessly dictated play throughout the 90 minutes at Ainslie Park as Hibs secured all three points with a 4-0 victory.  

The Musselburgh-born midfielder was equally as thrilled with her side’s display as she was with her own personal landmark.  

“I’m delighted with the win for the team,” Reilly told Hibs TV. “I feel we dominated the game. 

“To play 50 times for the club I support is great. I really enjoyed it. 

“I think we dominated all over the pitch from front to back. It was an enjoyable game. 

“We were popping it around and letting the ball do the work. But we got goals in the end which is what we came for. And a clean sheet too. I’m just delighted.” 

Reilly played through injury for the good of the team last month before spending a four weeks on the sidelines – missing three games in the process. 

But now, after gaining match sharpness off the bench versus Montrose, Kirsten is ready to kick on as she works her way back to full fitness. 

“I’m not the type to sit out through injury but I’m feeling good now that I am back. 

“It was good to get a full 90 minutes in the legs.” 

Looking ahead, Reilly will hope to be at her fittest for the arrival of Rangers to Meadowbank. 

“It’ll be a different type of game,” said Reilly. 

“It will be really hard. But it’s one we are looking forward to. 

“We will prepare this week to go into it and try to get three points.”