Hibernian Women Head Coach Joelle Murray was ‘delighted’ at her side’s performance in their comfortable 8-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Winton Park in the Sky Sports Cup.
Libby Smith scored her first hat-trick for the Club alongside doubles from both Jasmine McQuade and Tiree Burchill, and a single Jess Ramsay strike.
After the final whistle Murray told Hibs TV: “I’m really delighted. I think we knew what Kilmarnock were going to offer up today, and I think it’s fair play to Chappie (Kilmarnock manager, Jim Chapman).
“They could have seen a PL1 team and parked the bus and not tried to play, and they’ve done the opposite, so fair play to them for coming out and playing, and they played – without being patronising – some really, really nice stuff that at times in the game that caused us problems.
“I think from our perspective, a dominant performance and some of the combination play was excellent. I think could we have scored more? Absolutely.
“It’s just that final piece, but across the 90, I’m delighted with the result and performance.”
“I’m delighted. Obviously as a striker she’s (Smith) on the pitch to score goals, and she’s got the hat-trick today, so she’ll be delighted with her contribution; of course she will.
“It was great to see her build on performances of late, and obviously build on the City goal and get another three today.
“I’m really, really pleased. I think if we’re looking at Tiree (Burchell) in particular, she came on at 60 minutes and got two. She’s probably disappointed she didn’t get more, but the impact that she gave us from the bench, her energy, her tireless energy, her quality and, obviously, her goals.
“And then Jess Ramsay and Jas (Jasmine McQuade) both came through a 90 minutes and contributed not only goals but assists as well. So it was a really pleasing performance all round as a group.
“We could be here for a while talking about how everyone contributed in possession and out of possession, but I think the biggest thing was the squad. How good the squad were, the starting eleven, then the players that are coming off the bench to impact.”
Summer arrivals Kyah Simon and Jess Broadrick made their respective debuts and Murray said noted how “massive” it is for the squad to be boosted by the returning injured players.
“It’s massive, it’s massive for the group. We knew this was an opportunity to potentially try and get players those minutes, again without being disrespectful because I think when you make too many changes to a starting eleven, it almost becomes counterproductive.”
“So it was a good opportunity to get both Jess Broadrick and Kyah their debuts, and I think both done really well. I think you can see Kyah’s quality in the final third, that focal point in the nine, but dropping deep to get on the ball and link play. She’ll be one that I’m sure the fans will be excited to see more of.”
Goal scorer McQuade added: “It was fun! Obviously, it was a high-scoring game for us.
“It was nice to play with different people. A lot of different combinations that obviously we haven’t had yet. And obviously I scored two goals. I’m over the moon.
“I think it takes time with any team. I think coming here, I didn’t know what to expect as it’s my first loan.”
“The girls have been unbelievable on and off the pitch. It’s a really nice group and we’re really tight.”
Next time out, Hibs return to league action as they welcome Montrose to Meadowbank Stadium next Sunday.
The 23-year-old spoke on how the side needs to “carry on” from the side’s strong performance this afternoon.
“I think we just carry on where we’ve left it today. Obviously, it’s our next game. We’ve got momentum.
“There are a lot of players fighting to be in the starting team. There are a lot of impactful subs. I just think no matter who plays, we’re gelling well, and I think it’ll be a good game.”
