Results on the road will define Hibees’ title credentials

By RICHARD PAYNE
Published on 28/07/2012 12:00

Hibernian Ladies’ coach Willie Kirk knows his team will have to overcome a challenging fixture schedule if they are to keep their title dreams alive.

The Hibees will have played six consecutive games on the bounce away from home by the time they face Celtic in early-September.

Tomorrow, they take on Aberdeen at Aberdeen Sports Village (2.00pm) and Kirk reckons his side must not drop any points before they get the chance to make home advantage count.

He said: “It is a concern to have so many away games on the bounce and we go into the Aberdeen match without a number of regulars.

“We will likely have to take some of the reserve team north with us, but if we can get through these games and still be in with a shout, having a run of home games could prove beneficial.”

Elsewhere, Spartans face Celtic at Lennoxtown (kick-off 4.00pm) and Coach Debbi McCulloch is predicting a close encounter.

It’s been a disappointing league campaign so far for the Ainslie Park side but they are hoping for better after the enforced break.

She said: “Having five weeks off from competitive action has allowed us to get the squad back to full fitness and bring in quality players.

“Sunday’s game will be close but I expect us to put in a 
similar performance to the one we put in against Celtic in the Premier League Cup semi-final.
We won 1-0 that night. I’m confident we can perform to the levels I know we are capable of.”

Meanwhile, Hutchison Vale resume the second half of their campaign in the bottom six when they face Inverness 
City at Spartans Academy (kick-off 1.00pm).