Hibernian Ladies prove too strong for Celtic Reserves

Hibernian Ladies eased into the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup on Sunday with a 3-0 victory over Celtic Reserves at Barrowfield, Glasgow, writes RICHARD PAYNE.

Hibs led for a long time through a Frankie Brown strike before late goals from Lisa Robertson and Emma Brownlie secured victory and put a more comfortable complexion on the scoreline. “We may have had only a slender lead until the final few minutes but I never felt we were in any danger,” said Hibs boss Willie Kirk.

“We had a few efforts on their goal ourselves without putting them under too much pressure.It’s great to be in the next round and one step closer to a third successive final which would be an incredible achievement.”

Meanwhile, Hibernian Reserves defeated Hibernian 1875 1-0 at Meggetland thanks to a goal from Lynsey Cowan.

The scorer said afterwards: “It was a close game. It was a little strange to be playing another Hibs side in the cup and knowing the girls added a little bit extra to the tie.”

Elsewhere, Spartans’ Scottish Cup hopes were ended following a 5-2 defeat from Celtic in extra-time after a pulsating 90 minutes at Lennoxtown. Sarah Ewens gave the visitors the lead before Rhonda Jones’ leveller took the game to extra-time, where goals from Megan Sneddon (2),Suzanne Grant and Hayley Cunningham secured victory for the home side. Trish McLaughlin reduced the defecit. Spartans head coach Debbi McCulloch said: “I’m disappointed with the result as it’s not a true reflection on the overall performance.”