Match Programme vs Motherwell 15th May

vs MOTHERWELL

Wednesday 15th May 2019 / 19:30

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CONTENTS

CLUB DIRECTORY

Manager - Grant Scott Assistant Coach - Stewart McGuire Goalkeeping Coach - Chris Flockhart Secretary - Karen McEwan General Manager - Florence Haines Physiotherapist - Claire Rankin Masseuse - Laura Burns Chaplin - Catriona Lamont Match Reports - Robbie Castle Club Photographer - Craig Doyle Video Support - Andrew Mobberley, Amy Yorkston

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HONOURS

SWPL 03/04, 05/06, 06/07 Scottish Cup 03, 05, 07, 08, 10, 16, 17, 18 SWPL Cup 05, 07, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19

CONTACT

Website - www. hiberniancommunityfoundation.org.uk Twitter - @hibsladies Instagram - hibsladies Phone - 0131 656 7062 Address Hibernian Community Foundation Easter Road Stadium 12 Albion Place Edinburgh EH7 5DG

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PROGRAMME

Editor - Craig Doyle Sub Editor - Florence Haines Written Content - Grant Scott, Joelle Murray, Craig Doyle, Florence Haines, Dougie Penman, Clare Williamson, Abi Harrison Images - Craig Doyle

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THE EDITOR

THE

EDITOR GOOD EVENING AND A WARM WELCOME TO PEFFERMILL TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS AND TONIGHT'S VISITORS FROM MOTHERWELL.

I

can't help but open this issue with the SWPL Cup Final that took place last Friday.

On it's own it was an absolutely incredible battle of endurance between the two teams.

But coming just five days after a 3-0 loss to Celtic I felt a sense of pride in the way that the team had managed to refocus and lift their level to match that of a team that is routinely hitting other SWPL1 clubs for 5+ goals every other week. Our defensive display on the night was incredible and every single player that took to the pitch showed a real desire to earn that medal that they are now wearing.

I would also like to take the time to thank our supporters for making the trip out to Airdrie on Friday evening to back the team.

Your support is invaluable to the team and is very much appreciated. Despite my reservations about the Friday night time slot I do also want to thank the team at Nemeton TV who do the broadcasting work for BBC Alba. As always their footage is nothing short of excellent and the job they do puts women's football in front of a bigger audience, allowing our fans who couldn't be at the Pennycars Stadium to enjoy the game live on TV. In today's issue we have an exclusive interview with full-back Clare Williamson. She goes into great detail on the horrific knee injury that saw her out of action for almost two years. It is a very revealing insight into both the physical and mental side of the recovery process and one that shows that

shows a whole lot of heart on Clare's part and the great support network that was in place to help her back onto the pitch.

The ex-player today is the much requested Bristol City striker Abi Harrison. It is a insightful interview where Abi has pulled out all the stops to produce an extra long piece detailing her favourite Hibernian memories and sharing her early experiences of the WSL. It's not to be missed!

On a personal note I have been busy trying to get around more of our Hibernian Academy teams. I was lucky enough to photograph our U15 National Performance team, coach by Sarah Archibald, as they took on Bayside out at Lasswade. It's great to make connections throughout the club, but also to give players at different age groups the same access to things photography and social media graphics that our first team players get. As the first team season comes to a halt on Sunday I can't wait to get out to more academy games over the next month or so to bring more exposure to our bright young talents.

Enjoy the match this evening and I will look forward to seeing you all after the summer break.

Craig Doyle 5

THE BIG PICTURE

HIBERNIAN PLAYERS AND STAFF POSE FOR A PHOTO WITH THE SWPL CUP FOLLOWING THE 4-2 PENALTY SUCCESS OVER GLASGOW CITY AT THE PENNYCARS STADIUM

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THE BIG PICTURE

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THE MANAGER

GRANT

SCOTT GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO OUR SECOND HOME AT PEFFERMILL FOR THE FINAL HOME MATCH OF THE FIRST HALF OF THE SEASON.

W

e look forward to welcoming very flattering towards Celtic. With no you back to our second home excuses being made whatsoever we had at Peffermill for our match a few injuries, illness and absences to against Motherwell. We're expecting a deal with and the squad was stretched tough match once again, with Motherwell but once again, as is our belief in our now starting to look like a player pathway, striker Cari team settling into life in the Johnston travelled with the "I HAVE TO SAY SWPL1 well. I maintain that squad and made her first THAT AFTER THE they have a decent blend of team competitive debut youth and experience, pace SET-BACK AGAINST in the second half and and power so we will have CELTIC FIVE DAYS acquitted herself very well. to be at our best to secure

With only a short 5-day EARLIER, I HAVE 3-points. turnaround for the players RARELY SEEN THE before the league cup final Since last writing, we have had a bit of a roller-coaster against Glasgow City, it was PLAYERS SIMPLY of performances across a a race to have everyone fit SO DRIVEN AND couple of weeks starting and available for selection FOCUSSED IN OUR but with the exception of with a patchy performance against Spartans which Lauren Davidson and long PREPARATIONS ultimately led to a 2-1 term injured Leah Eddie, FOR, OR ON THE victory with goals from it was a full squad that OUTCOME OF A Jamie-Lee Napier and travelled to Airdrie.

Siobhan Hunter but myself, MATCH. IT WAS A

As is the normal the staff and the players with games between PRIVILEGE TO BE were far from satisfied. ourselves and City, it was PART OF THE GROUP The following game fiercely contested. Both THIS WEEK AND versus Celtic was far more sides had chances to win disappointing than the the match but we felt ESPECIALLY ON Spartans game resulting very aggrieved when a FRIDAY NIGHT." in a 3-0 defeat. Pre-match clear goal from Rachael we thought that would Small was disallowed after have been extremely difficult to achieve Amy Gallacher was adjudged to have however, on the day we simply failed to 'interfered' with the City keeper. However perform at anything close to our normal the game finished goal-less after extralevels although the scoreline was very, time and the players held their nerves

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THE MANAGER

to win the penalty shoot-out with 4 successful spot kicks and two penalty saves by Jenna Fife. As was our aim at the start of the season, the cup remains in Edinburgh!

In what was my third cup success with the team, I have to say that after the set-back against Celtic five days earlier, I have rarely seen the players simply so driven and focussed in our preparations for, or on the outcome of a match. It was a privilege to be part of the group this week and especially on Friday night.

The togetherness of our work and our squad manifested in the best possible way in that match and then the shootout and personally gave me one of my most memorable and proud moments in football. I'm very proud to lead this team of incredible players and people and the best support team behind the players.

I hope to see the same focus in Wednesday's match against Motherwell as we have now set a standard that we must maintain throughout.

I hope you enjoy the match.

Grant Scott

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THE CAPTAIN

JOELLE

MURRAY WELCOME TO PEFFERMILL FOR OUR SECOND MID-WEEK FIXTURE AT OUR ALTERNATIVE HOME VENUE

T

he last home game of the first half half time. Celtic scored a further 2 goals in of the season is upon us and tonight the second half and the game ended 3-0. we welcome Motherwell to the A disappointing afternoon individually and capital. Motherwell are a team who have collectively which saw us succumb to our gone through a big transition on and off second defeat of the season. the pitch and are a completely different On Friday night we were at the team to the one we played and beat quite Pennycars Stadium in Airdrie to go up convincingly in the Scottish Cup final last against Glasgow City in the SWPL Cup season. Donald has recruited very well final. A trophy we have retained for three and has a good balance of youth and successive seasons and one we were experience in his squad. Our last encounter hoping to retain for a fourth. saw us come away with a The game ebbed and flowed 4-0 win however Motherwell with both teams having proved a very stuffy chances however after 120 "I WAS SO opponent and we certainly minutes the contest ended need to be focused tonight if EMOTIONAL 0-0, resulting in the cup we are to secure back to back being decided on penalties.

AFTER THE GAME, victories against them.

After converting 4 and City A COMBINATION Our last home game was seeing 2 saved by Jenna Fife OF FATIGUE AND a couple of weeks ago so we managed to successfully let me fill you in on what’s retain the trophy. I was so JUBILATION been happening since then. emotional after the game, a WE HAD DONE IT!" combination of fatigue and Two weeks ago we hosted Spartans at “home” at Ainslie jubilation - we had done it!

Park, a game that looked like

It was fantastic to it had a draw written all over see that men's team manager Paul it before Siobhan calmly slotted a penalty Heckingbottom, his assistant Robbie, Chief passed Rachel Harrison. The game ended Executive Leanne and Kenny & Colin Millar 2-1 in our favour as we managed to make from the club were there to show their amends for the opening day draw against support, a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed them. We then faced Celtic at K-Park, a and one we all appreciated. match we always knew was going to be tough with Rachael Small missing and Amy Gallacher ruled out through injury. After a tense early encounter we fell behind to a Sarah Ewens goal and went in 1-0 down at

Joelle Murray

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MATCH ACTION

HIBERNIAN 2 SPARTANS 1 SWPL 1 Sun 28th Apr Ainslie Park

HIBERNIAN

1 Fife 3 Napier 4 Hunter 8 Michie 11 Cavanagh 15 Gallacher (Leishman 45) 16 Notley 19 Cornet 23 Small (McGregor 78) 29 Morrison (Tweedie 74) 32 Reilly Subs Williamson, Tweedie, McGregor, Leishman, Currie, Murray Goals Napier 7 Hunter 73 (pen)

SPARTANS

13 Harrison 3 Clelland 5 McMahon 7 McAlonie 8 Frew (Leishman 66) 9 Douglas 10 McKay (Hunter 69) 12 McDonald-Nguah 14 Reynolds 24 McGonigle (Tweedie 66) 25 McCafferty Subs Lessells, Mawson, Mason, Reilly, Galbraith, Santoyo-Brown, Briggs Goals McCafferty

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MATCH ACTION

KEY MOMENT

Cavanagh won the penalty which was converted by Hunter when she nipped in to head the ball on the blind side of McAlonie, who was looking to clear the ball up field unaware of the looming danger.

FAMILIAR OPPOSITION

This second SWPL1 meeting of the season is actually the fourth time the teams have played in 2019 having met in the SWPL Cup but also having played a friendly in pre-season.

WHO SAID WHAT?

“We knew it was going to be a difficult game given how organised Spartans are but we didn’t make it easy for ourselves. Credit to our girls for keep going and never giving up even when it got frustrating. We applied high pressure to Spartans after they equalised and they were unfortunate to give away a penalty so late in the match. We took advantage of this and controlled the game.”

COLETTE CAVANAGH

PRESS REACTION

“Hibs just got the better of Spartans by the odd goal in three, Siobhan Hunter converting a 73rd-minute penalty via the post. Jamie-Lee Napier netted 8 minutes in for Hibernian, with Robyn McCafferty cancelling that out."

SHEKICKS.NET

SWPL 1 RESULTS

Glasgow City 8-0 Rangers Forfar Farmington 3-4 Celtic Stirling University 1-4 Motherwell

MATCH ACTION

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THE BIG INTERVIEW - CLARE WILLIAMSON

CLARE

WILLIAMSON THE HIBERNIAN DEFENDER DISCUSSES LONG TERM INJURY AND INTERNATIONAL VICTORY OVER THE AULD ENEMY AT YOUTH LEVEL. You have grown up in the Edinburgh area correct? Where exactly did you grow up and where did you go to school?

CW: I grew up in Edinburgh and went to Firrhill High School.

When were you first introduced to football and did you play for your school team?

into your football background. What was the first club that you joined?

CW: I’ve only ever been at Hibs, I joined when I was

"THE CLUB HAS GROWN AND GROWN SINCE I FIRST JOINED AND THE CHANGES ARE ALL POSITIVE, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN FULL OF REALLY GOOD PEOPLE WHO JUST WANT TO SEE THE GIRLS AND WOMEN SUCCEED."

CW: I was first introduced to football by my family and cousins as we used to play lots of different sports on holidays together and I always loved playing football the most. I probably properly started to play at primary school when I was part of the boy’s school team.

One of my primary school teachers, Ms Bennett, decided to start a girl’s team and encouraged me to join Hibs girls, so she was a big inspiration to me and the reason I am where I am!

11 and played from U13 to senior level so this club has been a part of my life for a long time.

Give us a little insight

What made Hibernian

the right choice of club for you to develop as a player?

CW: My primary teacher recommended it to me and once I had joined Hibs I loved the competitive nature of the club. I knew it was very successful at both youth and senior level and so it wasn’t hard to decide I wanted to be part of that.

The club has grown and grown since I first joined and the changes are all positive, it has always been full of really good people who just want to see the girls and women succeed.

Can you remember your senior team debut? Who was it against and how did it feel pulling on the shirt and getting out on the pitch for the first time?

CW: My senior debut was against away against Aberdeen, so I had a long journey to allow the nerves to build. I was

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THE BIG INTERVIEW - CLARE WILLIAMSON

so proud and excited but obviously extremely nervous. I made my debut along side a few other young players at the time and so that helped me relax.

Have you always played as a fullback or have you played other positions in your career?

CW: I started off as a central midfielder and played there all throughout youth levels.

When I moved up to senior level I played right midfield and it was actually an injury in the team that meant I had to play out of position at right back and since then it's stuck.

Can you describe to us your first goal for Hibernian and the feeling of hitting the net for the first time?

CW: I don’t score often so you think I’d remember my first goal but I actually can’t remember, probably tells you how long ago it was!

As a young player you had quite an impressive career playing with Scotland. You scored twice against Macedonia, both at U17 and U19 level. What

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does it feel like getting a goal for your country?

CW: Scoring for your country is something everyone dreams of, and although I think it came in a 9-0 win I will take that as a defender! Playing for Scotland at youth levels are some of my best

"PLAYING FOR SCOTLAND AT YOUTH LEVELS ARE SOME OF MY BEST FOOTBALLING MEMORIES AS YOU GET TO TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH YOU FRIENDS AND REPRESENT YOUR COUNTRY. IT DOESN’T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THAT." footballing memories as you get to travel the world with you friends and represent your country. It doesn’t get much better than that.

You were also part of the National Performance

programme at Oriam.

Can you shine a light on your time at Oriam and how you felt it helped to develop you as a player?

CW: I’ve loved my time at the national performance centre and enjoyed working with both Willie Kirk and Paul Brownlie over the 5 years I spent there. I definitely think it has helped me in terms of understanding how important it is to live like an athlete, and the opportunity to have access to strength and conditioning sessions and physio on a weekly basis has been so beneficial to me.

Do you have any favourite memories of your time spent at Oriam?

CW: Probably getting to train with you friends every day is one of the best things about my time at oriam. Getting up early and training at 7 in the morning is always made easier when you are surrounded by a great group of girls.

You have played a part in some huge Scotland U19 performances but perhaps none more eye-catching than your debut. Can you share a

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THE BIG INTERVIEW - CLARE WILLIAMSON

little of what it was like to not only play against England but come away with a 2-1 win?

CW: I was a really young member of the squad and it was my first trip away with the 19’s so I didn’t expect to even get on so when I was asked to warm up I think I was just in shock. To be a part of a team to beat England was amazing and definitely something I will remember for a long time.

Looking ahead to the summer and the World Cup what are your expectations for Scotland in France, baring in mind they have drawn a tough group which includes both England and Japan?

CW: The Scotland squad is full of unbelievably talented players who can compete with anyone on their day. There’s no bigger occasion to prove just how far Scottish women’s football has come and I believe they will do the country proud and hopefully upset a few of the big teams along the way. I’d love to seem them make it out the group and can’t wait to watch this summer.

You suffered from a horrendous knee injury which kept you out of action for a year. Can you share with us how it happened?

CW: I progressively developed pain in my right knee and it just

"IT IS THE HARDEST THING I HAVE EVER HAD TO DO; I LOVE PLAYING FOOTBALL AND IT HAS BEEN A MAJOR PART OF MY LIFE SO TO NOT BE ABLE TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE WAS REALLY DEVASTATING. I OWE SO MUCH TO THE PHYSIO RONNIE MACGREGOR." become too much to play through so I went and got a scan and it revealed I had torn my meniscus.

It wasn’t one incidence but more of a build up of training over time which worsened my symptoms.

Did you realise the extent of the damage to begin with? What were your thoughts when you eventually got the diagnosis and hit you that you would be out for a long time?

CW: When I first visited my surgeon he suggested a return to play of about 4 months which was obviously disappointing but not as long compared to some other injuries.

As I began to rehab it was obvious that things were not healing as expected and my surgeon had explained that the damage was more expensive than he first thought. In total it took 2 years to return to full fitness which was so frustrating but I just feel lucky to being playing again as at times I started to think it would never be possible.

What was it like being injured? Did you go through the rehabilitation on your own or were you still around the club? Did you still come along to matches?

CW: It is the hardest thing I have ever had to do; I love playing football and it has been a major part of my life so to not be able to do what you love

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"AS I BEGAN TO REHAB IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THINGS WERE NOT HEALING AS EXPECTED AND MY SURGEON HAD EXPLAINED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN HE FIRST THOUGHT. IN TOTAL IT TOOK 2 YEARS TO RETURN TO FULL FITNESS WHICH WAS SO FRUSTRATING BUT I JUST FEEL LUCKY TO BEING PLAYING AGAIN AS AT TIMES I STARTED TO THINK IT WOULD NEVER BE POSSIBLE."

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THE BIG INTERVIEW - CLARE WILLIAMSON

was really devastating.

I rehabilitated at the national performance centre and owe so much to the physio Ronnie MacGregor, I don’t think I’d be back if it wasn’t for his support and knowledge! It’s so hard to watch when you can’t play, and especially when your club is winning trophies and achieving so much that you’ve always dreamed to be a part of. However, I always attended matches and tried to stay as much a part of the club as possible, the girls are so supportive and I loved seeing them succeed as it inspired me to come back even stronger.

What sort of support did the club offer to help you back to fitness?

CW: The club have always backed me throughout my injury.

To know the staff and players are behind you and want to see you back is something that is so important during a difficult time like that.

You made your return in a substitute appearance at the end of a 7-1 win over Spartans. How did it feel just to get out on the pitch again, even if it was only for ten minutes?

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CW: I was so excited to just be back on the pitch but it also felt so surreal as it was something I’d started to think would never happen!

Did you ever feel there were mental hurdles to overcome upon your return? eg. Concerns

"I ALMOST EXPECTED TO PLAY THE SAME WAY I DID BEFORE MY INJURY AND HAD TO REMIND MYSELF THAT I BASICALLY HADN’T PLAYED FOR TWO YEARS AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO BE PATIENT FOR MY SHARPNESS TO RETURN." about the injury recurring or lacking sharpness or even just missing out on so much development time?

CW: I definitely struggled to trust myself again and it took a long time to get the fear of re-injury

out of my mind. I almost expected to play the same way I did before my injury and had to remind myself that I basically hadn’t played for two years and that I would have to be patient for my sharpness to return.

Missing out on time to develop as a player is something that still frustrates me but I know I can't change, I just have to try and make up for lost time now!

Looking at this season, how do you feel things have gone so far for Hibernian?

CW: I think things have gone well so far. We have obviously lost some great players and it will always take time for the team to adjust and adapt to a new way of playing. I believe this group of players is so talented and will only continue to improve as the season goes on.

The team has recently won it's seventh straight domestic cup competition but lifting a fourth consecutive SWPL Cup. It was a tough game against Glasgow City with neither side able to register a goal within 90 minutes. What was your take on the match?

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THE BIG INTERVIEW - CLARE WILLIAMSON

CW: It was a really competitive match, which is always the case when we play city! Retaining the cup was always a major priority for the season but we definitely had a point to prove after our previous result in the league the week before.

Everyone's focus and work rate throughout the game was spot on, as a team we just refused to be beaten and so when it came to penalties I had a lot of confidence it was going to end in our favour.

Hibernian eventually prevailed 4-2 in the penalty shoot-out with Jenna Fife making two saves. You were on the pitch at the time standing with the other girls. How nervous were you during the shootout?

CW: I actually wasn’t too nervous. When it goes to penalties it's often just luck so you have to hope it's on your side that day.

It definitely helps knowing all the girls having such strong mentalities and knowing how talented jenna is and how hard she works week in week out gives you that extra confidence and belief that we could do it.

Do you have any

personal goals or objectives for this season?

CW: I really want to continue to get more game time and play a more substantial role

"I REALLY WANT TO CONTINUE TO GET MORE GAME TIME AND PLAY A MORE SUBSTANTIAL ROLE THAN I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PREVIOUSLY. OBVIOUSLY YOU ALWAYS WANT TO WIN TROPHIES AND LEAGUES, AND SEEING THE GIRLS ACHIEVE GREAT THINGS OVER THE LAST FEW SEASONS HAS REALLY INSPIRED ME." than I have been able to previously. Obviously you always want to win trophies and leagues, and seeing the girls achieve great things over the last few seasons has really

inspired me to want to be a part of that again.

Most people have a club that they support or follow. Who is your team and why?

CW: I’d be lying if I said that I support a team but being at Hibs all my footballing career has rubbed off on me and I do visit Easter Road to support the men. I also love watching Liverpool as their style of football is so attacking and exciting to watch. I also admire so many of their players, and especially their fullbacks, so always support them when they play.

Do you have any footballing role models or inspirations from the professional game or that you have played with?

CW: My footballing role model is Lizzie Arnot.

I grew up playing with her at Hibs and at the national performance centre and she just works so hard and lives her life exactly like an athlete should. She is obviously extremely talented, but I’ve never met anyone so focused and determined.

She is also so supportive of those around her and just wants the best for everyone, which

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THE BIG INTERVIEW - CLARE WILLIAMSON

really inspires you as a teammate. She also suffered a horrible injury at the same time as me and she was a massive support. I love following her success down south at Manchester United and can’t wait to hopefully see her pull on the Scotland strip at the world cup!

Boots are as fashionable as they are functional these days.

What have you gone for this season?

CW: Well as a defender I feel you really can’t get away with anything to fancy. I’ve got black and white Nike Tiempos so nothing too flashy.

Do you have any plans to stay involved in football beyond your playing career?

Coaching, management etc?

CW: I think I will always still want to play football and others sport just for fun when I finish playing.

I’m not sure coaching is for me as I can’t hack standing in the cold for that long – maybe I’d manage it somewhere hot!

Who are the best players you have played alongside and against?

CW: Alongside would

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be Lizzie Arnot and Caroline Weir. Against would probably be the entire Bayern Munich squad we played in the champions league but Melanie Behringer and Vivianne Miedema were

CW: I studied biological sciences. I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do but knew I enjoyed science and health related topics at school so thought I’d enjoy the course.

"MY FOOTBALLING ROLE MODEL IS LIZZIE ARNOT. I GREW UP PLAYING WITH HER AT HIBS AND AT THE NATIONAL PERFORMANCE CENTRE AND SHE JUST WORKS SO HARD AND LIVES HER LIFE EXACTLY LIKE AN ATHLETE SHOULD. SHE IS OBVIOUSLY EXTREMELY TALENTED, BUT I’VE NEVER MET ANYONE SO FOCUSED AND DETERMINED."

Can you tell us something about yourself that we don't know?

unbelievable.

You have just finished studying a degree at Heriot Watt University.

What did you study and why?

CW: I used to have pet stick insects – they were the most boring pets ever.

Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

CW: I really haven’t met many famous people unfortunately – does Davina McCall count haha.

Music. Who do you enjoy listening to and what is the best gig you have ever been to?

CW: I love Beyoncé, if I could be someone for a day it would be her for sure. I’ve not been to many gigs so embarrassingly it’s probably Tinie Tempah when I was 13!

What is your all time favourite movie?

CW: Finding Nemo.

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ADVERTISE HERE Fancy becoming part of a successful team? Hibernian have a range of advertising opportunities for your business.

Contact Florence Haines for more details.

Email: FHaines@hiberniancommunityfoundation.org.uk

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CLUB NEWS

HIBS

NEWS SUMMER FOOTBALL CAMPS Details of the Hibernian Community Foundation summer football camps programme were released last week.

The camps are targeted at boys and girls aged between 4-12 of all footballing abilities.

With a focus on fun and safety the camps aim to provide age appropriate coaching from SFA accredited coaches.

We aim to build positive relationships with the children and parents while opening the door to what the Foundation and the football club are able to offer.

Previous camps have been a massive success, improving skills and encouraging teamwork.

The programme is scheduled to run over a six week period with five weeks at the Hibernian training centre but

LOAN WATCH

It has been a difficult fortnight for Sara Robson and Ashley Fish out on loan at Partick Thistle and St Johnstone. Both players have played two games but have featured on the losing side on both occasions with Partick losing to Glasgow Girls and Hamilton while St Johnstone went down to Dundee United and Glasgow Girls.

also camps at Galashiels and North Berwick.

A girls only football camp will run 29th July to 4th August at the Hibernian training centre while a goalkeeper specific camp will run at the same venue from 22nd July to 26th July.

All camps will feature a number of fun footballing activities with a free gift and visits from First Team players.

Bookings can be made on 0131 656 7062 or on the Community Foundation website.

MURRAY AND FIFE MAKE SPAR VISIT Captain Joelle Murray and goalkeeper Jenna Fife greeted customers at Spar Halbeath store as part of a promotional appearance following Spar's newly signed sponsorship deal with the Scottish National Team. The players met customers at the store, posing for photographs and signing autographs.

Joelle commented: “The World Cup is getting close now and we’re really starting to feel the backing of the nation. Events like this further reinforce how much people across the country are starting to be aware of us and support us ahead of the team going to France.”

Spar Scotland CEO Colin McLean added: “We are proud to promote our new sponsorship with Scotland Women’s National Team and it was fantastic to see how the local people of Halbeath gave them such a warm welcome."

Both players will hope to be a part of Shelley Kerr's squad for the World Cup Finals in France when it is announced at 12 noon on Wednesday 15th May.

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MOTHERWELL

I

t has been a massive season of change for the 'Women of Steel'. After cruising their way through the SWPL2 to earn promotion last season the squad has changed significantly from the one that Hibernian swept aside 8-0 in the Scottish Cup Final. The departure of many of their senior players has made room for fresh new faces eager to impress boss Donald Jennow who assumed control of the team after Eddie Wolecki Black departed for Celtic last season.

With an aim to stabilise the club in the top flight of Scottish Women's Football a current position of 5th shows that Donald Jennow is making positive strides towards doing just that. Two wins in their last two fixtures against the bottom two clubs, Forfar

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Farmington and Stirling University have blown away fears of the drop. A draw against Rangers and an impressive point away at Celtic have shown that Motherwell are more than capable of competing in the mid-table and sitting just two points behind Rangers, a top half finish is not out of the question.

Northern Ireland international Kerry Montgomery captains the side bringing a wealth of experience and quality in the middle of the park. Around Montgomery it is all change with Katie Rice, Sarah Crilly, Chelsea McEachran, Lori Gardner, Claire Adams, Beth Macleod and Pam Liddell all arriving to provide a wealth of attacking options to the team. However last season's top goalscorer in the SWPL2, Suzanne Mulvey, has departed the club.

THE OPPOSITION - MOTHERWELL

21 BETH MACLEOD

Attacker joined from EUHV ahead of the new season.

8 KERRY MONTGOMERY

A marquee signing for Motherwell.

The Northern Irish international midfielder arrived from Celtic in 2018 and brings with her both experience and quality in the middle of the park.

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1

CHELSEA MCEACHRAN

The ex Central Girls attacker picked up the SWPL player of the month award last season aged just 15. The U17 Scotland international has had no issues finding the net in the SWPL1.

7 DONALD JENNOW

The manager took charge of the club in the second half of 2018 following Eddie Wolecki Black securing the SWPL2 title and promotion to the top flight. Jennow has refreshed the squad well by balancing youth with experience to create stability in the wake of a number of departures.

SARAH CRILLY

Another ex Celtic and Glasgow City player. The midfielder joined Motherwell in January adding more International experience to the midfield and another goal threat.

MORGAN HUNTER

Goalkeeper arrived from Kilmarnock in January.

2 STEPHANIE KNOX

Defender joined from Celtic ahead of the SWPL1 season.

LAST MEETING MOTHERWELL 0 HIBERNIAN 4

The teams met earlier this season at Motherwell's unique indoor facility at Ravenscraig. The hosts offered a stubborn defensive display in the first half proving difficult to break down before finally conceding to a Rachael Small header just before the break. A goal ahead, Hibs were able to press their advantage with a strike from Lauren Davidson, followed by a second for Small direct from a corner kick and a Kirsten Reilly free-kick that Hunter in the Motherwell goal was unable to keep out.

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MATCH ACTION

CELTIC 3 HIBERNIAN 0 SWPL 1 Sun 5th May K-Park Training Academy

CELTIC

25 Cunningham 2 Keenan 3 Crosbie 5 Ross (Hay 83) 6 Craig 7 McLaughlin 9 Giard 11 Ewens 15 Cairney (Donaldson 68) 25 Clark 40 O'Neill (Black 56) Subs Donaldson, Black, Hay, Hodges, Hare Goals Ewens 22 Craig 67 Ross 73

HIBERNIAN

1 Fife 3 Napier 4 Hunter 8 Michie 9 Tweedie (McGregor 56) 11 Cavanagh 14 Leishman (Williamson 70) 16 Notley 19 Cornet 29 Morrison (Johnston 56) 32 Reilly Subs Williamson, McGregor, Currie, Murray, Johnston Goals

39

MATCH ACTION

KEY MOMENT

Celtic's second goal ended a period of intensive Hibs pressure where Cornet was inches away from meeting Napier's cross into the six yard box and Notley guided an effort wide from a corner.

FIRST LOSS IN 6 YEARS

Celtic's victory is their first win over Hibernian in six years. The last defeat to Celtic in the league came in a 2-1 loss all the way back in 2013.

WHO SAID WHAT?

“I think it was a frustrating game for us. It was hard with play stopping and starting. We wanted to create a rhythm but we couldn't do that. We were quite compact as a unit but got caught by long balls."

COLETTE CAVANAGH

PRESS REACTION

“Celtic's 3-0 win over Hibernian is "huge", says head coach Eddie Wolecki Black, after his side finally beat one of the SWPL's dominant two."

BBC SPORT SCOTLAND

THE GAFFER

“Massively frustrating. First time I've lost with this group to an opponent other than City. So it's really disappointing. I don't think the score was reflective of the match but there were areas for improvement for sure.”

SWPL 1 RESULTS

Spartans 0-5 Glasgow City Rangers 4-1 Stirling University Motherwell 2-0 Forfar Farmington

MATCH ACTION

41

48

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - ABI HARRISON

ABI

HARRISON THE BRISTOL CITY STRIKER REFLECTS ON WINNING TROPHIES WITH HIBERNIAN AND OFFERS INSIGHT INTO HER LIFE IN THE WSL. AH: Firstly, before any questions are answered I would like to pass on my congratulations to all the staff and players on the recent cup win. It is bitter sweet in moments like this as on one hand I have moved on to live the dream and play professionally but on the other nights like Friday’s can never be matched.

Buzzing for everyone involved!!!

Where did you start your football career and what were your early years in the game like?

AH: I started when I was 4 playing at a local team called Busby Boys Club.

Having a football mad big brother it was no coincidence I got dragged out to play and along to his training to help with numbers. I played with the Boys until I was 9 and then moved to Celtic Ladies and Girls Academy, over the next 5 years I progressed through the age groups all the way from Under 11's

to the seniors. I spent a great 4 seasons at Celtic first team developing and growing (literally) before making the move east to Hibs!

At the time you were the youngest ever player to play in the SWPL when

"THE THING THAT REALLY STOOD OUT FOR ME AT HIBS WAS THE CHANCE TO CHALLENGE IN ALL COMPETITIONS AND HOPEFULLY WIN SOME SILVERWARE." you made your debut for Celtic at age 14. What did it feel like making that huge step to playing against players, some of whom would be twice your age?

AH: I think probably at

the time I didn't quite appreciate how young and inexperienced I actually was as I settled really quickly with the team off the pitch. The coaches and the other players really believed in me and encouraged me to just play my own game without any fear. Of course I showed some naivety at times looking back on it but I wouldn't change any of it and will always owe a lot to Celtic for everything they did for the 8 years I was there.

You arrived at Hibs in 2015 coming from Celtic and spent four years at the club. What were your key motivations for coming to Hibernian?

AH: The thing that really stood out for me at Hibs was the chance to challenge in all competitions and hopefully win some silverware. It was a really exciting time when I moved and part of a real transitional time within the

43

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - ABI HARRISON

club in terms of coaching staff and the philosophy within the team. Looking back at my 4 years it is nothing but fond memories. It was a real turning point in my career and I couldn't have asked for better teammates to share all the success with.

You arrived at Hibernian around the same time Chloe Arthur and Emma Brownlie made the same move from Hibernian.

Did it help coming into the club having played with those girls before?

AH: It’s always nice to have some familiar faces but football, especially domestically is such a small world that everyone knows everyone! I was fortunate to also know a few of the girls through the International setup and the National Performance Academy.

I have to admit it was a really easy team to move to. It’s a club that puts huge expectation on the training environment and team camaraderie throughout all the age groups.

During your time at Hibernian the club saw plenty of success on the pitch. In your second year here the club won its first trophies in five years by lifting both the

44

Premier League Cup and the Scottish Cup. How did it feel to win those titles?

AH: There is no feeling like it. Especially with Glasgow City reigning for so long it was amazing to finally mix things up. Recent years have been great for Scottish Women’s Football as a whole and the battle

"DESPITE ENDING AFTER ONLY 30 MINUTES WITH AN INJURY LAST YEAR’S SCOTTISH CUP WILL ALWAYS BE MEMORABLE FOR ME WITH IT TURNING OUT TO BE MY LAST GAME FOR HIBS."

between ourselves and City was a huge step forward for the domestic game. The first season we won the double was amazing. The league cup win came with a 120th minute winner and the Scottish cup on penalties so we didn't make it easy for ourselves! It is great to win things no matter

what age group/level you are playing but to win titles such as the Scottish Cup numerous times was special. However, I would still love to win the league title with Hibs one day and bring it back to Edinburgh.

The Scottish Cup appears to have been one of your favourite competitions as you really made an impact over the years with some huge performances including hat-tricks against Celtic (2016) and Glasgow City (2018). What was your favourite memory of playing in the Scottish Cup? AH: As a striker it’s great to score goals, especially in big games but I don’t think I could pick any goal out as being my best memory of the competition. There was something so special about lifting it for the first time, but also despite ending after only 30 minutes with an injury last year’s Scottish Cup will always be memorable for me with it turning out to be my last game for Hibs.

Winning is something that you never get tired of doing and the excitement of the Cup is incomparable from the first round right to the final. I just hope it continues to be in the hands of Hibs for a while.

45

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - ABI HARRISON

46

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - ABI HARRISON

47

42

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - ABI HARRISON

It would be difficult to talk about your time at Hibs without bringing up Bayern Munich at Easter Road in the Champions League.

Can you describe to us your experience of that game and what it was like playing against that Bayern Munich team?

AH: Incredible. Absolutely amazing experience to play against one of the top teams in the world.

Despite the result, we as a team probably learnt more about ourselves in that double header than we had the full season domestically. Everyone has aspirations of getting to the top of the game so to be able to face a team of that level and be able to compare yourself was something special.

With so many goals for Hibernian it is a huge ask but do you have any particular favourites? A beautiful strike or even a critical goal that really sticks in your memory?

AH: I love scoring regardless of whether it’s a tap-in or a screamer (I didn’t do that much but to be honest it’s not the best goals that are my favourite but the ones that mean the most.

120th minute winner in League Cup Semi-Final,

90th minute equaliser last season to stay level with City in the league or a hat-trick against Celtic to come back from 2-0 down to win 7-2! Of course I have to mention the Bayern Munich goal which will stay with me forever.

However having left the club on a total of 95 goals there is some level of unfinished business so

"I LOVE SCORING REGARDLESS OF WHETHER IT’S A TAP-IN OR A SCREAMER BUT TO BE HONEST IT’S NOT THE BEST GOALS THAT ARE MY FAVOURITE BUT THE ONES THAT MEAN THE MOST. " one day I’ll be back to reach that 100.

You left Hibernian for Bristol City, a WSL club, just prior to the start of the 2019 in Scotland.

How did it feel when you heard that Bristol City were interested in you?

AH: It’s unimaginable really. When I first started

playing football being a professional women's footballer player was never a realistic option so to have worked hard and earned this opportunity is really special. It was always going to take something great to steer me away from Hibs but it was an opportunity I couldn't turn down. I would say I’m in my dream job at 21 years old but I can’t even call it a job, I just love it.

Given your status within the Scottish game it is hard to imagine that you didn't have plenty of options on the table for your next move. What made Bristol City the right choice for the next stage of your career?

AH: Bristol is a great club with a great history of providing an opportunity for players and really developing them to reach the top of the game so that was obviously a factor. The league down here is probably the best in the world across the board so I felt I was ready to challenge myself at the next level. I met with Tanya and the girls and it was a no brainer, a great coach, brilliant team mates and a great city!

Not to mention the great season they were having

49

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - ABI HARRISON

at the mid-point. It’s been brilliant so far and I’m delighted to be settled here now and ready to kick-on.

Did you feel that it was naturally the right time to move on from Hibernian? Was there something of a belief that you had hit the top of the Scottish game and that to improve your own game and achieve new goals that you really needed to step up and play professionally?

AH: I don’t think I could ever say that I had hit the top, especially having not won what I was desperate for in the League Title but I think it’s natural to need change sometimes and a new challenge. I am a really determined person so I would always set personal targets for myself for the year and if I wasn’t fortunate enough to move to Bristol I would have did the same again this year- it’s so important to not get complacent. I am loving the new challenge down here and it is now time I get my head down and work hard to try and replicate what I did in Scotland, but south of the border.

You opened your goal scoring account for Bristol City in the FA

50

Cup against Wimbledon with an early goal. Can you talk us through that goal and how it felt to get that first goal on the board wearing red?

AH: It was a bit surreal really. I never thought I’d score 12 seconds into my FA Cup Debut but I’ll not complain. It came straight from the kick-off, it was passed back to my teammate Dan who picked me

"MY DAD IS MY BIGGEST FAN BUT ALSO MY BIGGEST CRITIC SO EVEN IF I HAD SCORED A HAT-TRICK FOR HIBS HE WOULD ALWAYS SAY HOW I COULD'VE HAD FOUR OR WHAT I DIDN’T DO WELL." out on a big diagonal and I just took the touch and hit it into the bottom corner.

It was a huge relief to get it but the best thing about it all was my mum was there to see it.

It is always a big step moving away from home to a new city and a new life. How have you settled in at Bristol City? Has it helped going

down there and having a familiar face around in Lucy Graham?

AH: Everyone at Hibs knows how much my family supports me and they were always at the pitch side hail, rain or snow so that’s been a big change. My Dad is my biggest fan but also my biggest critic so even if I had scored a hat-trick for Hibs he would always say how I could've had four or what I didn’t do well. Surprisingly I miss that. As we all know my mum isn’t the quietest spectator so again you realise you took things for granted back home but I wouldn't change it at all. It has definitely been the right decision for my career. The team are all easy to get on with but it’s fab having some fellow Scots in Frankie and Lucy- even if it was just so 2 people in the team were understanding my banter!

We all know Lucy Graham but can you share some insight into some of your other Bristol City team mates?

Best player? Most skilful player? Young talents to keep an eye out for?

Who is going to light up our screens next season when we are watching you play live on TV?

51

52

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - ABI HARRISON

AH: Best Player is probably a toss-up between Baggers and Ju. Baggers is an unbelievable goaliethere has been times I’ve thought the ball is going right in the back of the net and she pulls out a worldie of a save. Ju is probably one of the best readers of the game I’ve ever played with- she makes centre midfield look easy! Most skilful is Carla Humphrey or Heather Payne- you don’t want to go up against them in a 1v1.

Keep an eye out for Poppy Pattinson our left backsolid defensively and has a great delivery, she’ll be at the Euro Finals in Scotland this summer!

Do you feel that it has been perhaps more challenging for you to join Bristol City midseason, coming into an already established team and not having the benefits of a full preseason to get to bond with your team mates, get your fitness up to full speed and have that match sharpness to your game?

AH: I wouldn’t change the timings at all. I was able to see out the season with Hibs and help add some more silverware.

Also who would complain about missing out on pre-

season? Obviously coming in off the back of an injury was tough but I’ve been well looked after and have made the transition almost seamlessly.

Bristol City have been through a bit of a tough spell in the last few months coming up against both Chelsea and Arsenal having only registered one win since

each year to go into a team who maybe aren’t expected to do so well against the bigger clubs.

Throughout the season we exceeded our team targets that we had set originally and definitely surpassed external expectations. We understand we are on the start of an exciting journey and it’s important we stay realistic- we enjoy the highs and we ride out the lows.

"WE UNDERSTAND WE ARE ON THE START OF AN EXCITING JOURNEY AND IT’S IMPORTANT WE STAY REALISTICWE ENJOY THE HIGHS AND WE RIDE OUT THE LOWS."

On a personal level, as a striker who everyone associated with Hibernian would describe as prolific, has it been tough introduction to life in the WSL having only managed to find the net once thus far?

Does it impact on your confidence or play on your mind in any way, the longer you go without finding that next goal?

the start of February. As a new player coming into the club how difficult is it to stay positive and keep focused on your game when the team isn't getting the results that you want?

AH: I never thought I would come down here and score as many goals as I did back home. As a striker it can be difficult during a drought however I always believe in myself and I know all my teammates and coaches do as well. I also have to appreciate it will take time to get used to the league down here and to adapt

AH: It’s been tough going from a side in Hibs that for the past 3 seasons have only lost one match

53

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - ABI HARRISON

54

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - ABI HARRISON

55

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - ABI HARRISON

my game in order to be the most effective.

Can you describe to us the difference in quality that comes with playing in the WSL as opposed to the SWPL? Does every match suddenly have that huge element of competition that say a Hibernian vs Glasgow City match has? Do you feel that the quality level is a massive step up forcing you to lift the level of your own game?

AH: Firstly as you have mentioned the competitiveness is hugethere is NO easy game.

The standard is higher than the SWPL as we are not only training like professionals but eating, resting and living like pro’s also. I’ve learned so much already tactically due to the thorough preparation for each of our opponents so hopefully I can just keep improving and learning.

Moving down South to Bristol City you made the jump to playing professionally. What are the key differences between playing professionally in the WSL and life back up in Scotland? What does Bristol City offer that allows you to develop and improve as a player?

56

AH: Firstly, back home I was juggling Institute training, club training and also a job so there was barely any recovery time. Also having the support of full-time sport scientist staff allows you to be at your optimum level of performance for every training session and game by analysing things such as nutrition, fatigue

"INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION IS A PRIVILEGE AT ANY LEVEL BUT IT WAS REALLY SPECIAL MAKING MY DEBUT EARLY LAST YEAR, SOMETHING I’LL NEVER FORGET. HOPEFULLY IT IS ONLY THE FIRST OF MORE."

pitch being able to test yourself against some of the best players in world football?

AH: It’s great to see the level of players down here and it’s great for us to challenge ourselves against them.

Unfortunately, results against the teams mentioned weren’t what we were hoping for but it was an opportunity for us to learn.

On the international front you have featured for Scotland at a number of youth levels however playing for Hibernian chances were limited at senior level. You got your debut against Russia in 2018. How did it feel finally getting that chance to pull on the blue jersey for the first time?

levels, GPS Data as well as recovery mechanisms.

I am also now on the pitch most days so that contact time with technical staff and just practicing allows skills to become automatic.

AH: International recognition is a privilege at any level but it was really special making my debut early last year, something I’ll never forget. Hopefully it is only the first of more but it’s a great honour to have achieved it but it most definitely makes you want more!

We touched on matches against Arsenal and Chelsea earlier. How does it feel to take to the

Do you feel that playing in the SWPL perhaps made it tougher to get a call up to the

57

58

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - ABI HARRISON

senior side given that a large percentage of the players in the current squad play their football in the WSL? Did that in any way help to influence your decision to move south to improve your chances of breaking into the Scotland squad?

AH: I made the decision to move south purely based on a career point of view and it feeling like the right time. I think with international football it’s about gaining that recognition for club form and performances so it shouldn’t matter what league you are playing in.

However, I believe I have developed my all-round play and tested aspects of my game down here that I hadn’t previously so now it is up to me to kick on and try become a mainstay within the squad.

The World Cup is on the horizon and the Scotland squad is due to be announced this month.

You have featured in two matches already this season for Scotland do you believe there is a chance you will make the final squad or do you think that this World Cup might come too soon for you?

AH: Yes, I think it would

be a tough task to break into the squad now. I think it is more realistic for me to have aspirations for the Euro Campaign that starts in August so that’s my main focus. It will be a great experience for the girls heading out to France and I’m sure they will do us all proud so let’s get behind them!

The WSL season is

"AT THE END OF THE DAY WHY PUT SO MUCH TIME AND EFFORT INTO SOMETHING THAT DOESN’T MAKE YOU HAPPY. GET OFF ALL THE IPADS AND GET OUTSIDE AND KICK THE BALL ABOUT!" already at an end and undoubtedly you are looking to hit the ground running going into the 2019-20 season when it begins in August. Do you have any personal goals or targets going into the new season?

AH: As a team we will plan accordingly for next season after we analyse

and review this season but essentially as always it would be to finish as high up the table as possible.

On a personal note I want to add more goals and assists next season and be a mainstay player within the team.

Based upon your experiences of playing in the SWPL and now in the WSL what message would you give to young girls in Scotland looking towards building a career in professional football?

AH: Enjoy it. For young girls now to be able to see it as realistic fulltime careers is hugely important, but always have fun. At the end of the day why put so much time and effort into something that doesn’t make you happy. Get off all the ipads and get outside and kick the ball about!

Finally where can we continue to follow your career?

AH: Thanks for readingyou can follow me at any of the following (I’ll try to follow back):Instagram; @ abigailharrison21 Twitter; @abiharrison_

59

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STATISTICS

SQUAD STATISTICS LEAGUE PLAYER

SWPL CUP

SCOT CUP

TOTAL

APS

GLS

APS

GLS

APS

GLS

APS

GLS

AITCHISON, HOLLY

0 (1)

0

0

0

0

0

0 (1)

0

CAVANAGH, COLETTE

5 (4)

2

3 (1)

0

0

0

8 (5)

2

CORNET, CHELSEA CURRIE, JENI DAVIDSON, LAUREN EDDIE, LEAH FIFE, JENNA FISH, ASHLEY GALLACHER, AMY HUNTER, SIOBHAN JOHNSTON, CARI LEISHMAN, SHANNON MCCAFFERTY, RIA MCGREGOR, SHANNON MENZIES, JADE MICHIE, CAILIN MORRISON, KIRSTY MURRAY, JOELLE NAPIER, JAMIE-LEE NOTLEY, ELLIS REILLY, KIRSTEN SMALL, RACHAEL TWEEDIE, LIA WILLIAMSON, CLARE

8 0 2 (1) 1 (1) 9 0 (1) 6 (1) 7 (2) 0 (1) 2 (5) 0 (1) 0 (2) 0 (1) 8 4 (4) 7 9 7 (2) 9 7 6 (2) 2 (4)

1 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 4 0 5 2 3 0

4 1 1 (2) 0 3 0 (2) 3 (1) 4 0 0 (2) 0 0 (1) 0 4 3 (1) 4 4 1 (2) 4 3 (1) 2 (2) 1 (3)

0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

12 1 3 (3) 1 (1) 12 1 (2) 9 (2) 11 (2) 0 (1) 2 (7) 0 (1) 0 (3) 0 (1) 12 7 (5) 11 13 8 (4) 13 10 (1) 8 (4) 3 (7)

1 0 2 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 6 0 6 2 4 0

SWPL 1 LEAGUE TABLE HOME

AWAY

TEAM

P

W

D

L

F

A

W

D

L

F

A

GD

PTS

1 2 3 4 5

GLASGOW CITY CELTIC HIBERNIAN RANGERS MOTHERWELL

8 9 9 8 9

4 2 4 2 2

0 1 0 0 1

0 1 1 1 1

28 8 11 7 6

2 2 3 6 7

4 4 2 2 1

0 0 1 1 1

0 1 1 2 3

15 18 12 8 7

1 7 3 16 15

40 17 17 -7 -9

24 19 19 13 11

6

SPARTANS

9

1

1

3

4

12

2

0

2

7

9

-10

10

7 8

FORFAR FARMINGTON STIRLING UNIVERSITY

9 9

1 0

0 1

4 4

6 3

23 16

0 0

1 0

3 4

2 2

9 13

-24 -24

4 1

61

ACADEMY - UNDER 23 SWFL 1 SOUTH LEAGUE TABLE POS TEAM

UNDER

23

WORDS BY DOUGIE PENMAN

T

he U23s have been in action twice since our last update, firstly hosting Hamilton Accies at the end of April before facing off against Celtic Academy in a rematch of their recent SWFL Division 1 League Cup Semi Final this past weekend.

It was Tuesday night under the lights at the Hibernian Training Centre as Hibs ran out 4-0 winners against Hamilton.

Hibs came flying out the traps with a number of clear cut chances spurned within the first ten minutes but there would be a massive blow as captain Nicole Rutherford was unfortunately stretched off with a knee injury. We all wish her a speedy recovery.

Following the enforced break, Hibs would finally open the scoring as Amy Hay pounced on a mistake in the Accies defence to fire the ball into the back of the net for her sixth of the season. And the

62

lead would be doubled minutes later as Morgan Turner struck a high shot over the keeper’s head to ensure Hibs went into the break with a 2-0 advantage.

The second half saw Hibs continue to press Hamilton though the third goal wouldn’t come until the 68th minute when an efficient counter attack began with Alicia Yates accurately finding Cari Johnston who knocked the ball on for Turner, whose touch played the ball into the path of Caley Gibb who finished well to make it three in three games.

This allowed Hibs to introduce U15s players Brodie Hutchison and Taylor Hemmings for their U23s debuts, either side of another Ria McCafferty trademark long range strike, this one seeing her find the back of the net from thirty yards.

With Celtic Academy in Cup Final action against Renfrew, their match was postponed for a week,

PL PTS

1

GLASGOW CITY DEV

9

27

2

HIBERNIAN U23

7

16

3

CELTIC ACADEMY

6

15

4

RANGERS DEVELOPMENT

7

15

5

BOROUGHMUIR THISTLE

8

13

6

QUEENS PARK

8

13

7

RENFREW

6

10

8

SPARTANS DEV

8

8

9

HAMILTON U23

9

7

10

BLACKBURN UNITED

8

7

11

KILMARNOCK U23

8

3

12

AYR UNITED

8

0

FIXTURES & RESULTS 10/2 SPARTANS DEV

H

1-0

24/2 BLACKBURN UNITED

A

1-1

6/3

A

1-2

H

14-1

17/3 GLASGOW CITY DEV

A

2-0

31/3 BOROUGHMUIR

H

4-0

14/4 RENFREW

A

1-4

17/4 EAST FIFE

A

1-2

21/4 CELTIC ACADEMY

H

1-2

H

4-0

12/5 CELTIC ACADEMY

A

2-1

19/5 KILMARNOCK U23

H

GLASGOW CITY DEV

10/3 AYR UNITED

HAMILTON U23

26/5 RANGERS DEV

A

9/6

H

QUEENS PARK

16/6 SPARTANS DEV

H

23/6 BLACKBURN UNITED

H

4/8

AYR UNITED

A

18/8 GLASGOW CITY DEV

H

25/8 BOROUGHMUIR

A

1/9

RENFREW

H

8/9

HAMILTON U23

22/9 CELTIC ACADEMY

A H

29/9 KILMARNOCK U23

A

6/10 RANGERS DEV

H

13/10 QUEENS PARK

A

TOP SCORERS CARI JOHNSTON

9

AMY HAY

6

CALEY GIBB

4

63

ACADEMY - UNDER 23

allowing Cari Johnston to make her Hibs Ladies debut against Celtic that weekend, making it six players to progress to the first team since the end of last season, following on from Shannon Leishman, Kirsty Morrison, Ria McCafferty, Holly Aitchison and Jade Menzies.

Celtic took the lead on fourteen minutes when Tegan Bowie played in Kathleen McGovern who made no mistake in tucking the ball into the corner past Yates.

Hibs would have a few chances to equalise, notably Johnston hitting the post but the goal wouldn’t come.

That match was played at K-Park, the venue for Hibs league rematch with Celtic Academy last Sunday. In a match that played out in a similar fashion to their recent Semi Final loss, Hibs would suffer their second league defeat of the season, going down 2-1.

The hosts would double their lead midway through the second half when a free kick delivery broke to Rebecca McAllister who lashed the ball into the net from close range.

The same player would have the opportunity to make it three with eleven

64

minutes remaining when Celtic were awarded a penalty, however Yates stood her ground and denied McAllister with a save.

As in the Semi Final, Hibs goal came too late, Yates’ long throw being played on by Gibb for the debuting Eilidh Adams from the U19s who, despite shouts for offside, kept her composure to beat Tegayn Hamilton at her near post to open her U23s account. However just a minute later the full time whistle would go and Celtic would claim the three points.

65

MATCH ACTION

HIBERNIAN 0 GLASGOW CITY 0

(Hibernian win 4-2 on penalties) SWPL Cup Fri 10th May Pennycars Stadium

HIBERNIAN

1 Fife 3 Napier 4 Hunter 8 Michie 11 Cavanagh (Williamson 112) 15 Gallacher (McGregor 60) 17 Murray 19 Cornet 23 Small 29 Morrison (Tweedie 95) 32 Reilly (Notley 88) Subs Currie, McGregor, Williamson, Notley, Tweedie, Davidson, Leishman Goals

GLASGOW CITY

25 Clachers 4 Lauder 8 Crichton 9 Howat 10 Shine 11 Docherty 12 Clark 16 Ross 20 Girasoli 21 McLintock (Ivanusa 75) 23 Foley Subs Alexander, Love, Cunningham, Kerr, Paton, Ivanusa, Kulis Goals

67

MATCH ACTION

KEY MOMENT

Two successive penalty saves from Jenna Fife to deny Lauder and Shine opened the door for Hibernian to establish a 3-1 advantage and give Cailin Michie the opportunity to fire home the winning penalty.

DEFENCE ON TOP

Excluding the penalty shootout,Hibernian have successfully kept clean sheets in all four of their SWPL Cup ties. The last team to score against Hibernian in the SWPL CUP were Glasgow City in the 2018

WHO SAID WHAT?

“Obviously delighted. I thought the team were unbelievable over the 120 minutes from start to finish. City gave us a great game again and it was quite tight the whole game and pretty even but defensively we were solid and kept them out so many times.”

JENNA FIFE

PRESS REACTION

“After a goalless draw at Airdrieonians' Penny Cars Stadium, Jenna Fife saved from Hayley Lauder and Clare Shine.

Cailin Michie fired home the winning spot kick as Hibs won a seventh domestic knock-out cup in a row."

BBC SCOTLAND

THE GAFFER

“I thought the defence were excellent today. We were a bit of a mess on Sunday. We didn't keep our discipline, our shape. The influence of Joelle coming back in was massive. Outstanding, Jenna included.”

MATCH ACTION

69

FIXTURES & RESULTS

DATE

OPPOSITION

RES

STARTING XI

FEBRUARY 2019 10th

SPARTANS

0-0

FIFE

WILLIAMSON

NAPIER

HUNTER

MICHIE

TWEEDIE

17th

CELTIC

2-1

FIFE

24th

HEARTS

1-0

FIFE

NAPIER

EDDIE

MICHIE

CAVANAGH

GALLACHER

NAPIER

HUNTER

MICHIE

CAVANAGH

GALLACHER

FIFE

NAPIER

HUNTER

TWEEDIE

DAVIDSON !

LEISHMAN DAVIDSON

MARCH 2019 10th

MOTHERWELL

0-4

17th

RANGERS

4-0

FIFE

NAPIER

HUNTER !

MICHIE

TWEEDIE !!!

24th

STIRLING UNIVERSITY

0-6

CURRIE

WILLIAMSON

NAPIER !

HUNTER !

MICHIE

TWEEDIE

29TH

GLASGOW CITY

0-1

FIFE

NAPIER

HUNTER

MICHIE

TWEEDIE

CAVANAGH

HUNTER

MICHIE

CAVANAGH

DAVIDSON !

APRIL 2019 14th

SPARTANS

0-3

FIFE

NAPIER !

21st

FORFAR FARMINGTON

0-8

FIFE

NAPIER !!!

MICHIE

CAVANAGH !

GALLACHER

NOTLEY

24th

STIRLING UNIVERSITY

3-0

FIFE

WILLIAMSON

NAPIER

HUNTER

MICHIE !

TWEEDIE

28th

SPARTANS

2-1

FIFE

NAPIER !

HUNTER !

MICHIE

CAVANAGH

GALLACHER

CELTIC

3-0

FIFE

NAPIER

HUNTER

MICHIE

TWEEDIE

CAVANAGH

10th

GLASGOW CITY

0-0

FIFE

NAPIER

HUNTER

MICHIE

CAVANAGH

GALLACHER

16th

MOTHERWELL

19:30

19th

RANGERS

14:00

MAY 2019 5th

AUGUST 2019 4th

GLASGOW CITY

18th

STIRLING UNIVERSITY

21st

SSE SCOTTISH CUP R3

25th

FORFAR FARMINGTON

SEPTEMBER 2019 8th

SPARTANS

15th

SSE SCOTTISH CUP QF

22nd

CELTIC

29th

MOTHERWELL

OCTOBER 2019 13th

SSE SCOTTISH CUP SF

20th

RANGERS

27th

GLASGOW CITY

NOVEMBER 2019 3rd

STIRLING UNIVERSITY

17th

FORFAR FARMINGTON

70

(4-2 PKS)

FIXTURES & RESULTS

KEY: HOME FIXTURE, AWAY FIXTURE, ! GOAL, SUB PLAYED

SUBS

ROBSON, CAVANAGH, EDDIE, NOTLEY, MORRISON, LEISHMAN, DAVIDSON

GALLACHER

MURRAY

CORNET

SMALL

REILLY

NOTLEY

MURRAY

CORNET

MORRISON

REILLY !!

NOTLEY

MURRAY

CORNET

MORRISON

REILLY !

CURRIE, SMALL, WILLIAMSON, FISH, LEISHMAN, DAVIDSON, TWEEDIE

NOTLEY

MURRAY

CORNET

SMALL !!

REILLY !

CURRIE, CAVANAGH, FISH, MORRISON, GALLACHER, WILLIAMSON, MICHIE

NOTLEY

MURRAY

CORNET

SMALL

REILLY

GALLACHER

MURRAY !

CORNET

SMALL

REILLY

GALLACHER

MURRAY

CORNET

SMALL

REILLY

MURRAY

CORNET

SMALL

MORRISON

REILLY

CURRIE, HUNTER, LEISHMAN, SMALL, DAVIDSON, TWEEDIE, WILLIAMSON

CURRIE, CAVANAGH, LEISHMAN, GALLACHER, MORRISON, WILLIAMSON FIFE, FISH !, CAVANAGH, DAVIDSON, LEISHMAN, MORRISON, NOTLEY CURRIE, MORRISON, LEISHMAN, DAVIDSON, FISH, NOTLEY, WILLIAMSON

CURRIE, WILLIAMSON, NOTLEY, LEISHMAN, TWEEDIE !, MCGREGOR, GALLACHER CURRIE, WILLIAMSON, LEISHMAN, TWEEDIE, MCGREGOR, HUNTER CURRIE, MCGREGOR, AITCHISON, MENZIES, MCCAFFERTY, LEISHMAN, CAVANAGH !

CURRIE, WILLIAMSON, TWEEDIE, MCGREGOR, MURRAY, LEISHMAN

MURRAY

CORNET !

SMALL

MORRISON !!

REILLY !

GALLACHER

NOTLEY

MURRAY

SMALL

REILLY !

NOTLEY

CORNET

SMALL

MORRISON

REILLY

LEISHMAN

NOTLEY

CORNET

MORRISON

REILLY

CURRIE, MCGREGOR, WILLIAMSON, MURRAY, JOHNSTON

MURRAY

CORNET

SMALL

MORRISON

REILLY

CURRIE, MCGREGOR, WILLIAMSON, NOTLEY, TWEEDIE, LEISHMAN, DAVIDSON

71

56

THE LAST WORD

THE

LAST WORD GENERAL MANAGER FLORENCE HAINES LOOKS AHEAD AT WHAT IS TO COME IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON.

W

elcome to Peffermill for another midweek game, thanks for following the team either at the game or online, as always the support is greatly appreciated.

Since our last home match we've featured in the SWPL Cup Final. This league cup is competed for by the top 16 teams in the country so it's credit to all the players and staff for reaching the final let alone winning it!

It was a grueling 120 minutes followed by penalties which are never a nice way to decide a game but the players remained focused and deserved the win in the end. Thanks to those who came out to Airdrie and supported the team throughout the game (and the rain!).

It's been a joy to see Shannon McGregor back playing after a long spell out with injury. Shannon trained extremely hard to get back onto the pitch as soon as possible and we're all pleased she could come on in recent games. Leah Eddie continues her rehab after surgery and the Club is supporting her all the way back to full fitness.

Today the Scottish Women's National Team Squad has been announced in what is a truly exciting time for Scottish and Women's football. To

have the National Team competing on a world scale can only mean good things and I'm sure the SWNT will have the nation behind them when they head to France! It is also fantastic that Scotland is hosting the U19 European Championships in July. Make sure you get along and support the young national team if possible, you might even spot some Hibernian players there.

As the long summer break is round the corner we look ahead to what the second half of the season has in store.

An opening fixture against Glasgow City and the Champions League will make for an exciting August followed by SSE Scottish Cup getting underway. We will definitely be looking to retain our other domestic cup come November should we reach the final.

Make sure you continue to follow the team on all our social media platforms which can be found below.

Thanks again for the support and we look forward to seeing you at a game soon.

Florence Haines 73

LINE UPS

HIBERNIAN MOTHERWELL Manager: Grant Scott

JENNA FIFE 1 ¨ CLARE WILLIAMSON 2 ¨ JAMIE-LEE NAPIER 3 ¨ SIOBHAN HUNTER 4 ¨ LEAH EDDIE 6 ¨ CAILIN MICHIE 8 ¨ LIA TWEEDIE 9 ¨ SHANNON MCGREGOR 10 ¨ COLETTE CAVANAGH 11 ¨ LAUREN DAVIDSON 12 ¨ JENI CURRIE 13 ¨ SHANNON LEISHMAN 14 ¨ AMY GALLACHER 15 ¨ ELLIS NOTLEY 16 ¨ JOELLE MURRAY 17 ¨ ASHLEY FISH 18 ¨ CHELSEA CORNET 19 ¨ RACHAEL SMALL 23 ¨ KIRSTY MORRISON 29 ¨

KIRSTEN REILLY 32 ¨

Manager: Donald Jennow

¨ 1 MORGAN HUNTER ¨ 2 STEPH KNOX ¨ 3 MAXINE WELSH ¨ 4 KIRSTEN ROLPH ¨ 5 GEORGIE RAFFERTY ¨ 6 KATIE RICE ¨ 7 SARAH CRILLY ¨ 8 KERRY MONTGOMERY ¨ 9 LORI GARDNER ¨ 11 CHELSEA MCEACHRAN ¨ 12 STACEY HUTCHISON ¨ 15 NATASHA ROBERTS ¨ 16 MYIA ARBUCKLE ¨ 17 ANNA VICENTE ¨ 18 ABBY CALLAGHAN ¨ 19 MHAIRI FYFE ¨ 21 BETH MACLEOD ¨ 23 CLAIRE ADAMS ¨ 29 SAMANTHA MCMANUS ¨ 44 HAYLEY CUNNINGHAM

NEXT AWAY FIXTURE RANGERS VS HIBERNIAN, SWPL 1, SUNDAY 19th MAY, 14:00 NEXT HOME FIXTURE TBC AFTER SUMMER BREAK