Hibernian vs Spartans | Official Matchday Programme | 5th September 2021

HIBERNIAN vs SPARTANS 05/09/21 - KICK OFF 12PM

CLUB DIRECTORY Head Coach - Dean Gibson Assistant Coaches - Roddy Maughan, Neil Ross Goalkeeping Coach - Chris Flockhart Masseuse - Laura Burns Kit Controller - Alan Todd General Manager - Stewart McGuire Secretary - Karen McEwan Chaplain - Catriona Lamont Marketing - Matthew Palfreyman, Anna King Media - Jack Donnelly, Struan Garvie Creative - Dougie Penman, Callum Hanley

CLUB 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 hibernianwomenmedia@gmail.com @hibernianwomen 0131 656 7062 Hibernian Community Foundation Easter Road Stadium 12 Albion Place Edinburgh EH7 5DG

NOTES FROM THE BOSS DEAN GIBSON

Dean is looking forward to the new campaign after a successful pre-season and SWPL Cup group stage.

As a group, we are feeling good and in a confident mood heading into the new campaign. The difference in games throughout preseason has given us a good idea of the things we are capable of doing well and things we need to work on. The most pleasing aspect is the volume of goals we scored in the competitive fixtures.

The new signings have settled in extremely well. A lot has been said about the three Americans which on their part has been deserved but I’d also highlight both Erin Rennie and Micky McAlonie. They have been absolutely brilliant from the first session and got better and better each session. Overall, we have five fantastic additions to an already very talented group of players, who all provide different dimensions. There is a real feel-good factor to the Tony Macaroni Arena. In the most respectful way, it’s a massive upgrade on most, if not all, the stadiums in the league, and feels like we are playing in a proper football stadium. I think it will give an extra boost to the players each week knowing they are given the chance to showcase their talents in a facility like the one we are now lucky enough to call home. We can’t thank Livingston FC enough for the welcome they have given us. It’s really important we got a taste of playing in front of our fans towards the end of last season and in the SWPL Cup. It makes a massive difference and our fans make their presence felt. Just having extra noise again provides a ‘game day’ feel. It was a much-needed and welcome return. Our aim will always be to compete at the top end of the league. We want to turn a top three into a top four this season. If we can do that, then we'll give ourselves a real opportunity of qualifying for the Champions League. Also, the cup competitions are something we have a history in. We are still the holders of the SWPL Cup, and we want to retain it while looking for a decent run in the Scottish Cup too.

We have everything to play for this season.

THE CHANGING ROOM JOELLE MURRAY

Joelle has been enjoying a new joint player-coach role with the club and life at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

I feel good going into the new season, we’ve had a strong pre-season and we’re looking forward to Sunday’s league opener. I’ve enjoyed my new role at the club. My primary role is to assist and support Chris Flockhart on set pieces for and against. When Dean discussed the opportunity with me, I wanted to ensure that the transition wasn’t something that would take me away from playing. It’s a small transition but a manageable one so far. The Tony Macaroni Arena is a fantastic stadium and one we have wonderful memories from, namely the 2017 Scottish Cup win. We hope to create many more this season, whilst making it a fortress and a stadium teams despise coming to. Ultimately we want to win the league whilst retaining the SWPL Cup and regaining the Scottish Cup. Last season we finished outside the top two for the first time in several years and that’s a wrong we want to right. We also want to ensure we better our points total from last season and goals for, whilst ensuring goals against are minimal. Thank you for your continued, unwavering support, it’s very much appreciated. We can’t wait to welcome you back and hope to repay your faith in us with an exciting and successful brand of football.

LAST TIME OUT REPORT

Hibernian met Everton at the Oriam in their final pre-season game, welcoming back some familiar faces.

Hibs made an encouraging start to the game with the first chance of the match falling to Amy Gallacher whose shot from the rightwing was well gathered by Maciver. Only a few minutes after Gallacher’s effort, Colette Cavanagh had a shot at goal, however, her effort from outside of the box was well saved again by Maciver. Emily Mutch was forced into her first save of the match in the 7th minute following an Everton corner. Mutch was able to tip a well-placed header over the bar to prevent any danger. Despite a good start from Hibs, it was Everton who opened the scoring in the 14th minute. A well-worked moved down the right-hand side of the field left Anvegård with a tap-in. The Toffees got their second in the 30th minute after a loose ball from Hibs was picked up on and punished by Dali who struck the ball past Mutch. After a competitive opening 45 minutes, the referee blew the whistle to close the first-half with Everton leading 2-0. The hosts created a good chance in the 49th minute as Cavanagh played a nice ball in from the left-wing that just missed the foot of Coyle. Gabby English – who came on at half-time in place of Mutch – made an excellent point-blank save in the 58th minute to deny The Toffees their third.

The save followed a succession of Everton corners that Hibs defended well. The second half was much quieter than the first as both sides made substitutions throughout. Everton controlled much of the ball but were limited to few clear-cut chances. English made another excellent save with her feet in the 83rd minute to deny Everton once again. This proved to be the final major action of the game before the referee blew for full time. Despite suffering a 2-0 defeat, Hibs stood up to the challenge expertly and will head into the SWPL season with confidence.