Falkirk Girls 3 : Hibs Girls U15s 1 (Saturday, 8 October 2005)

 

Played at Simpson Street pitch, Falkirk on Saturday, 8 October 2005 A bright but cold morning saw Hibs take on league leaders Falkirk. Hibs were on the attack immediately with good work by Danni putting Marielle through to shoot past the post. Hibs attacking continued and a long throw from Charlotte found Rosie whose looping shot was cleared off the line. Falkirk then came into the game with some strong attacks firstly hitting the bar and then forcing Coral to clear off the line. Play flowed swiftly from end to end although most of the play was concentrated in the middle of the tight and crowded pitch. The home side upped the pace and Hibs goalie Lauren needed to be quick to clear from the feet of a Falkirk attacker. Good defending was also required at the other end as Marielle came close after being put through by Rosie. Other attacks from Hibs included a great run by Danni that was stalled by the strong Falkirk defence and some good running from Bryony on the right wing. The deadlock was broken however when lively Falkirk striker Nick converted from a right wing cross to give Falkirk a 1-0 lead after 28 minutes. Lauren had to be adept to stop a speculative shot from doubling the Falkirk lead 5 minutes later. Hibs rallied with some good attacking from Bryony and Kirsten but could not break down the solid Falkirk defence. Unfortunately for Hibs, Falkirk went two up just before halftime when Sarah's shot spun through the Hibs keeper's hands. Hibs were quickly on the attack in the second half with Gillian coming close after good work by Coral in breaking from defence. Hibs looked livelier with some great play from substitute Laura in taking on the Falkirk defence. Falkirk were always threatening however and although Lauren made a great save from a Falkirk shot an excellent chip from Nick on the rebound gave Falkirk a 3-0 lead 10 minutes into second half. The Falkirk attacks continued and although under a lot of pressure the Hibs defence held firm. Hibs took every opportunity to attack with Rebekah being unlucky with a shot from long range. Further long rangers from Coral forced saves from the Falkirk goalie and Hibs finally opened their account with an excellent free kick from Coral to bring Hibs back into the game midway through the second half. Hibs attacks continued with a great run by Gemma following an excellent kickout by Lauren. Hibs resurgence continued when a snapshot from Laura that was heading goalwards was stopped by a Falkirk defender. Hibs probed further with good runs from Gemma and Gillian as well as further long range shots from Coral. Falkirk were always dangerous however and the Hibs defence needed to be alert with some great defending from Melia after coming on as a substitute. Hibs continued to press and were unlucky not to score with an excellent left foot strike from Laura that the keeper did well to save. Falkirk were resolute in defence however and still well capable in attack with two further another good saves by Lauren in the closing minutes from the ever lively Falkirk strike force. In the end Hibs couldn't break down their strong and disciplined opponents and lost the match 3-1, despite resolute defending and a goal from Coral, who was named the Hibs player of the match.