Hibs 2 Huchison Vale 2Hibs entertained local visitors Huchison Vale at St Marks Park. With captain Nuala Deans out injured, the Hibs sweeper courageously continuing to the end of the Baillieston game having broken her wrist in the first five minutes of that game after a late challenge. With centre half Arlene Livingston also unavailable Hibs had to juggle their team around for this one. One added bonus was the first 80 minutes from Ali McCaig after a long term injury has kept her out for most of the season. Hibs are looking forward to the day when the whole squad will be available for selection. Two goals from the excellent Kim Little the first from the penalty spot, the second a cracking individual effort twice put Hibs ahead. Hibs had two efforts at the penalty the first was taken before the Ref blew his whistle, with players in the box and the Vale keeper off her line when the kick was taken, the referee correctly ordered the penalty to be re-taken. Vale twice countered to tie the game. Again Hibs were left to rue their missed opportunities. Sarah Archibald had a sterling game in defence although it removed her goal threat and Susan Blyth also fitted in very well at the back. Hibs missed several chances with one hitting the post and were unlucky when a Sarah Archibald free kick also rebounded from the post with the Vale goalkeeper well beaten however the keeper did pull out a wonder save from a Kim Little pile driver tipping the ball over the crossbar. Vale rarely threatened as an attacking force but worked hard particularly in defence to halt Hibs progress and with the few chances they created at the other end managed to hit the crossbar with one and get the two vital goals to take a share of the points in a hard fought encounter. For a Huchison Vale perspective on the match click here for Huchison Vale web site Photographer Alan Lomax19/02/2006 |