GOALS from Scottish international trio Joelle Murray, Amanda Burns and Suzanne Grant enabled Hibernian women to retain the Unite Scottish Women's Cup with a 3-1 extra-time win over first-timers Celtic at McDiarmid Park yesterday.
The match was goalless after 90 minutes, but Hibs killed the game with three in 11 minutes, with the first one the best, a 30-yard drive by Murray.
Substitute Leanne Crichton scored a consolation goal for Celtic, who were fighting SWPL relegatio
n as Arsenal North this time last year.
It was very close first half full of commitment, especially from Celtic midfield international Jennifer Beattie, the 16-year-old daughter of former rugby international and BBC radio commentator John, but no goals. Unusual at this level.
Celtic women had the better of the first 45 minutes, with Claire Gemmell and ex-Hibs player Suzanne Malone, who took an early knee knock, forcing at least three good saves from No.1 international goalkeeper Gemma Fay.
But Hibs upped the tempo from the start of second half with an almost full international squad which always looked fitter and stronger than their opponents.
Stacey Cook forced a good save from Celtic's Scotland No.2 keeper Claire Johnstone in 69 minutes, with Joanne Love creating the only threat for Celtic against the Dalkeith-based SWPL champions, still hoping to retain the title coming from behind with four games to play in the next two weeks.
As extra-time loomed, nerves played a part, with both sides missing good chances as the goalkeepers held firm. But Hibs' fitness told in the extra half-hour.
The full article contains 278 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
