Hibs Ladies triumph in local derby to stay joint top

Hibs Ladies remain joint-top of SWPL 1 after a 2-0 victory over Spartans Women at Ainslie Park.

Emma Brownlie was on target for Hibs

Champions Glasgow City have assumed pole position on goal difference, though, after their 6-0 defeat of Forfar Farmington.

Hibs took the lead on the half-hour mark through striker Abi Harrison’s fine run and finish before Emma Brownlie added a second 14 minutes after half-time, the defender heading in Lisa Robertson’s corner.

Brownlie said: “I don’t think it was our finest performance. For us it was very much about getting the three points, keep a clean sheet and move on to next week so it’s job done in that respect. Spartans gave us a better game than last time.”

In SWPL 2, Hearts also were derby victors as they edged out Edinburgh University Hutchison Vale 2-1 at Peffermill. Danni Pagliarulo’s first-half penalty gave the Jambos the lead but the students equalised through Nichola Sturrock’s powerful effort from the edge of the box. However, Pagliarulo was on hand to fire in the winner with eight minutes remaining.

Meanwhile, former Hibs winger Lizzie Arnot scored the only goal of the game as Manchester United Women began their season in style with FA Women’s Super League Cup victory over Liverpool at Prenton Park. Former Hibs full-back Kirsty Smith also given her first United start.