Hibs boss 'delighted' by derby victory over Hearts after media 'noise'

Hibernian Women boss Dean Gibson believes his side finally got their just rewards in last weekend's derby triumph over Hearts.

Hibs' Amy Gallacher netted a hat-trick in the recent 6-0 victory over Hearts. Picture: SNS

The Hibees blew their opponents aside 6-0 at Ainslie Park to close in on the top half of SWPL 1 while also ending a run of three straight defeats in the process.

Amy Gallacher was the star of the show with a classy hat-trick – Ellis Notley, Carla Boyce and Rachael Boyle also on target as Hibs exacted revenge for December's last-gasp defeat to the Jambos, so far Andy Kirk's side's only win the league this season.

And Gibson felt his players came in for some unwarranted criticism for that loss at Oriam almost five months ago, instead insisting his players competed well but just had an off day in front of goal.

"I was really delighted with last weekend's win," Gibson explained. "There was a lot of noise made after the last game, not from Hearts, but from the media questioning the players so I felt we were hard done by. We created a lot chances in that match and we know if we can convert those chances that we do in most games then we're going to hurt teams.

"And last week we managed to do that. The thing that pleased me the most was we kept our defensive discipline, but we added a lot more going forward. I'm really pleased with the players and happy for them because they've come through a hard spell of games with a victory so long may it continue."

Hibs now turn their attention to Sunday's trip to Forfar, the side immediately below them. However, Hibs have fourth-placed and ground-sharing rivals Spartans in their sights with Debbi McCulloch's side just three points better off.

Gibson said: "It's same again for this weekend. Last week's performance wasn't any better or worse than we've shown in the last few games so we're getting a level of consistency out of the group. So, as long as we continue in that manner then we'll continue to hurt teams in this league. I've got every faith they can go out and win matches."

Meanwhile, there is another Capital clash in store this weekend when Spartans and Hearts go head to head at Ainslie Park. Spartans boss McCulloch says there is a lot to build on despite the 3-1 loss to league leaders Glasgow City five days ago.

"I think the players have made progress and we showed that we're not a team who are going to fold when we're 3-0 down," she said. "We still tried to get something from the game last week and the girls maybe could have. We won the second half and I know you don't get any points for that but that means something to us.

"We're glad to be back at home this weekend against Hearts. Last time we dominated the first half but the second half we allowed them to come back in it so we know they can be a dangerous team. But we want to control the match, score goals and keep a clean sheet."

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