Aberdeen Women 0-2 Hibernian SWPL 1 Balmoral Stadium Sunday 27 September, 1pm
Aberdeen Women lost 2-0 at home to Hibernian on Sunday afternoon. A goal in each half from the visitors resigned The Dons to defeat, with the wait for the first points of the league continuing at least another week. Nathan Flight made one change to his side that lost at Rangers last week, Iona Watt replacing Emily Simpson. The game kicked off in horrible conditions, with the heavy rain and swirling wind perhaps to the advantage of the young Aberdeen side. Smith of Hibs was lively from the off, forcing a save out of O'Hanlon and firing wide. McQuade was next on 25' O'Hanlon equal to it. Burchill headed in seconds later, her effort quickly ruled out for offside. 1-0 on 27' through Smith, The ever lively Khrystiuk slotting a ball in behind the Dons defence, the No.9 adding an excellent high finish to open the scoring. No more goals before the end of the half, but relentless Hibernian pressure. Half-time, Aberdeen 0-1 Hibernian. 2-0 on 52' Khrystiuk's cross unluckily turned into the net by Cemal, who was excellent throughout the 90, under pressure from Smith. Emily Skinner was the first of three AFC changes on the hour, replacing Regmi. In a low-key second 45, Smith and Fitzgerald both had efforts, one saved, one too high. A double Aberdeen change with 14 minutes to go, Skinner and Reid replacing Nesbeth and Daniel. After more Hibs chances, Buchan came the closest for Aberdeen on 79' with practically her first involvement, she found herself one-on-one with Annets, her attempt saved. Gibb was denied a Hibernian third on 85' after a last ditch Maddie Finnie tackle, denying a certain goal. Full-time: Aberdeen 0-2 Hibernian.
Reaction from Nathan Flight
"I think the weather had a big part to play for both sides. I think first half we start the game really well, first 10-15 minutes, but then we kind of lose our way a little bit after that.
"Hibs take control and create a few chances, get the goal. Second half, we start too slow, but grow into the game really well and actually handle the conditions in a fantastic way. "So I am disappointed with large parts of the game, particularly the first half and beginning of the second half, but really happy with the way that we ended, maybe unfortunate not to grab a goal towards the end. But a lot of positives to take into next week. "I think we performed really well last week for large parts of the game. Now it’s about taking those good performances and the good momentum that we’ve gathered and turning that into positive results, and that needs to begin from next weekend. "I think for us, it’s about adding a little bit more quality to our play in the final third, because I think we defend well, generally speaking. I think we press well. I think our build-up is okay.
"I just think we need to have a little bit extra focus in the final third, with the final pass or the final shot, because I think if we can get that extra quality in those key moments, then I think that’ll go a long way to helping us next week.
"We know what the table looks like in respect of us and in respect of Motherwell. But we need to approach this in the same way that we approached all the other games we’ve played so far.
"We want to get that hardworking mentality from the beginning, but we also want to be able to show the football that we can play as well. And we appreciate against Rangers and Hibs it’s difficult for us to do that. We want to be in a position where we can use the ball more, create more chances, but that all has to happen with the hard work off the ball as well.
"Motherwell have had some positive results and positive performances, so we need to make sure we match their energy and add quality to our attacks."
STATS Aberdeen: 1. Katie O Hanlon, 2. Briana Salvetti, 4. Lola Nesbeth (Skinner 77'), 6. Erin Carrol, 10. Soraya Walsh, 11. Holly Daniel (Reid 77'), 15. Madison Finnie (C), 17. Melissa Regmi (Buchan 59'), 22. Iona Watt, 32. Piper Mayhew, 43. Selin Cemal Subs: 12. Amber Signorini, 21. Millie Buchan, 26. Emily Skinner, 28. Olivia Reid Hibernian: 12. Eve Annets, 2. Faye Bryson, 4. Siobhan Hunter, 5. Scarlett Herron, 8. Jess Fitzgerald, 9. Libby Smith, 10. Jasmine McQuade, 11. Yuliia Khrystiuk, 16. Ellis Notley, 23. Rachael Boyle (C), 27. Tiree Burchill Subs: 1. Ariana Anastasiadis, 3. Caley Gibb, 7. Milly Boughton, 14. Jess Broadrick, 19. Isla Taylor, 20. Jess Ramsay, 29. Kirsty Morrison, 55. Sofie Keenan, 71. Kyah Simon GOALS: Smith 27' Cemal (OG) 52'
