CAPTAIN Joelle Murray scored two goals and provided an assist as Hibernian sailed through to Sunday’s SSE Scottish Women’s Cup quarter-final with a 5-0 demolition of Celtic at Ainslie Park.
Hibs took the lead after just seven minutes in the postponed third-round tie when Murray hooked a corner back across goal and Abi Harrison scored with a looping header.
The holders went two up 14 minutes later, Murray curling a free kick round the wall and into the far corner from just outside the box.
Hibs put the game beyond Celtic’s reach with two goals in the last five minutes of the second period. Again Murray was the scorer, sending a downward header from Amy Gallacher’s corner across Megan Cunningham.
The fourth goal came when Celtic central defender Cheryl McCulloch was dispossessed on the halfway line, allowing Harrison to score her second. Hibs saved the best for last three minutes after the restart – Lisa Robertson heading home following a slick move involving several players.
Celtic sent on all five subs around the hour mark and enjoyed by far their best period of the game without managing to notch a consolation goal.
Hibs got back from a tough three-game Champions League qualifying group in Romania on Tuesday and head coach Chris Roberts said: “I couldn’t have asked any more – there wasn’t any European hangover.
“We asked the girls to go out and win the game in the first half and they did that. The fifth was a great team goal and it was good to get Lisa back on the park after being out injured.
“I had to hold her back when we were out in Romania.
“There was a reasonable gap for Joelle’s free kick and she’s taken it very well. Overall it was a very pleasing performance.”
Hibs didn’t get it all their own way yesterday as they were knocked off top spot in the league by Glasgow City. The 10-time champions took advantage of their rivals being on cup duty with a 3-0 home win over Hamilton Accies.
Lauren McMurchie grabbed the first two and captain Leanne Ross got the third from the penalty spot. They are now two points ahead of Hibs but have played a game more.
Stirling University drew 1-1 with Rangers while Aberdeen are still looking for their first league win of the season.
They lost 2-1 at home to Spartans, who moved up to third place.
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