Hibernian 1-2 Glasgow City: Champions three clear at SWPL 1 summit after fighting back from behind
| Apr 21 |
Glasgow City fought back from behind to beat Hibs and move three points clear of Rangers at the top of SWPL1.
Hibs took an early lead through Eilidh Adams, but a wonderful effort from Janine Van Wyk and a Priscilla Chinchilla penalty turned it around for the champions.
And, with Rangers losing 1-0 to Celtic, Scott Booth’s side are now in pole position as they seek a 14th consecutive title.
Hibernian fall to fifth, with Spartans beating Forfar Farmington.
For the first time since the resumption of the SWPL 1 season, Glasgow City looked vulnerable at the back. They had won their three games by an aggregate of 18-0, but Hibs put them under pressure from the start.
Rachael Boyle firing a chance over the Glasgow City bar should have served as a warning to the visitors, but with less than 15 minutes on the clock Kirsty Morrison drove between two City defenders and found striker Adams, who slotted past Lee Alexander.
Chances were at a premium as Hibernian began defending slightly deeper, until just after the half hour mark when City levelled.
Jo Love found Van Wyk in space 30 yards from goal, and the South African defender took a touch before picking her spot and sending a sublime curling strike into the top right corner.
Glasgow City were putting Hibs under some pressure throughout the remainder of the first half, but some solid defending restricted them to only one clear cut opportunity, which in-form striker Ode Fulutudilu sent wide from outside the penalty area.
Hibs nearly regained the lead on the stroke of half time when Adams held off Arna Sif Asgrimsdottir in the area and found Colette Cavanagh in space, but she couldn’t manage a clean strike on goal.
Glasgow City full-back Zaneta Wyne headed just wide early in the second half, while Asgrimsdottir attempted to emulate Van Wyk’s earlier strike from distance but could only find the safe hands of Emily Mutch.
As the pressure continued to build, Glasgow City went ahead from the penalty spot.
Chinchilla twisted and turned her way into the penalty area before being hauled down as she looked to shoot. She dusted herself down and sent Mutch the wrong way.
City continued to dominate. Substitute Lauren Davidson saw her effort slide inches past the far post, before Fulutudilu’s frustrating night continued as her effort from distance drifted wide of the target.
Mairead Fulton then saw a dipping long range effort fly just over the crossbar, while midfield partner Love had an effort comfortably saved as the visitors searched for their third to kill the game off.
Hibs threatened late on with a number of dangerous crosses into the Glasgow City area but Asgrimsdottir was on hand to clear and ensure that City held on and opened up a vital gap at the top of the league standings.
Player of the match - Priscilla Chinchilla
Eilidh Adams put in a tireless shift up front for, Hibs but the player who ultimately made the difference in this match was Glasgow City’s Priscilla Chinchilla.
She looked a threat every time she got on the ball with her pace and dribbling abilities on full display. She won and scored the penalty which capped an impressive overall performance from the Costa Rican international.
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