Hibernian 3-0 Hearts: Edinburgh sides create history with biggest ever SWPL crowd
A crowd of 5,512 descend on Easter Road as Hibernian take the Edinburgh debry spoils
History was created in the SWPL as Hibs coasted to a 3-0 win over Hearts at Easter Road in front of the biggest ever attendance for a domestic Scottish women's football match.
A crowd of 5,512 took in the Edinburgh derby, smashing the previous record of 3,123 recorded at the Scottish Women's Cup final two years ago.
Goals from Alexa Coyle, Rachael Boyle and Eilidh Adams capped of a successful evening for Dean Gibson’s side as they continued their fine start to the season.
However, it heaps more woe on their city rivals who are still searching for their first point of the 2021-22 season.
In a first for the women's teams, the Edinburgh derby was played at the 20,000 capacity Easter Road. Hibernian made 6,000 tickets available which were all claimed within five days.
The sense of anticipation was palpable, a build up like never before. Before a ball was kicked it was already a momentous occasion. The question that remained was who would write their name into history in what was for many of these players the biggest night of their career.
After a cagey start it was Hibs who took the lead. A mistake in the Hearts defence allowed the impressive Collette Cavanagh to cross to in-from striker Coyle to bullet home.
The Jambos should have been level after a lung busting run from Amelie Burse. The forward cut inside two Hibs defenders only to fluff her lines when it mattered, shooting well wide.
And Hibs continued to dominate before and after the break. Boyle headed wide and Shannon Leishman had two efforts saved.
A second goal was inevitable and it arrived when Boyle latched onto a loose ball, slotted past the on-rushing Hearts goalkeeper Charlotte Parker Smith, then slid in front of the Easter Road faithful to send the home fans wild.
Just moments later the fans were on their feet again when Boyle picked out Adams and she notched her side’s third.
Anyone’s Game player of the match - Rachael Boyle
Dictated the play from the middle of the park, a very well taken goal and capped off a great nights work with an assist for Adams.
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