Rangers 1-0 Hibernian: 'Invaluable' Kevin Murphy key to Ibrox side's success - Malky Thomson
Rangers’ assistant Kevin Murphy is “invaluable” said manager Malky Thomson after his side squeezed to a 1-0 win over Hibernian.
The win kept them level on points with champions Glasgow City, although they lost top spot after City’s 8-0 demolition of Motherwell ensured they moved above them on goals scored.
Lizzie Arnot’s second half goal was enough for Rangers to claim the three points, and afterwards Thompson praised former Hearts boss Murphy for his role.
He said: “He has worked at Man City and he been the head at Hearts, he has a lot of experience in the game itself, he is very organised, knows the game, know women’s football.
“So for someone like him to be next to me, who is just new into the women’s game it is invaluable to me.”
The day started badly for Hibs, who remain fourth in the SWPL, with Amy Gallagher unable to take the field after pulling up injured in the warm up.
And Rangers started the brighter of the two sides with Arnott and Kirstine Reilly both testing Emily Mutch in the Hibernian goal from distance.
Next Nicola Docherty fired in a low cross which Arnott instantly controlled, then majestically nicked the ball past an on rushing Hibs defender, only to find her shot sail over the bar.
Hibs stuck to their task well but any out balls were expertly dealt with by Chantelle Swaby and Brianna Westrup in the Rangers defence. The latter ended up in a head bandage after a clash of heads with Shannon Leishman.
Mutch saved well from a Swaby header and then a long range effort from Docherty before the break.
The second half began with Rangers again on the front foot and after some sublime wing play from Brogan Hay the home side took the lead.
Hay outpaced two Hibs players before cutting past another and floated a perfect cross for Arnott to volley home her fourth goal in three games.
Hibs captain Joelle Murray kept her side in it when she showed her defensive qualities; first taking the ball from Arnott’s head as she looked certain to score and then blocking a Rachel McLauchlan goal-bound effort.
Sam Kerr nearly rounded off her birthday weekend with a goal as she saw her effort hit the bar.
Player of the match - Brogan Hay
Brogan Hay caused countless problems for Hibs down the right hand side, with superb skill and vision to set up the games only goal.
