Clubs | Hibs matching city rivals in title pursuit | |
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Hibs have matched the form of rivals Hearts as both sides ride high at the top of the East/South East Region SWF Youth League. With both teams picking up 7 points from 3 games they sit joint top of the South East League on 19 points from 8 games.
Hibs run started on Sunday 3rd June with a comprehensive victory at home to Boroughmuir with goals coming from Claire Williamson (5), Erin Harrison (3), Lea Tweedie (3), Toni Bertram (3), Rebecca McArthur (2), Hayley Cross (1), Holly Cockburn (1), Louise Kerr (1), Sarah Laverty (1) and Shannon Leishman (1).
Next up was a midweek trip to reigning league champions, Murieston, on 13th June. Hibs took an early lead through leading goal scorer Clare Williamson and went in at half time one up.
Murieston came out for the second half with all guns blazing and after a quick fire double found thereselves in front. This kicked Hibs back into life and with five minutes of the game remaining Toni Bertram slotted Rebecca McArthur through the defence to drill the ball into the back of the net. A thoroughly entertaining game and a deserved share of the points.
Game 3 on Sunday 17th of June was another away game, not far to travel though as a trip to Meggetland was the venue for Hutchie Vale. Hibs were down to the bare bones today, with only 1 outfield substitute and 5 minutes into the game they lost their centre back Hayley Cross with a hamstring injury.
Coach Allan Harkness decided to go with only 3 at the back and threw on his 3rd striker. This proved to strengthen Hibs considerably as Hutchie rarely managed to get out their own half. With goals coming from Clare Williamson, Rebecca McArthur and Toni Bertram Hibs went into the break 3-0.
Coach Harkness decided to strengthen up the Hibs rearguard and switched striker Toni Bertram to centre half for the second half. At 14 years old she was one of the youngest players on the pitch but also one of the tallest. In her first outing in defence she managed to win every aerial challenge and thwarted most of the Hutchie attacks.
Hutchie managed to claw a goal back midway into the second half, when a cross from the left flew right into the net, although Goal Scorer Dhana Wilson will tell you she meant it. Less than 1 minute later Hutchie had another shot out of nothing which flew past the keeper to make it 3 - 2 with ten minutes remaining.
Hibs got a corner and Coach Harkness shouted on the now versatile Toni Bertram to go up to the edge of the box. The ball came into the penalty area where Toni got her head onto it putting it into the path of Rebecca McArthur to smash home her 2nd of the game and Hibs 4th.
Also a special mention to Hibs U15 squad who retained the League Cup yesterday with a 5 - 0 win over Letham at Spartans. This is a young team that has just come from 13s last season, so they will all have another year together next year, the future looks Green.
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