Hibernian FC

Hibs Women defender Scarlett Herron described our Scottish Gas Scottish Cup defeat to Celtic as a “really tough game” as we were defeated 3-2 by the side from Glasgow. 

The Hibees found themselves 2-0 down at half-time at Meadowbank, with Emma Lawton's header opening the scoring for Celtic before Morgan Cross netted to double the visitors' lead later in the opening 45. 

Hibs then brought themselves level just five minutes into the second half, with a composed strike from Tiree Burchill reducing the deficit and a superb header from Eilidh Adams bringing the cup tie level. However, Celtic restored their lead with a finish from Maria McAneny just two minutes after Hibs’s equaliser, which proved to be the pivotal winner. 

"It was a really tough game," Herron told Hibs TV. "I thought we did really well in the opening 15 minutes or so, and then Celtic got a goal, and it kind of killed our momentum a bit. I thought we were on top for the opening periods, and then the second half was a bit of a struggle.

"We had a few chances but failed to put any away, and then obviously they got the second close before half-time. We went into half-time; we knew there was a big half ahead of us, and I think we came out flying.

"We got two really early goals, two great finishes, and then it was just a sucker punch to concede again so early, and then Celtic tried to kill the game, and we couldn't really get a foothold again.”

The Irish defender believes there can be lessons to be learnt from the defeat to Celtic and knows the side can be better in certain areas. 

“In our final third our decision-making and our distribution can be a lot better.

“I didn't think we played badly; we had very good spells at times, but I suppose it's just managing when we're not on top, being able to regain our momentum and get back into our shape and to make it difficult for them.”

Looking ahead, Hibs return to league action as they travel to Cumbernauld to face Rangers at Broadwood Stadium.

Herron believes this match is the perfect game to bounce back as a team, as the Hibees look to improve their league position. 

"There are tough games all through the season, so we're looking to go into the Rangers game now next week with full focus and to right the wrongs from this week.

"We'll do our analysis on Wednesday, and we'll go back in, and we'll try and focus on the things we did wrong, and then we'll also prepare for Rangers and try and put things right."