THE LOWDOWN
On Wednesday we travel to Tynecastle to take on Hearts in Parks Motor Group SWPL action.
Following the recent international break, Dean Gibson and his side are ready for the derby, which will be Hibs’ final match of 2021.
THE OPPOSITION
Hearts currently sit 6th in the Parks Motor Group SWPL 1 table, seven points behind Hibs. In their last league game, they secured an impressive 3-2 victory over Partick Thistle.
Interestingly, Hearts are the only side in the Parks Motor Group SWPL 1 yet to draw a league game this season (three wins and seven defeats).
Our last encounter with Hearts was on the 29th of September in a match that saw us earn an impressive 3-0 victory. This game was held at Easter Road in front of a record-breaking crowd for a domestic encounter in Scottish women's football.
It is going to be another brilliant occasion for both sets of players.
Dean Gibson
MANAGER’S NOTES
Dean Gibson has shared his thoughts ahead of the derby and provided some early team news.
“We are excited to get going. We have had three weeks without a game, so everyone is really looking forward to it. The fact that it is a derby makes it that bit more exciting as well. A great fixture to end the year on.
“It is going to be another brilliant occasion for both sets of players. Both games will have now been played at these types of grounds and that is only ever going to be a good thing for women’s football. It adds a bit of pressure as naturally there will be more interest in the game, but it is pressure I am sure everyone is involved in football for.
“The international break has given us time to work on certain aspects of our game without planning certain things aimed at the opposition. We have been able to fully focus on ourselves and improve parts of our game both individually and as a group. Hopefully, there will be a massive sign of improvement in certain areas on Wednesday.
“The only difference to our squad is Mickey (Michaela McAlonie) is now fit and ready to go, so we have a full squad to select from. It is the first time in my 23 months in charge that this has been the case. We look forward to Wednesday!”
FROM THE CHANGING ROOM
Having scored in the reverse fixture at Easter Road, Eilidh Adams is once again looking forward to the derby.
“It was the stuff of dreams for me (scoring against Hearts at Easter Road)! I have grown up watching both the men’s and women’s players scoring at Easter Road, so to then do this myself and in front of such a great home support was an unbeatable feeling.
“This derby is another special moment and one that we are really looking forward to. It is another big game that we must win and will accept nothing less than three points.
“It will be another great occasion for the women’s game. It is an opportunity for us to showcase our talent and hopefully put on a good performance for the attending supporters.
“We have been working hard in training on developing the areas of our game that have let us down in recent matches. Our focus for Wednesday is to implement our hard work and hopefully reap the rewards when it really matters.”
BE PART OF THE ACTION
The game will kick-off at 18:30 on Wednesday, live from Tynecastle.
Our away ticket allocation of just over 1,000 tickets is now sold out - thank you for the support!
The game will be broadcast live on the BBC.
Supporters will be able to watch both the highlights and a full match replay on our Recast channel.
