Queens Park 0 Hibs Women 2

Two first-half goals ensured Hibs made it 12 league games undefeated with victory against Queens Park at Ochilview.

Tegan Bowie pounced on a goalkeeping mistake to fire Hibs ahead before Kirsten Reilly’s header seconds before the half-time whistle secured all three points.

Grant Scott made two changes to the side that beat league leaders Glasgow City 3-1 last time out in a remarkable contest at Meadowbank a fortnight ago. Ellis Notley made her first start since October 2024 and replaced Ciara Grant in the midfield. Shoring things up defensively, Stacey Papadopoulos also started as Michaela McAlonie dropped to the bench.

Eilidh Adams, receiving her first senior Scotland call-up earlier in the week started up front alongside Kathleen McGovern.

It was also a day to savour for academy players Jessica Ramsay and Isla Taylor who were both named in a matchday squad for the first time!

Looking to continue their resounding successes of late in the SWPL. Hibs gave the home side little time and control of the ball in the opening stages.

Guiding the tempo, Hibs could have led within 4 minutes; Rachael Boyle’s shot was hastily cleared off the line after Tegan Bowie’s incisive cross was met brilliantly to give the captain a brilliant opportunity.

With a feisty determination to avoid the bottom spot in the SWPL table, Queens Park were intent on doing some damage. A simple ball over the top looked to cause problems with Abby Callaghan advancing, although Linzi Taylor was able to quash the danger with an acrobatic clearance away.

Kathleen McGovern was unlucky not to extend her fiery scoring streak with a powerful effort saved well by Queens ‘keeper Lauren McGregor. Ellis Notley’s follow-up effort from distance was also stopped before another McGovern effort a minute later whistled wide of the top corner.

McGregor remained in top form as she made it a hattrick of saves against McGovern, tipping a bullet header over the bar. She remained committed to stopping both strikers, denying Eilidh Adams an effort bound for the top corner with a terrific lunging save.

The goalkeeper’s next move would be one to forget, however. Spilling a relatively easy effort from Adams, Tegan Bowie was ready to pounce and prodded over the line shortly after 38 minutes to open the scoring. 

Energized by the goal after applying pressure throughout the half, a jinxing run into the area was executed perfectly by Adams, but her attempt was fired wide of the mark; a disappointing finish for a striker in red-hot form. 

In a half full of “could’s” and “should’s”, Kirsten Reilly firmly extended the lead shortly before the first half’s end. Papadopoulos’ second ball towards a crowded back post was contested by the number 32, who managed to get just enough to see the ball trundle over the line with the final touch of the half.

Within a minute of the restart, both teams fired warning shots. Adams was unlucky to see her low effort smothered by the Queens goalie, and Schumacher held Rosie McQuillan’s swerving effort after a well-structured counter-attack.

Hibs continued to pepper chances goalwards, with McGovern coming close twice in successive minutes. Her first shot was hit hard but sailed well past the post before a rising header at the back post clipped the crossbar and rebounded out for a goal kick. 

Hibs continued to put pressure on the Queens Park defense in the closing stages. Efforts from Ferguson and Bowie on either flank failed to be claimed before Eilidh Adams made way for youngster Isla Taylor with 5 minutes remaining.

The number 38 made the opposition take notice. Doing well to hold off her marker with neat precision and skill, she took aim from the edge of the area and released a fiery shot that rose above the bar.

She had the final opportunity of the match, as Queens held firm for the remaining minutes despite a final push forward. The result means Hibs remain in 4th spot in the SWPL, but only 2 points off the top in a tightly fought contest.