Reilly: We're Playing With Freedom
Kirsten Reilly admits that she hopes recent results have surprised onlookers, as Hibernian Women prepare to face Partick Thistle at home this Sunday.
The in-form squad avenged their previous derby defeat earlier in the season by winning the latest Capital Cup clash 1-0 last weekend at Tynecastle Park, courtesy of Rosie Livingstone’s late strike.
Reilly said that the squad did celebrate the memorable result, but have learned lessons in remaining focused when heading into matches following a positive result.
“The result last time was hugely disappointing, but we knew what we had to do. Amend it and get the three points. We were determined to stay in the race with the other top four teams.
“We were delighted with the result last weekend, but all focus is on this weekend. We’ve practiced on things we didn’t do so well. We’re focused on trying to get a positive result again.
“It’s been a hard month. But we’re a good group of girls. I feel like we’re surprising some people looking on, but we knew what we could achieve.
“We know not to panic if there’s an early goal. And we know we can create chances in the first minute or the 90th.”
A midfield dynamo, Reilly also admitted that she enjoyed being one of the squad’s main creative outlays this season - despite playing in a slightly different position than she’s used to.
“I have loved being a more attacking player this year than what I’ve been used to in the past.
“We can play with a lot more freedom here. I’ve played under Grant before and know how he wants us to play. It’s enjoyable, and allows us to be creative and play how we see.
“We like to play with space and we’ve got players whose strengths help us in that.
Reilly is optimistic ahead to this Sunday's return to Meadowbank - our first home game of the month after a flurry of away fixtures.
“We’ve got a really good home record this year.
"Hopefully we can continue that run with a win against Partick at the weekend.”