Team News: Spartans (H)

Grant Scott opts to make two changes as Hibernian Women welcome Spartans to Meadowbank Stadium.

The first match of the new year comes three weeks after Hibs’ last outing. A fantastic 3-0 away victory was secured over Rangers at the Albert Bartlett Stadium to round out 2024.

The first alteration sees Club captain Rachael Boyle return to the starting XI to make her 10th appearance of the season. The skipper fills in for defender Stacey Papadopoulos, who is named on the bench. 

A second switch allows for wide-forward Kirsty Morrison to make her first start since early November, as she replaces Kathleen McGovern in attack. 

Ellis Notley is welcomed back into the matchday squad as a substitute after a three-month spell on the sidelines due to injury. The midfielder’s last appearance was on 6 October versus Montrose. 

There is a homecoming for striker Lia Tweedie, who returns following a short-term loan at Queen’s Park. Tweeds could make her first Hibs appearance since August if she is brought on this afternoon. 

McGovern and Rosie Livingstone grabbed the all-important goals versus Rangers before the break to ensure three points returned to the capital ahead of Christmas, but unfortunately both are unavailable versus Spartans. The forward pair both miss out as a precaution due to the busy schedule ahead.

Mya Christie is not named in the matchday squad for the first time this season following the completion of her loan move to Spartans. The wing-back is ineligible for our visitors this afternoon as she cannot play against her parent club. 

Starting XI

1. Erin Clachers

4. Siobhan Hunter

6. Ciara Grant

8. Michaela McAlonie

9. Eilidh Adams

22. Lauren Doran-Barr

23. Rachael Boyle (C) 

24. Tegan Bowie

29. Kirsty Morrison

32. Kirsten Reilly

33. Poppy Lawson

Substitutes

12. Noa Schumacher

2. Shannon Leishman

5. Stacey Papadopoulos

7. Abbie Ferguson

15. Lia Tweedie

16. Ellis Notley

31. Linzi Taylor