Scott On Durham Win & Getting Into Good Habits

Grant Scott is pleased with his team’s “very strong” performance against similarly “strong side” Durham during their final pre-season fixture ahead of the new season.

The Hibees put four past the Women’s Super League 2 club without reply on Sunday afternoon at Meadowbank Stadium.

Hannah Jordan opened the scoring after a tight start, before a second-half Kathleen McGovern brace and Kirsten Reilly strike secured a convincing victory for the girls in green and white.

“I think it was a good workout for us today,” Scott told Hibs TV. “Durham are a strong side.

“I know a few of the players well from my time there and it's probably the test we needed. 

“Obviously, missing the game last weekend when we were away was tricky for us, but it was a good way for the girls to bounce back. 

“I thought, particularly in the second half, we were very strong in the game. The first half was probably 50-50 and Durham certainly had a few chances. 

“There are things we can work on and take from it, but most importantly, the intensity of the game was good for us.”

Durham were only seven points off winning their division last season, and therefore earning promotion to the English topflight; a clear sign of their quality.

Hibs’ dominant victory over the North-East outfit saw them conclude their pre-season campaign without conceding a single goal — while scoring 15 — in three matches.

The result tees up the reigning SWPL champions for their opening match of the 2025/26 campaign at home next week versus Aberdeen, with Scott assured in his side’s competency in both scoring goals at one end and keeping them out at the other.

“These games are critical,” he commented. “Making sure the players are ready to start next week is the key thing. 

“It's a good opportunity today and a good opponent to play for us to ramp up the prep for next week. 

“I think as long as we're getting in good habits of scoring goals and keeping it out at the other end, we can take that forward as real positives from the games. 

“If we can keep the ball out the net, I think we're a good enough football team to score goals. We'll see what happens come league season.”