Stewart Praises "Brilliant" Away Hibs Support

Stewart Hall has said Hibs Women did “not take their opportunities” in the first Edinburgh Derby of the season, and that is why they ultimately fell short at Tynecastle Park on Sunday.

Hearts gained the three points and the Capital Cup trophy with two second-half goals from a Georgia Timms penalty and a strike from Jessica Husband.

“It was a game of opportunities,” Hall told HibsTV. “I wouldn’t say we had the most brilliant of performances, but we had opportunities in the final third.

“We had big chances and big moments, and we’ve not taken them in the first half or even the start of the second half, and it came back to go against us.

“That’s the bit that is frustrating us just now: that it’s missed opportunities and they’ve taken them and we’ve not.

“I think we didn’t commit in the first half in particular to what we set out to do with a game plan out of possession and in possession because we didn’t stick to that; we lost a bit of momentum.

“Then in the second half, as soon as momentum went with them after their first goal, they kept the momentum on their side, and we just couldn’t claw our way back into the game.

“It lies with us. We need to do better than that and perform better than that and take our opportunities when they come.”

Hall was full of praise for Baillie Gifford, who generously provided all supporters with free tickets for the match, and our very own supporters for turning up and “supporting the team“ until the final whistle.

“The occasions Baillie Gifford gives for the Capital Cup are unbelievable. We need to post testament to that. That they’re willing to back this occasion and give free tickets to them is amazing.

“We had close to a thousand fans here, and that’s brilliant. You can hear them supporting the team until the 90th minute, even despite the result, so it’s amazing for them.

“I’m just disappointed we’ve not given them an occasion to celebrate.“ 

Hibernian Women now prepare to travel to Italy as they face Inter Milan in the first leg of the newly formed UEFA Women’s Europa Cup First Qualifying Round.

Hall said the Hibees need to “reflect on this one quickly” and then “focus on Wednesday”.

“It’s going to be a massive tie, a big occasion, a big name in Inter Milan.

“For us, we just need to reflect on this one quickly and basically install the confidence back in the players, get a couple of the walking wounded back on the pitch and get us prepped and ready for it.”

Hall added, “We’re still a good team. We’ve just not performed today, and all we need to do is focus on Wednesday and make sure we put on a performance away in Italy.“