Murray On Vital Win & 'Joy To Watch' McGovern

Hibs Women Head Coach Joelle Murray had high praise for 'joyful' deadlock-breaker Kathleen McGovern as we worked hard to defeat Aberdeen at Balmoral Stadium.

The hosts, who only mustered up two shots - one of which was a rebound of the first - throughout the 90 but were extremely resilient in defence; keeping the game scoreless until the 66th minute.

McGovern would tear down the Dons' defensive wall with a stunning opener before doubling her tally with 10 minutes to go, before Tiree Burchill returned from injury off the bench to fire in our third in the final minute.

Whilst frustrated by her side's subdued first half performance, Murray told Hibs TV she was happy with the reaction of her squad after the restart to secure a vital win on the road. 

"We made hard work of it. We weren't happy with the first half performance, far from it, and we made sure the girls knew that at half-time. We thought they lacked a lot of things, a lot of non-negotiables. 

"And I think flip side, the positive was the reaction in the second half. They gave us everything that we'd asked of them in the changing room at half-time. Three points, three goals and a clean sheet. Can't complain in the end.

"I think although (Aberdeen) didn't really have a lot of shots, I think that one (goal) could have been the momentum swinger. So thankfully, it didn't go in because then we went on to get our first and it put us on the front foot and you could see we got a lift from it and the girls were really energetic and thriving thereafter."

McGovern takes her Hibs goalscoring tally to 49 in all competitions - in just 55 matches! - with her brace at Balmoral. Her first goal against the Reds was straight out the top-drawer, finding the top corner from 25 yards after advancing through the middle of the park with ease.

On the in-form forward, Murray revealed her delight at having such a weapon in her attacking arsenal. 

"It was top class. It doesn't surprise me because she does it day in, day out at training. She's an absolute joy to have in the squad. She's a joy to watch. 

"In games like today, when you need something, a bit of brilliance, you've got that in McGov.

"I went up to her at the end of the game and obviously congratulated her, spoke about the goal. She was frustrated at her last opportunity, and not getting the hat-trick. That just tells you everything you need to know about her. She always wants more. I can't wait to watch that one back."