Hibernian Ladies opened their Scottish Women's Premier League campaign at the weekend with a hard fought victory away to Boroughmuir Thistle. Despite suffering a defeat at the hands of Glasgow City in their last outing Hibernian Coach Willie Kirk was looking for his girls to build on a positive display against last season's champions in their opening league fixture.

Kirk made two changes to his side for the clash with Boroughmuir with fullbacks Emma McCulley and Kirsty McBride dropping out of the starting line up, they were replaced by Hayley Cunningham and Lisa Robertson. A determined Hibernian side came flying out of the traps and it took them just 3 minutes to force a breakthrough as Hollie Thomson headed in from a Debbie McWhinnie free kick.

McWhinnie was again involved later in the half when she appeared to have been upended by the Boroughmuir goalkeeper however the referee waved away the appeals of the visitors to leave them frustrated. Hibernian had further first half chances through Frankie Brown, Hayley Cunningham, Debbie McWhinnie and Hollie Thomson without adding to their tally.

In the second half Hibernian dominated possession without necessarily carrying a cutting edge to their play and it was not until the introduction of substitutes Claire Emslie, Jenna Ross and Kirsty McBride that the Edinburgh side strengthened their grip on the game. On 78 minutes Joelle Murray picked up Livingstone's clearance from goal and from 45 yards she took a quick glance up and spectacularly lobbed the goalkeeper and found the unguarded net.

In the closing minutes Hibernian netted for a third time when Kirsty McBride showed bravery to win a header on the edge of the penalty area, the loose ball broke to Debbie McWhinnie and her cross was headed home by Joelle Murray for her second goal of the game.

After the match Hibernian Coach Willie Kirk said: "It was vitally important that we got off to winning ways in the opening league outing of the season. It would have been nice to have added a couple of more goals, but it wasn't to be. Boroughmuir were very well organised, which I expected, and that is down to the quality of coaches they have at the club.

"We showed a lot of patience and I thought the players went about their business in a very professional manner indeed. Once more our substitutes provided a spark for us just when we needed it and that says a lot about their mentality. With a large squad this season and the quality we have throughout, no one is guaranteed a game, so it is important that when players are left out the starting eleven, they respond in the correct manner and that is by making an impact when they go on the park. That's two weeks in a row now that has happened which is very pleasing.

"Myself and Yorkie have placed a lot of emphasis so far on teamwork and the early signs are good. For the second week in a row, we have looked like a team and not just eleven individuals and it is that sort of approach which will dictate if the season is a successful one or not.

"Despite the good team performance, I have to single out Joelle Murray. I asked a few questions of her today and she answered them all. Possibly unfairly, I questioned her desire and the quality that she could give us in front of the rest of the girls before the game. She responded with a fantastic display, not only going forward but also doing her bit defensively.

"She has so much ability and we have to make sure that we get the best out of her week in, week out. She did it today, both when playing wide left and latterly through the middle when she scored her two goals. Her first goal didn't actually surprise me as I know she has that in her locker. We now have a home game against Kilmarnock before the international break and it is important that we approach this properly and take another three points."

This season Hibernian Ladies have entered two sides into the SWFL 2nd Division (East). Hibernian 1875 were not in action at the weekend however Hibernian 2000 was - and they romped to an incredible 10-0 victory over Jeanfield Swifts.

The youngsters ensured their Perth hosts endured a torrid time with Laura Smith (4), Kirsty Smith (2), Gemma Robb (2), Julie Paton and Danielle Diey all on target. A miserable afternoon for the home side was rounded off when Hibernian goalkeeper Hannah Reid saved a penalty kick to ensure she kept her clean sheet.

Report: Richard Payne