Despite a spirited display at the weekend, Hibernian Ladies suffered their first defeat of the season when they were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Celtic Ladies at their Lennoxtown Training Complex. The Edinburgh side produced a battling performance against their hosts but ultimately lost out in a match that could have gone either way.

Both clubs went into the match on the back of three straight league victories and were determined to maintain 100% records. In the early stages neither side had the upper hand but Hibernian were unfortunate not to opened the scoring when they struck the post before the ball was cleared from the Celtic goal-line.

The breakthrough came on 33 minutes when former Hibernian midfielder Stacey Cook headed beyond goalkeeper Shannon Lynn from Leanne Crichton's corner kick. The game was to remain in the balance until an unfortunate own goal from Hibernian's Lisa Robertson 15 minutes from time would ultimately seal the points for the home side. Hibernian however pulled a goal back on 82 minutes through midfielder Jenna Ross headed in, but despite a frantic finale Celtic held on to pick up the three precious points in a crucial encounter.

After the match Hibernian coach Willie Kirk said: "While disappointed not to pick up anything from the game, I was pleased with the application and spirit shown by my players. The match was an excellent advert for the Women's game in Scotland and there was nothing between the teams."

Elsewhere Hibernian Ladies 2000 made it four wins from their opening four league fixtures this season when they defeated East Fife Ladies in Methil. The young Hibernian side started brightly and could have gone ahead early on when they were awarded a penalty kick, but Julie Paton's strike from 12 yards was saved. Hibernian kept pressing and their persistence paid off when Bryony Ross knocked in cross from Kirsty Smith into the East Fife net from close range. The Edinburgh side doubled their lead before the half time break when Julie Paton scored from yet another inch perfect delivery from the impressive Kirsty Smith.

Into the second half Kirsty Smith was rewarded with a goal that her play deserved and it was a stunning effort. Gather possession on the right wing, she came inside and from 25 yards struck and angled drive that entered the East Fife net off the upright. After the match Hibernian Ladies 2000 Coach Brian Ross said: "Again we had a makeshift side but the girls did very well to gain a strong advantage in the first half. We should have killed the game off sooner than we did and we allowed the standard of our play to be affected by our opponents. However it was a very good win, against difficult opponents and it was pleasing not to conceded a goal either."

The Quarter Final draw for the Scottish Women's Football League Cup was made recently and Hibernian Ladies 2000 will face the winners of the Motherwell Ladies match against Raith Rovers.

Main pic: Stacey Cook opens the scoring (celticfc.net)