Hibernian Ladies swept aside Spartans on Sunday to win the latest Edinburgh Derby and progress into the next round of the Unite Scottish Cup.

The 3-1 victory was sweet revenge for Hibernian after they were knocked out of the competition last season by Spartans at the semi final stage.

The first half was fairly even with neither side dominating however Hibernian did get their noses in front on the half hour when Captain Rhonda Jones pounced on a loose ball to score.

After the interval Hibernian took control of the match with substitute Debbie McWhinnie returning to haunt her former club by netting a double to seal the victory.

Clare Crosbie - a former Hibernian youngster - netted a late consolation for Spartans but it was too little, too late for the visitors.

After the match Hibernian Coach Willie Kirk said: "We are delighted to progress into the next round, particularly after drawing a very good team so early in the competition.

"The first forty-five minutes were a poor spectacle and neither team did enough to take control of the game.

"Spartans did put us under some pressure with a series of corner kicks midway through the first half but we stood firm and capitalised by taking one of only two half chances that we created.

"After the break we finally got some rhythm to our game and in the end we fully deserved our win after creating numerous chances.

"The introductions of Debbie [McWhinnie] and Hollie [Thomson] gave us an extra edge to our game.

"The girls were all annoyed to lose a late goal as it slightly tarnished a very good second half performance but I was delighted to see that reaction from my players.

"What the girls have given me over the last couple of months has been fantastic in terms of attitude, professionalism and willingness to learn and improve.

"We are now seeing the benefits of that however we also know that we must continue to work hard to improve if we are to achieve what we want over the next two or three years."

That victory makes it seven consecutive wins for Hibernian who now face two difficult home fixtures this week against Rangers on Wednesday (at Broxburn Juniors - kick off 8pm) and Boroughmuir on Sunday (at Hibernian Training Centre - kick off 4pm).

Elsewhere Hibernian 2000 put up a brave fight against SWPL side Inverness before bowing out of the competition following a 1-0 defeat at Redford Barracks.

The winning goal came with just five minutes remaining to devastate the home side and send the Highlanders into the next round.

Coach Brian Ross was nevertheless delighted with the efforts of his young team who must now turn their attentions towards sealing the Second Division championship.

He said: "We had the chances to win the game and there was absolutely nothing to choose between the teams throughout the match.

"With both teams being so evenly matched, I knew that whichever team scored the first goal was likely to go on to win the game.

"Unfortunately it was Inverness and not ourselves that grabbed the late winner.

"We tried to strike straight back at them and attacked until the final whistle, but we didn't manage to force the game into extra-time.

"The girls are all naturally disappointed.They must pick themselves up, dust themselves down and get ready to go again because we have some big game on the horizon.

"Next week we face second placed Falkirk in a game that could decide the league title, followed by another difficult match against third placed Dunfermline.

"If we win these two games we will be champions."

**UPDATE** 

The draw for the quarter finals of the Unite Scottish Cup was made earlier this afternoon at Hampden Park by SFA President, Mr George Peat.

Hibernian Ladies face another difficult tie if they are to make it into the semi finals after they were paired with Celtic LFC.

The full draw was as follows;

Hibernian LFC v Celtic LFC
Celtic Reserves v Inverness LFC
Glasgow City v Heart of Midlothian LFC
Rangers LFC v Hamilton Academical LFC

The ties are scheduled to take place on Sunday 26th September.