Hibernian Ladies failed to take advantage of Glasgow City's inactivity at the weekend to close the gap at the top of the Scottish Women's Premier League table, but boss Willie Kirk refused to blame a controversial turning point in the match for his team's failure.

The Easter Road girls had the opportunity to cut the gap on the champions to just three points had they won, however it was a chance missed as they were defeated 4-1 by Forfar Farmington at Station Park.

Hibs were already trailing Forfar 2-1 when goalkeeper Shannon Lynn was sent off after upending ex-Hibee Emma McCulley inside the penalty box despite a strong offside appeal.

A straight red card for the shot stopper ended the visitors' hopes of getting any sort of result but Kirk doesn't believe it changed the outcome of the game.

He said: "The decision to send off Shannon was a decision that ended the match as a contest, however we were very poor all game and I was bitterly disappointed with the lack of enthusiasm from my players.

"There were positives to take, such as the performance of young Ashleigh who made her debut and played well.

"It was a great match experience to play at Station Park and we now have to pick ourselves up quickly before facing Celtic Reserves next weekend in the Scottish Cup."

Caroline Heron, Caron Webster, Lucy Graham (penalty) and Kelly Clark were on target for the home side with Kirsty McLaughlin netting Hibs' consolation.

Hibernian Ladies: Shannon Lynn, Frankie Brown, Hollie Thomson, Emma Brownlie (Rebecca Zoltie 80'), Kirsty Smith, Caroline Weir, Kirsty McLaughlin, Lizzie Arnott, Susan Fairlie, Laura Kennedy, Ashleigh Fish (Joelle Murray 60').