Hibs set up defensively looking to contain City and push forward on the counter attack and their plan almost worked as City dominated the game from start to finish but struggled to penetrate a resolute solid line of green and white. Without doubt the demands of two massive Champions League games within four days last week, appeared to take its toll on the favourites with a much altered line up and movement of personnel necessitated due to a number of players suffering midweek knocks. The best chance of the first half came from a good diagonal ball from Jess Fishlock to Suzanne Lappin who knocked the ball down expertly for Ruesha Littlejohn, but her powerful effort was tipped over the bar by Shannon Lynn who was having a commanding game in goals for the Edinburgh side.In the second half City increased their pressure on the Hibs goal but were still unable to unlock their defence, with some excellent defending from Scotland and Hibs defender Frankie Brown in particular. Two minutes from full-time City’s pressure eventually counted as Fishlock fired in yet another wicked corner at pace right on top of Lynn, who was unable to keep the ball out of her net under pressure from her own defenders and City’s forward line. The HIbs and Scotland keeper will be disappointed to have been beaten, but cannot be faulted after having such an impressive game for her side. The loss of the goal spurred Hibs into last minute action and they finally came at City in injury time, with Zoe Johnstone almost scoring with the last touch of the ball in what was virtually HIbs only real chance of the game.Commenting on the win, City Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black said: "Congratulations to everyone at the club, the players, staff, owners and supporters. Before the game I told the girls that we were on the verge of history and look what they have achieved today. They have broken four records – it’s the first time anyone has won 3 successive Scottish Cups, it’s the first time anyone has ever won 6 Scottish Cups in total, it’s the first time anyone has secured back to back trebles and we have extended our own record to winning 8 trophies in a row. I can only applaud the players and everyone associated with the club for this magnificent achievement and if we consider where we were at the start of the season it is phenomenal. On the game itself, I thought Hibs set themselves up to make it very difficult for us and they certainly did that. Perhaps my only wish would have been that the winning goal was a well worked goal, but I think no-one can deny we deserved the victory."
Source: ScottishFitba
Source: FOOTYMAD
