Capital side in control as they cruise to Champions League last 32

ZNKPOMURJE

Prsa 45pen

HIBERNIAN

Napier 6, Davidson 36

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Scotland will have two sides in the last 32 of the Champions League after Hibernian made it three wins from three in their qualifying group to ensure they will join Glasgow City in Friday’s draw.

First-half goals by Jamie-lee Napier and Lauren Davidson, pictured, set Hibs on their way, and although a penalty for handballagainstcailinmichie gave Slovenian hosts Pomurje a sliver of hope, Hibs – needing only a draw to go through – held out with ease in the second half.

“It was quite close into her body, but I think almost any hand-ball nowadays is going to lead to a penalty kick,” head coach Grant Scott said. “It was probably a bit soft – but equally you’re probably screaming for it if it’s at the other end.

“There are nine players in the squad playing at this level for the first time and I thought they came of age this week. Our objective was to get into the last 32 and the players have done it. They’ve been really disciplined and focused.”

Hibs took the lead after six minutes. An excellent through ball by Amy Muir found Napier and she slipped the ball past Ljiljana Gardijan.

The second came nine minutes from the interval. There were no takers for Rachael Boyle’s corner, but Kirsten Reilly swung the ball over from the other side. Davidsonwascompletelyunmarked as she headed in.

Hibs were in cruise control, yet conceded just before halftime when Belarusian referee Volha Tsiareshka awarded Pomurje a penalty. Home captain Anja Prsa scored from the spot.

With Hibs content to hold on to their lead, and the home side possessing little threat, there was little of note in an uneventful second half – although Siobhan Hunter, with a trademark 25-yard free-kick, forced Gardijan into another good save.