Hibs close in on four in a row

Hibs stayed on course for a fourth successive SWPL Cup win when they beat Spartans 3-0 in the first of two semifinals at Broadwood Stadium. They will play Glasgow City, who defeated Rangers 5-1, in the final on 10 May.

Hibs survived an early scare when Spartans’ Tegan Reynolds smashed the ball off their bar with only eight minutes played, but they dominated thereafter.

Lauren Davidson scored nine minutes later and second-half goals from Jamielee Napier and substitute Lia Tweedie ensured the win despite some great saves from Spartans goalkeeper Rachel Harrison.

“It’s pleasing to get into the final with three goals and another clean sheet,” said captain Joelle Murray, who hopes to be in France with Scotland this summer. “It could have been more, as we were a bit wasteful.”

Spartans head coach Debbi Mcculloch said: “Rachel pulled off some absolutely outstanding saves and kept the scoreline respectable.”

In the second semi-final, Nicola Docherty put City two up with two well-struck volleys. Kirsty Howat and Clare Shine made it 4-0, but Caitlin O’hara got one for Rangers in first-half time added on. City skipper Leanne Ross got her side’s fifth goal early in the second half.