Glasgow City lift 8th SWPL title in a row
Glasgow City were finally presented with the SWPL trophy for the 8th successive season after their 3-1 win over Hibernian at Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie.
The Champions took a 3-0 half time lead thanks to goals from Jo Love, Fiona Brown and Denise O’Sullivan. Hibernian replied after the break through Katey Turner, but it was not enough to put a cloud over the title party as City now turn their attentions to Wednesday’s crucial Champions League tie at Airdrie against Medyk Konin.
City got off to the perfect start as Jo Love finished off a Fiona Brown cross after just 3 minutes. Less than 10 minutes later, Brown herself found the net, after a pass from fellow striker Abbi Grant to put City into a comfortable lead. 
Hannah Reid in the Hibs goal had to look alert as she acrobatically tipped a Susan Fairlie shot from distance over the cross bar and Brown cut inside before hitting a powerful effort into the side netting as Hibernian struggled to cope with their hosts in the opening half hour.
City’s third goal came from some great team play and some good footwork from Fiona Brown as she neatly set up Denise O’Sullivan who calmly slotted past Reid to give her side a 3 goal cushion at the break.
City made a number of changes in the second half, most notably giving first team debuts to Under 17 players Maxine Welsh and Marianne MacDonald, with young Kodie Hay also coming on to replace Denise O’Sullivan on 60 minutes.
Niki Deiter in the City goals pulled off a good save to deny Clare Williamson as Hibernian carved out their best chance of the match, but could do nothing to prevent a Katey Turner header with 15 minutes remaining after City failed to snuff out a cross from the right.
Commenting on the win, City Head Coach Eddie Wolecki Black said, “I asked the players to play at a really high tempo from the start today and I felt we did that and it really set the tone of the whole game for us. It was pleasing to see us get early goals and pretty much kill the game at half time and allow us to see the result out. I felt we did that second half. We were disappointed to lose the goal, of course we are, but when you start making a number of changes, it doesn’t matter who they are, it affects the flow and balance of the game. However, overall I am delighted with the performance and three points.”
Glasgow City are back in action on Wednesday evening at Excelsior Stadium, Airdrie, as they take on Medyk Konin in the second leg of the last 32 of the Champions League. Kick off is 7.30pm and entry is £5 adults, £2 kids.
Pictures by Andy Buist. A full picture report will appear on our facebook page.
12.10.14
