Doran-Barr: We Love Playing In Big Crowds

Lauren Doran-Barr believes a large, loud support "means everything" to the players during Derby days.

The flying wing-back has starred in seven successive starts for Hibernian after a slow start to the campaign following some injury troubles. 

With two - terrific - strikes to her name in that time, Doran-Barr has found form at the right time heading into Sunday's Edinburgh Derby clash at Tynecastle Park and is well-aware of how huge these games are for the Club.

"They’re massive games. They are the fixtures you look out for when the fixture list comes out.

"It means a lot to this club. The girls are really looking forward to it. We love playing in front of a big crowd and hopefully there is one on Sunday."

LDB's first taste of the legendary fixture came last season, as Hibs lifted the Capital Cup at Tynecastle in September 2023.

She put in a superb 75 minute shift before being replaced by Eilidh Adams, with only fond memories remaining from that day for the defender.

"At the time, it was the first time I had played in front of a crowd of that size. It was amazing to see the number of people coming out.

"We are expecting a bigger crowd this time round, it is nice to see the game growing. It was a great start in my first Edinburgh Derby and hopefully we can replicate that. 

"(A large support) means everything. We’ve seen an increase in the number of away fans coming to our games. Even on Sunday there, we could hear them. Sometimes it is the difference, it gives you that extra 10 percent. 

"Hopefully we can see as many Hibs fans as possible here on Sunday."

Unfortunately, the most recent Capital Cup meeting resulted in a resounding Hearts win at Easter Road.

Despite the defeat, Doran-Barr insists the team have used the result to positively effect their outlook on Sunday's derby clash and will look to put things right on the pitch.

"We can’t dwell on it. We will remember it and remember how it felt.

"We never want to be on the end of a result like that again. We need to use it as motivation to get a positive result at the weekend.

"We just need to prepare for it the same way we do every game. And look for three points like we do every week. Getting three points would be massive in terms of staying close to the rest of the teams at the top of the table."