Hibernian battled hard at Oriam but would lose out to Hearts in the Scottish Cup Third Round.
Erin Clachers’ penalty save injected optimism after Georgia Timms opener, but Hibs failed to annul Hearts’ second-half strike.
With the international break allowing for a fortnight’s recovery, Grant Scott made four changes to his side. Kathleen McGovern started against her former club, replacing Eilidh Adams up front.
Abbie Ferguson and Michaela McAlonie filled in for Mya Christie and Ciara Grant respectively, whilst a change of shape meant Rachael Boyle switched in for Poppy Lawson.
The second Edinburgh Derby in four weeks kicked off with much fanfare at Oriam. Both sides would have openings, with Clachers holding well to contain the home side.
Showing promise with some great crosses, Boyle’s corner was met by the head of McGovern - rising narrowly over the bar shortly after 20 minutes.
Hibs would start to come into the game, with successive drives from Ferguson and McAlonie down either flank nearly resulting in deserved rewards.
McGovern was also unfortunate to blaze a shot well wide after a promising opening. Played through brilliantly by Tegan Bowie and Boyle in the centre, she positioned herself all wrong on the edge of the area and sent her effort skyward.
Playing our best football down either wing, Bowie made the best opening of the game yet. Releasing a precise cross, the ball came agonizingly close to skimming the boots of McGovern in the middle.
After the restart, Hearts would have the momentum and took the lead through Georgia Timms after 52 minutes. The striker beat Clachers to a loose ball and fired in from 20 yards.
Hibs, however, would respond well. Bowie’s acute shot looked to cause all sorts of trouble, stinging the hands of Charlotte Parker-Smith after a lightning quick McAlonie breakaway.
Despair turned to optimism come 75 minutes. With Kirsten Reilly bringing down Eilidh Shore in the box, the referee rightly gave a spot kick to the home side.
Making herself big, Clachers batted Fiona Robertson’s powerful effort away and ensured no danger would be brought through a rebounded effort.
Successive counter-charges led by substitute Eilidh Adams almost resulted in a Hibs leveller, but despite a late muster, Hibs failed to find an equaliser and exited the Scottish Cup.
