Katie Rood confident Hearts Women are up for the challenge

There is much to be said for teams that blow their opponents away in the first 30 minutes of games and although Hearts could easily have done that in a few games this season had they been more clinical, it is now five clean sheets in their last six league matches.

Take the manner of Hearts’ last two victories. 1-0 wins against Motherwell and Hamilton respectively. Despite dominating large periods, Hearts had to dig their heels in for the final ten minutes on both occasions, but by doing so, they showed they can grind out results. A clear sign of a good team.

At New Douglas Park on Sunday, Katie Rood’s first half strike was the difference and afterwards she admitted she was proud of the team.

“No, we like to make it hard for ourselves,” she laughed.

“I’m proud of the team to go and get the job done and get the three points that keeps us in 4th spot, which we’re pleased with. It gives us an opportunity to push on after the break.

“Our aim was to dominate possession and play in their half as much as possible,” she added.

“I thought in the first half we were really controlled. In the second half, it was a bit scrappier. We let them get into the game a bit more. They were pressing a bit higher as well and unfortunately we didn’t take our chances when they came and that is something we really need to work on.

The girls now have a break next weekend, before two massive away matches against Celtic and Hibernian. These two fixtures, particularly the first Edinburgh Derby of the season, will give fans an idea of just how far this Hearts side have come under manager Eva Olid.

When asked about the challenge that awaits, Rood responded: “Bring it on”.

Hearts Women take on city rivals Hibernian Women in the Women's Capital Cup this month, tickets for the fixture are FREE OF CHARGE!
The fixture takes place at Easter Road on Sunday, November 27th. You can collect your free tickets from the Ticket Office at Tynecastle Park - come along and support the team!