Match report: DUWFC 0-2 HMWFC

Eva Olid made four changes for her first starting line-up of 2023, as Addison Handley, Aimee Anderson, Penman and Erin Rennie replaced Katie Rood, Gwen Davies, Cailin Michie and Monica Forsyth.

After a quiet opening ten minutes where neither side had really managed to get any controlled possession in a dangerous area of the pitch, Hearts almost got themselves in front with the first real opportunity of the match.

Georgia Timms charged forward down the right and let fly from the edge of the area, but unfortunately for the Hearts number 9 her effort cannoned back off the crossbar.

Hearts again went close on 25 minutes with two opportunities. Firstly, Anderson tried her luck from distance and forced McNicoll into a good save and from the resulting corner, Penman’s goal bound effort was deflected agonisingly wide.

The hosts had struggled to create too many openings from open play, but they almost opened the scoring from a set piece eight minutes from the break. Hearts didn’t clear their lines from a corner and Eve Donald’s effort came back off the bar.

Into the second half and whatever Olid said in the dressing room clearly had the desired effect as Hearts were ahead seven minutes into the second half.

Erin Rennie won a free kick 20 yards from goal and Ciara Grant stepped up to curl the ball perfectly into the top corner leaving McNicoll with no chance.

The girls had their tails up at this stage and quickly put the tie to bed three minutes later.

The ball broke to Jenna Penman on the left corner of the 18-yard box and her low strike flew straight into the bottom corner and put Hearts on easy street.

The third goal should’ve arrived 15 minutes from time. Erin Rennie made ground down the right and her low cross was perfect for substitute Rebecca McAllister, but after taking a touch, she was denied by the onrushing McNicoll.

Hearts dominated possession for the remainder of the match and although they had chances to score more, the final scoreline was a fair one, as Hearts progressed to Monday’s fifth round draw.

Dundee United: McNicoll, Donald, McLaren, McGinley ©, Murphy, Smith, Robb, Foote, Fraser, Cowper, Delworth

Subs: Guthrie, Malcolm, Bonner, Arthur, Harkin, McQueen

Hearts: Parker-Smith, Penman (Connor, 75), Brownlie, Hunter ©, Grant, Timms, Smith (Rood, 53), Anderson (Forsyth, 61), Rennie, Handley (McAllister, 61), Sampson

Subs: Rodgers, Forsyth, Kaney, McAllister, Rood, E. Davies, Connor, Cowan