Fraine on Rangers Defeat & Celtic Away

Katie Fraine admits Wednesday evening’s narrow defeat to Rangers at Meadowbank was a “tough game.”

The goalkeeper put in an extraordinary performance in between the sticks, making save after save to keep the scoreline down.

The visitors piled forward from the first whistle as they seeked a big win to keep their title aspirations alive, but Fraine was consistently alert to their advances.

“I think it was a tough game for us. They played really well, they showed why they are at the top end of the table.

"They were agile and moving well, while creating a lot of chances. They were on it. It definitely wasn’t our best performance — but not our worst, we made chances at the end.

“We talked a lot about how they have a lot to play for. We knew they would come out hard but I think defensively we have been solid throughout the season.

"We as a backline and myself, if not matching them, we were at least limiting their opportunities to manageable things.”

Fraine was quick to praise defenders Poppy Lawson, Siobhan Hunter and Leah Eddie following the loss.

“It’s not always about them preventing shots, it’s more about them making things as predictable as possible.

“Throughout the season, they’ve gotten better and better with understanding what I’m talking about and me understanding their movements. It’s starting to click.”

The goalkeeper also reflected on her first season in Scottish football - a maiden campaign in which Fraine has kept eight clean sheets in 23 appearances.

“It’s a really interesting league to play in. As a goalkeeper, you need to be turned on in your head because you never know when teams are going to break and create opportunities.

"It’s definitely been an enjoyable experience to be here — minus the weather.”

The Hibees now travel to Celtic Park on Sunday to face league leaders Celtic (2:10pm kick-off) in what is the final SWPL1 game of the season.

“We play another top team,” said Fraine.

“We know what to expect and what we need to do to grab points. Hopefully we have enough time to get rested and give it our best go.”