'First class' Hearts ace plays key role in impressive Europa Cup result that gives Jambos all to play for

Hearts Women’s boss Andy Thomson lauded the defensive work of ‘first class’ centre back Carly Girasoli as they held on for a goalless draw against Spanish giants Real Sociedad in their historic Europa Cup debut.

As Girasoli and co kept the second qualifying round match-up level with some valiant defending, they felt the full force of the Sociedad attack at Ainslie Park. The visitors peppered Rachael Johnstone’s goal with 22 shots - but weren’t able to find the back of the net. The champions’ defensive effort looked to be undone in the 94th minute, when referee Henrikke Nervik pointed to the spot for a Sociedad penalty, but midfielder Nerea Eizaguirre blazed over the bar from 12 yards.

The Jambos had one shot on goal during a night where defensive solidity proved key. They now travel to Spain for the second leg next Wednesday night where they will seek added edge in front of goal on top of a defensive performance repeat. Manager Thomson was keen to praise his side’s work off the ball in the hard fought stalemate. Girasoli - who signed for the Gorgie Girls from London City Lionesses in 2023 - was the main subject of praise.

The gaffer said: “I knew Carly (Girasoli) before I came in here and I thought she might be a good defender - but she's probably surpassed what I actually thought previously. She's been first class, she’s a great competitor, really aggressive, reads the game really well, attacks everything in her own box and makes sure that we're well structured and organised for the crosses coming in.

“She had a brilliant performance, but it doesn't surprise me. I think that she should be looking to play national team level. She's that good a defender and hopefully she gets an opportunity one day, but it didn't surprise me the level of performance she put in. She's been doing that the full season since I've come in. I’m really proud of the players. They limited the opposition, a real good technical team, to few opportunities. We thoroughly deserved the draw.

As the ball struck the arm of Hearts defender Jessica Husband in the dying minutes, Thomson had no qualms over the incident itself. However, he did take issue with the fact he thought Sociedad midfielder Klara Cahynova also handled the ball on the halfway line in the build-up. He continued: “I thought it was an unjust penalty because there was a handball in the middle of the pitch that the referee should have picked up on.

“The big midfielder handled the ball, then they got the break of the ball. It was probably a penalty in the box, but I was confident Rachel (Johnstone) would save it or they would miss. She does loads of work on that. She was doing it yesterday as I was leaving and I knew that she's a real top class professional. I'm just delighted to see the ball sailing well over the bar and hopefully it sets us up nicely for the next game.”

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