Renfrew Ladies lost just their second league game of the season at the weekend as they fell to a 3-1 defeat to Hibernian 23s at New Western Park.

Missing three players who starred in last week’s League Cup semi-final win over Aberdeen, Frew went behind after just one minute after Hibs took advantage of sloppy play in the middle of the park to leave Sam McQuillian no chance.

It was all Hibs as the Edinburgh side began to pile on the pressure after their early opener with Renfrew counting themselves lucky after a couple of squandered chances.

The Gazette: Rae's first-half penalty not enough for Frew Ladies as Hibs prove too strong Rae's first-half penalty not enough for Frew Ladies as Hibs prove too strong

Things looked to go from bad to worse when top scorer Claire Rae went down under a heavy challenge but she managed to carry on after receiving treatment.

READ MORE: Renfrew Ladies see off Aberdeen to book spot in League Cup final

A second was coming, though, and the visitors deservedly doubled their lead 27 minutes in when they capitalised on space in behind the Renfrew defence.

Frew did well to hit back immediately after a good ball over the top from Maria Ruponen found Erin Gould in the box. And although Gould got her shot away, she was wiped out by the keeper with the referee pointing straight at the spot. 

Rae took responsibility to coolly dispatch it to bring her side right back into it.

Frew were reduced to 10 after the break, however, as Hibs went on to dominate, extending their lead on the hour mark against a weakened Frew whose attention had perhaps already turned to next month’s League Cup final.

READ MORE: 'Jobsworth' linesman leaves Renfrew boss Colin Clark fuming

It doesn’t get any easier for Frew as they welcome Celtic Academy to New Western Park on Sunday.

Elsewhere, the ladies have learned they will now face either Celtic or Hibernian 23s in the SWFL League One Cup Final on Friday, May 3.