Park’s Motor Group SWPL Team of the Week – 23rd April

Team of the Week from games played from Tuesday 18th to Sunday 23rd April.

Written by Jack Donnelly

Goalkeeper – Lauren McGregor (Kilmarnock)

After Killie swept to a three-goal lead by half-time in their 4-2 win over Boroughmuir Thistle at Rugby Park, the away side had the chance to regain some footing early in the second half after being awarded a penalty. However, McGregor came up big to deny Fiona Gibson from the spot, beating her effort away – a further four saves were made as Killie crept closer to Gartcairn.

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Defender – Millie Urquhart (Aberdeen)

The young defender was the epitome of a flying full back in Aberdeen’s ding-dong battle with Dundee United. After setting up centurion Bayley Hutchison for the opener, Urquhart smacked a tremendous first-time effort for her first of the match – and the season – before going on to bag a brace with another excellent strike.

Defender – Eleanor Smith (Queen’s Park)

A second-half comeback ensured that Queen’s Park took all three points against playoff occupiers Gartcairn, with full back Smith heavily involved throughout. After setting up Abby Callaghan for the Spiders’ first equaliser, Smith sealed the points for her side with a howitzer from 30 yards.

Defender – Rebecca Robertson (St Johnstone)

The Saints endured a tough test from East Fife at the weekend, with Robertson shining bright at the back as they ran out 2-1 winners. The defender was confident in winning the ball back, winning nine duels, claiming six interceptions and making 16 recoveries, while also being comfortable in bringing the ball forward, as she was successful in 80% of her dribbles.

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Midfielder & Star Player – Alana Marshall (Spartans)

The Spartans captain had a day to remember at Ainslie Park as she led her side to a 4-2 win over Hamilton. Marshall opened the scoring from a Rebecca Galbraith cutback before smashing a fantastic free kick into the top right corner at the beginning of the second half to put the home side back in front.

Midfielder – Kirsty Maclean (Rangers)

Labelled “Wee Iniesta” by those in light blue, Maclean’s introduction at half time not only helped Rangers calm things down in a tight second half, but also win the game at the death. The youngster looked more than assured of herself in midfield, as she boasted 85% pass accuracy, won eight duels and made five recoveries, all before sending that all-important pass through to Kirsty Howat to win the match in its dying embers.

Midfielder – Amy Gallacher (Celtic)

Celtic were able to show their strength in depth in their 6-0 thrashing of Hearts, as Gallacher was able to come off the bench to make a real impact in the second half. The 24-year-old bagged a quickfire brace after coming on at half-time, with her second goal being particularly impressive, as she turned cleverly away from a challenge before unleashing a rocket of a strike that looped up and over Charlotte Parker-Smith.

Midfielder – Louise Brown (Montrose)

A five-star performance put Montrose just one win away from securing the Park’s Motor Group SWPL 2 title, with Brown deserving plenty of credit for her efforts in the dismantling of Stirling University. It took 25 minutes in the first half for Brown to grab her first goal – Montrose’s second – and she would score her second 25 minutes into the second half.

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Forward – Jemma Hughes (Motherwell)

The young striker had a very successful Tuesday evening on the turf at Fir Park, as she bagged herself a brace in a 4-0 victory over Glasgow Women. Hughes opened the scoring with a composed finish under pressure in the away side’s box, before finishing well at the back post in the second half to double her tally.

Forward – Katie Lockwood (Hibernian)

The Hibees picked up their first win in five with victory over Partick Thistle last Wednesday, and winter signing Lockwood was at the heart of the action. The 24-year-old grabbed Hibs their equaliser early in the second half, holding off a Partick defender before slotting the ball into the far corner, and grabbed her second by firing in Eilidh Adams’ rebounded header.

Forward – Bayley Hutchison (Aberdeen)

Typically, every Team of the Week is limited to one player per team across both SWPL divisions, but Hutchison’s performance in Aberdeen’s 4-3 win over Dundee United cannot be ignored. Making her 100th appearance for the Dons at just 19 years old, Hutchison opened the scoring at Gussie Park and would go on to win the match late on with what was her 90th goal in red.