SWPL Team of the Week – 12th November

Team of the Week from the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League game played on Wednesday 8th November and Sky Sports Cup games played on Sunday 12th November.

Written by Jack Donnelly

Goalkeeper – Lauren Perry (Montrose)

While it wasn’t to be in the end for Montrose, falling to a 2-1 defeat against Partick Thistle on Sunday, Lauren Perry did her best to keep her side’s impressive cup run alive. The Mo stopper made five saves in the quarter-final clash, giving her teammates the opportunity to kick on and fight until the final whistle.

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Defender – Cassie Cowper (Dundee United)

Although Dundee United fell to a heavy defeat against Hibernian at the weekend, they picked up a massive three points against Spartans last Wednesday, with Cassie Cowper netting the winner in second half stoppage time. Standing over a free kick, the defender sent it crashing in off the underside of the crossbar, sparking wild celebrations from all in tangerine at Ainslie Park.

Defender – Kelly Clark (Celtic)

A dominant win over Glasgow City saw Celtic through to the semi-finals of the Sky Sports Cup, as Kelly Clark impressed as part of a formidable back three. The 29-year-old misplaced just three passes from 62 attempts for an accuracy of 95%, and also saw success in her duels, winning 13, and going a perfect three-for-three in the air.

Defender – Siobhan Hunter (Hibernian)

The joint-highest scorers from the weekend, Hibernian booked their place in the semi-finals in style with a 7-0 win over Dundee United, with Siobhan Hunter adding the penultimate goal of the afternoon. Nodding in from a corner for her second of the season, the centre back stood resolute throughout the 90 minutes to keep Hibs’ clean sheet intact and see them safely through to the semi-finals.

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Midfielder – Natalie Ross (Celtic)

Not necessarily known for her aerial ability, there was some surprise at the Excelsior Stadium when Natalie Ross rose highest to nod Celtic into an early lead in their 3-0 win over Glasgow City on Friday night. One of her corners also caused enough chaos to lead to the second goal of the evening, and the 34-year-old kept things ticking over in midfield, recording a pass accuracy of 79%.

Midfielder – Tessel Middag (Rangers)

Middag kicked off her side’s cup tie with Boroughmuir Thistle in the best possible way, as she scored the first of Rangers’ seven goals inside the very first minute. The 30-year-old put in a composed performance as the holders made it into the semi-finals once again, registering a pass accuracy of 92%, and making 14 recoveries.

Midfielder – Linzi Taylor (Partick Thistle)

Partick Thistle battled to a 2-1 win over Montrose to book their place in the Sky Sports Cup semi-finals on Sunday, with Linzi Taylor successfully marshalling the midfield. The 29-year-old was concise, yet combative, with her play, completing 71% of passes, winning 11 duels, and making eight recoveries in an imposing performance in the engine room.

Midfielder – Lauren Davidson (Glasgow City)

Although Glasgow City fell to defeat against Celtic on Friday night, they remained threatening on the break thanks to Lauren Davidson’s efforts on the flank. Looking to take on opponents any time the ball was at her feet, Davidson completed 10 dribbles and won 20 duels during the match, showcasing exactly how dangerous she can be.

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Forward – Rachel Donaldson (Partick Thistle)

Narrow victories can often come down to the efforts of one player, and while Partick Thistle’s 2-1 win over Montrose was a true team effort, Rachel Donaldson would be happy knowing she played a part in both of her side’s goals. After ghosting in at the back post to slam home the equaliser in the second half, the wide forward set up Imogen Longcake’s winning goal with a deep cross straight onto the midfielder’s head.

Forward – Rio Hardy (Rangers)

Rangers’ free-scoring forward was at it again on Sunday, bagging a brace against Boroughmuir Thistle as Rangers booked their place in the Sky Sports Cup semi-finals. Overperforming her xG of 0.93, the English forward displayed some clinical close-range finishing for her 16th and 17th goals of the season so far, and won three aerial duels during her time on the pitch.

Forward & Star Player – Eilidh Adams (Hibernian)

Making her 100th appearance for Hibernian, donning the captain’s armband while doing so, Eilidh Adams fired Hibs into the Sky Sports Cup semi-finals with three of her side’s seven goals against Dundee United. The young striker also laid on Jorian Baucom’s sole strike, in what was a performance worthy of this week’s Star Player award.