SWPL Team of the Week – 13th August

Team of the Week from ScottishPower Women’s Premier League games played on Sunday 13th August.

Written by Jack Donnelly

Goalkeeper – Khym Ramsay (Glasgow Women)

After a tough year spent in the top flight, Glasgow Women got off to a winning start in their return to the second tier, with Khym Ramsay proving her worth in her first competitive appearance for the club. With Boroughmuir Thistle keeping most of the ball, Ramsay was tested several times, but stayed strong and made sure her side held on to the result. She was also very strong in her distribution, misplacing just four passes throughout the 90 minutes.

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Defender – Anna Oscarsson (Glasgow City)

The champions kicked off their title defence with a win against old foes Hibernian, with Anna Oscarsson getting City off to a flying start. The Swedish defender nodded in from a corner after 10 minutes, giving City control of the match before Hibs were reduced to 10. The defender barely put a foot wrong throughout the game, boasting a pass accuracy of 88%, winning 10 duels and making 11 recoveries.

Defender – Jenna Ferguson (Partick Thistle)

The first of two Thistle players in this week’s team, Jenna Ferguson was thrown into the fray after Clare Docherty’s dismissal and made a real impression by helping secure a clean sheet against Dundee United. The 17-year-old joined on loan from Rangers late last week, and showed exactly why she has already made her debut for the Light Blues, as she displayed composure beyond her years as she faced off an experienced forwardin the form of Rachel Todd.

Defender – Lizzie Waldie (Heart of Midlothian)

As far as debuts go, Lizzie Waldie couldn’t have asked for a better start in maroon. Hearts’ new defender bagged her first ScottishPower Women’s Premier League goal after just three minutes in the Jambos’ 4-0 win over Hamilton, flicking a Carly Girasoli header in past Chloe Nicolson. The 24-year-old also put in an astute defensive performance, completing 87% of passes, winning nine duels and making 15 recoveries.

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Midfielder – Abby Robinson (Kilmarnock)

A creative spark in the Kilmarnock midfield, Abby Robinson began her tally for the season in Sunday’s 4-1 win over newly promoted Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena. The midfielder collected a loose ball on the edge of the Livingston area early in the second half, and sent a looping effort over Molly Reeve to put Killie in front for the first time.

Midfielder – Kaela McDonald-Nguah (Motherwell)

Despite Motherwell being on the losing side of a 3-2 scoreline, Kaela McDonald-Nguah made sure her side were always in with a chance against Aberdeen, as she picked up a brace from the penalty spot. Striking both spot kicks with enough venom to leave Faye Kirby with no chance, the attacking midfielder was instrumental in keeping the Lanarkshire side in the game until the very end.

Midfielder – Chelsea Cornet (Rangers)

Chelsea Cornet carried her excellent form over from last season, picking up a brace in Rangers’ 6-1 win away at Spartans. Showcasing her finishing ability by scoring a low drive from the edge of the box, before ghosting in and volleying past Rachel Harrison, Cornet also picked up an assist, crossing to the back post for Jodi McLeary to head in her second of the game.

Midfielder – Ellie Kane (Queen’s Park)

The Spiders got off to a flying start in ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2, firing five past Gartcairn with Ellie Kane shooting to the top of the goalscoring charts after bagging a hat-trick. Her first strike was a thing of beauty, as she blasted a free kick into the top left corner from 30 yards out. She also contributed an industrious performance from the middle of the park, winning 22 duels and making 11 recoveries, 10 of those coming in the opposition half.

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Forward & Star Player – Kit Loferski (Celtic)

Kit Loferski was installed as the top flight’s top scorer on Sunday afternoon, as she bagged four goals in a second consecutive 9-0 opening day victory for the Ghirls. The American put SWPL 2 winners Montrose to the sword at Links Park, displaying great composure by rounding Lauren Perry for her first two goals, tapping in a rebound for her hat trick, and heading in another in the 90th minute. She also picked up an assist and completed 80% of her dribbles in what was a deadly attacking display.

Forward – Cara Henderson (Partick Thistle)

For Partick Thistle fans, it should be no real shock to see Cara Henderson pick up where she left off last season, but the Jags faithful will be doubly delighted to see their star player pick up a hat trick while her team were a player down. Thistle’s top scorer last season bagged her first before Clare Docherty was sent off but kept pushing to stretch the Dundee United back line and tucked away a pair of penalties to secure the match ball, and all three points.

Forward – Bayley Hutchison (Aberdeen)

The off season has brought about plenty of change in the Granite City, but one thing has stayed the same – Bayley Hutchison scoring goals for Aberdeen. The 19-year-old kicked off her season in fine fashion, scoring a brace either side of half time to put Aberdeen into a commanding position which, ultimately saw them secure all three points against a resurgent Motherwell.