SWPL Team of the Week – 14th January

Team of the Week from the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League games played on Sunday 14th January.

Goalkeeper – Jennifer Currie (Aberdeen)

After signing for Aberdeen earlier this month, Jennifer Currie made an impressive debut for the Dons on Sunday. While on the losing side, Currie made a total of seven saves to keep Partick Thistle’s tally down to just two goals. On top of some fine saves, she was solid with her distribution with 67% accuracy from long passing and 94% short passing accuracy.

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Defender – Rosie Slater (Partick Thistle)

Her second inclusion of the season in the SWPL Team of the Week after a goal and clean sheet in Partick Thistle’s 2-0 win over Aberdeen. It’s a huge result for the Jags that moves them 11 points clear in the top-six with just five games left. Slater played her part down the left, scoring the second goal of the afternoon as well as providing a strong 70% passing accuracy and making 15 interceptions.

Defender – Kim Goodchild (Boroughmuir Thistle)

It was set to be a tough afternoon for Boroughmuir Thistle as they faced the most prolific side in ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2. However, Thistle and Goodchild showed why they are unbeaten in the league since October and have the second lowest number of goals conceded (only behind Queen’s Park). Goodchild and her fellow teammates limited Queen’s Park to just three shots on target but it was her impressive defensive display that merits her inclusion as she won 11 duels, won 100% of her ariel duels, made eight interceptions, and 17 recoveries.

Defender – Ciara Bonner (Queen’s Park)

While it was a more subdued performance from Queen’s Park, they continued to show their defensive strength as they remain the side with the lowest number of goals conceded in ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2. It looked like the Spiders would earn another clean sheet too before a late Thistle goal leveled the game at 1-1. Bonner had a strong display with 12 duels won, winning 100% of her ariel duals, as well as 12 recoveries.

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Midfielder – Kaela McDonald-Nguah (Gartcairn)

A statement signing from the side at the bottom of ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2, McDonald-Nguah showcased on her debut what she’ll bring to Gartcairn in their battle to avoid relegation. The Motherwell loanee was active across her opponents half as she had a total of five shots and eventually scored on her debut after good movement to get onto the loose ball. With 78% dribbling success and winning over 50% of her duels from a forward position, Gartcairn will hope McDonald-Nguah can keep on form for the rest of the season.

Midfielder – Ellis Notley (Hibernian)

Hibernian remain 4th in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League after a straightforward 4-0 win over Hamilton Academical. The result was in large part down to Notley who headed home Hibs’ second of the game before being fouled inside the box for Jorian Baucom to finish the penalty for their fourth. The midfielder also boasted an impressive 86% passing success rate on top of making seven interceptions and six recoveries.

Midfielder – Kinga Kozak (Glasgow City)

Glasgow City secured the first win of 2024 with a 5-1 win over Spartans in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League. Kozak earns her third place in the Team of the Week as she contributed to three of their goals. She was fouled for the penalty which Lauren Davidson opened the scoring from, assisted Emily Whelan, before rounding off the afternoon with the final goal of the game.

Midfielder – Katie Lockwood (Heart of Midlothian)

It has been an incredible season so far for Lockwood and this is her fifth inclusion in the SWPL Team of the Week. Playing a vital role in Heart of Midlothian’s 3-0 win over Motherwell, she assisted the opening goal before showing quality and composure to make it 2-0 with a fine finish from the edge of the box. While she won’t technically get the assist for the final goal of the day, it’s fair to say her cross was pivotal in Danni Findlay’s eventual finish.

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Forward – Dionne Brown (Kilmarnock)

It was a big win for Kilmarnock in their battle for promotion from the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2. As Boroughmuir Thistle drew 1-1 with Queen’s Park, Killie took the opportunity to climb into the promotion play-off spot with Brown playing a crucial role. The forward showed great pace and determination to provide the assist for the opening goal before applying a clever finish to double their advantage as they eventually went on to win 3-1 against St Johnstone.

Forward – Amy Gallacher (Celtic)

It was another fine performance from Gallacher and Celtic as they produced a stunning 9-0 win over Montrose to remain just three points behind in the title race. Making five goal contributions, Gallacher’s brace were two of the easier goals she’ll score her career. However, a hat-trick of assists showcases why she is one of the most talented players in the league and top of the goals and assists combined for the season.

Forward & Star Player – Jane Ross (Rangers)

Making her first start for Rangers since her injury, there was no sign of rustiness for Ross who scored an incredible five goals and provided two assists in their 10-0 win over Dundee United. It was an impressive performance across the team but Ross’ contribution went clear of the rest as she’ll look to add to their prolific season so far.