SWPL Team of the Week – 15th September

Team of the Week from the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League games played on Sunday 15th September.

Written by Jack Donnelly.

Goalkeeper – Lee Gibson (Glasgow City)

Glasgow City made it three clean sheets on the bounce on Sunday afternoon, as Leanne Ross’ side recorded a 1-0 victory over Motherwell at K-Park. Standing firm, as always, in goal was Lee Gibson, who was at her best in this clash as she made a string of important saves to keep Motherwell out. Given that her side only won the match by a single goal, her performance was all the more vital, and much of the credit goes to Gibson for the victory.

————————

Defender – Chloe Warrington (Glasgow City)

It’s a double up in City’s defence this week, with the entire back five playing a part in keeping their clean sheet against Motherwell. While Lee Gibson was crucial in between the sticks, Chloe Warrington was most impressive as she put in a commanding performance at the back. The 22-year-old won 10 duels, made seven recoveries, and completed 82% of passes as the left back helped to lock down City’s defence once again.

Defender – Ria McCafferty (Boroughmuir Thistle)

In the only draw across both divisions on Sunday afternoon, Boroughmuir Thistle travelled down to Ayrshire to face off against last season’s runners-up, Kilmarnock. In a game devoid of many clear-cut opportunities for either side, a goalless stalemate was the final result, with the Boroughmuir backline producing a composed performance. Ria McCafferty, who has slotted into defence in recent weeks, shone in this match, fighting hard to ensure Thistle kept their second clean sheet in as many matches.

Defender – Lizzie Waldie (Heart of Midlothian)

After an impressive derby win, Hearts continued their impressive start to the season with a solid 3-0 win against Aberdeen at the Oriam. Over the course of the afternoon, goalkeeper Rachael Johnstone faced just five shots, none of which were on target, thanks to an assured showing from her back line, with Lizzie Waldie most impressive of all. The English centre back completed 122 passes – more than anyone else in the league this weekend – for a completion rate of 89%, while also winning 11 duels and making 15 recoveries in an imposing, formidable performance.

————————

Midfielder – Jen Dodds (Livingston)

Livingston put on a five-star performance in their clash with Rossvale on Sunday afternoon, running out 5-2 winners at The Home of the Set Fare Arena. Paul Greig saw all five of his side’s goals come from a different scorer, but most impressive of all was Jen Dodds. Playing in a deeper role against Rossvale, Dodds was the beating heart of Livi’s midfield,winning 14 duels and boasting a 100% pass success rate, while also capping off an impressive performance with a powerful penalty.

Midfielder – Jade McLaren (Montrose)

It was a massive weekend for Montrose, as the Angus side bounced back from defeat to Queen’s Park with a last-gasp victory against bottom side Dundee United at Links Park. The Gable Endies won the match in some style, with Jade McLaren starting the move with a flashy roulette past a tangerine shirt, before collecting a one-two and finding the far corner of Megan Sidey’s goal to ensure all three points stayed with Montrose. McLaren also won 13 duels and made 12 recoveries in a battling performance from one of Montrose’s most important players.

Midfielder – Camille Lafaix (Rangers)

Rangers consolidated their position at the summit of the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League table with another big victory, running out 6-1 winners against Spartans at Broadwood. Despite conceding their first goal of the season, there was still plenty for the blue side of Glasgow to be pleased with – particularly, the performance of summer arrival Camille Lafaix in the middle of the park. The American midfielder celebrated her first league start with her first Rangers goals, bagging herself a brace in her side’s victory. The 23-year-old also impressed with her all-round game, misplacing just two passes, completing 80% of dribbles, and winning 11 duels.

Midfielder – Shannon McGregor (Celtic)

After a historic week for Celtic in Europe, the champions returned to domestic action successfully, as they travelled to Kirkintilloch to face a temporarily re-homed Partick Thistle. Elena Sadiku’s side ran out 3-0 winners on the day, with Shannon McGregor carrying her European form into the league. The summer signing scored her first Celtic goal against FC Gintra in the week, and tripled her tally with a brace on Sunday afternoon – nodding in her first, before arrowing a strike into the bottom left corner from range.

————————

Forward – Sarah Petherick (Ayr United)

Ayr United made history on Sunday afternoon, as they earned their first ever ScottishPower Women’s Premier League points in their 3-1 win over Gartcairn. The Ayrshire side battled hard to secure their first win of the season, which was secured after an important brace from Sarah Petherick. The young forward picked the perfect time to score her first goals of the season, as Ayr hoisted themselves off the foot of the table.

Forward – Kirstie McIntosh (Hamilton Academical)

Hamilton extended their unbeaten start to the season with a thumping 7-0 win away to St. Johnstone, with the Lanarkshire side boasting seven separate scorers in this encounter. Robert Watson will have perhaps been most impressed with Kirstie McIntosh from his scoring pack, with the 23-year-old wrapping up the scoring in stoppage time after assisting two of her teammates in earlier exchanges. McIntosh was very productive in the #10 role, completing 81% of passes and winning 14 duels in a strong showing.

Forward & Star Player – Eilidh Adams (Hibernian)

After derby disappointment against Hearts, Hibernian bounced back with a solid home victory against Queen’s Park on Sunday afternoon. Grant Scott’s side ran out 6-1 winners on the day, with Eilidh Adams notching a hat trick in a momentous afternoon for the young striker. Those three goals saw the Hibs academy graduate reach the milestone of 50 goals in all competitions for her childhood club – not a bad return for the 20-year-old.