SWPL Team of the Week – 19th May

Team of the Week from the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League games played between Tuesday 14th and Sunday 19th May.

Written by Jack Donnelly.

Goalkeeper – Megan Sidey (Dundee United)

With margins separating those towards the bottom of the table being as minimal as goal difference, anything to limit the amount of goals being conceded would go a long way. As such, Megan Sidey’s performances against Aberdeen and Motherwell may well have kept Dundee United from automatic relegation. 11 saves across both matches ensured that The Terrors would have the chance to defend their place in the top flight this coming Thursday.

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Defender – Arwen O’Brien (Kilmarnock)

Sunday afternoon saw Kilmarnock battle to a 0-0 draw with Boroughmuir Thistle at Meadowbank to secure their place in the SWPL Play-Off on Thursday evening, with Arwen O’Brien the standout performer for the Ayrshire side. The centre back put in a resolute defensive display, winning 16 duels and making 13 recoveries of possession as she helped to set up a chance at top-flight football for Killie.

Defender – Kate McCabe (Boroughmuir Thistle)

Despite having fourth place wrapped up in the weeks gone by, Boroughmuir Thistle weren’t on their holidays just yet, as the Edinburgh side held Kilmarnock to a 0-0 draw at home, with Kate McCabe marshalling a defence against a potent visiting attack. The 26-year-old centre back won an impressive 17 duels and made 14 recoveries as Thistle earned themselves one final point in what was a solid season.

Defender – Chloe Craig (Celtic)

Celtic clinched their first ever SWPL title in the last week, claiming victory in two massively important ties against Edinburgh rivals Hearts and Hibernian that brought about massive performances from Elena Sadiku’s back line and, in particular, Chloe Craig. The 30-year-old was a colossus at the back for Celtic, winning 24 duels and making 31 recoveries across both matches, while also completing an average of 87% of passes over both fixtures.

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Midfielder – Erin Burns (Gartcairn)

It’s safe to say that Gartcairn were able to completely turn their season around and secure their place in the SWPL 2 for another year, with a 5-0 win over Stirling University seeing the Lanarkshire side round off the campaign in style. Deployed on the right flank, Erin Burns scored twice, taking her to nine goals for the season, while also completing 71% of passes and winning 10 duels.

Midfielder – Carlee Giammona (Glasgow City)

There was to be no final day drama for Glasgow City this season, as the former champions finished behind both Celtic and Rangers, but concluded their campaign with a pair of 2-0 victories over Partick Thistle and Hearts respectively. Since arriving in January, Carlee Giammona has provided plenty from the middle of the park, and finished the season in fine form, scoring three goals in the last week to end her first few months in Scotland on a high.

Midfielder – Mya Bates (Spartans)

After securing their SWPL status in recent weeks, Spartans went into the last week of the season playing for pride, and ended their campaign with their heads held high after a narrow loss to Montrose in a seven-goal thriller, and a final-day victory over Aberdeen. Despite seeing her minutes limited early in the year, Mya Bates has fought hard to break into the starting XI, and saw out the season with a goal in each game, coming off the bench to score the winner against Aberdeen.

Midfielder – Louise Brown (Montrose)

Montrose have defied the odds this season, seeing off seasoned SWPL clubs in their top-flight debut to finish in 9th, with wins against Spartans and Hamilton in the last week seeing Craig Feroz’s side head into the summer on a high. Louise Brown, who has played everywhere from the middle of the park, to out wide, to up front, to full back this season, ended her season with a goal in each of her final two matches, while also winning 21 duels and making 17 interceptions in an all-action performance typical of the 26-year-old.

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Forward – Morgan Cross (Motherwell)

Two wins in a week saw Motherwell finish their season strongly, with Morgan Cross providing a real threat against both Hamilton and Dundee United’s back lines, only being kept out against the Terror thanks to the exploits of fellow TOTW member, Megan Sidey. The 23-year-old did bag a brace against Accies on Wednesday evening, and only misplaced eight passes across both fixtures.

Forward – Amy Gallacher (Celtic)

Last season, we included the league-winning goalscorer in our final TOTW, with Lauren Davidson scoring in the 90th minute to seal Glasgow City’s title. Fast forward 12 months, and we’re in a very similar position, only it was Amy Gallacher to wrap things up in the 90th minute, confirming Celtic as champions for the very first time. The 25-year-old also netted in Celtic’s midweek clash with Hearts to set up the scenes that unfolded at Celtic Park on Sunday afternoon.

Forward & Star Players – Kirsty Howat (Rangers)

While it wasn’t to be for Rangers in the end, Jo Potter’s side did everything in their power in the last week of the season, with dominant wins over both Hibernian and Partick Thistle. Our final Star Player of the 2023/24 season, Kirsty Howat, was a woman on a mission in the last seven days, with a hattrick against Hibs and a double against Thistle, taking her to 20 goals for the campaign.