SWPL Team of the Week – 28th January

Team of the Week from the Sky Sports Cup and ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2 games played on Friday 19th and Sunday 21st.

Written by Jack Donnelly.

Goalkeeper – Roberta-Leigh Cochran (St Johnstone)

St. Johnstone picked up their first win of the new year with an impressive 2-0 victory against play-off chasers Livingston, with goalkeeper Roberta-Leigh Cochran giving the Lions no chance to get themselves into the game. The 31-year-old stopper made five saves to record a shutout and move her side six points clear of the relegation play-off place.

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Defender – Gerogia Hunter (Heart of Midlothian)

In a weekend that locked in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League’s top six over a month before the split, Hearts guaranteed themselves a spot in the top half with a 1-0 win over city rivals Spartans. While the forward line took some time to find the breakthrough, a defensive showing spearheaded by Georgia Hunter ensured there was no cause for concern, as the centre back completed 86% of her passes, won 10 duels and made 13 recoveries of possession.

Defender – Meikayla Moore (Glasgow City)

Taking the lead after just 15 seconds, Glasgow City were on the defensive almost immediately, but an impressive performance from the returning Meikayla Moore helped the champions to a 1-0 win over Celtic on Sunday. Picking up the assist for Fiona Brown’s goal, the centre back completed 71% of passes and won nine duels as City kept their Glasgow rivals at bay for the remaining 89 minutes of action.

Defender – Georgie McTear (Kilmarnock)

Kilmarnock were able to reclaim second place in ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2 with a 2-1 win over Boroughmuir Thistle on Sunday, with Georgina McTear heavily involved at both ends of the pitch. The centre back opened the scoring at Rugby Park with a close-range finish past Beth Rennie, and was defensively resolute throughout, winning 14 duels and making 18 recoveries.

Defender – Eva Gray (Gartcairn)

Gartcairn have clawed their way back from the brink in recent weeks, with three wins on the bounce to leave them just one point away from Stirling University in 7th, and secured another massive three points on Sunday away against that very side. Defender Eva Gray contributed to this victory massively, with the 20-year-old completing 64% of passes and making 12 recoveries of possession.

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Midfielder – Mason Clark (Hamilton Academical)

It was relief in Lanarkshire on Sunday afternoon as Hamilton picked up their first league win of the 2023/24 season, running out 4-1 winners away against Dundee United, with young midfielder Mason Clark the architect to Accies’ success. The 17-year-old crossed in from the right for Kirstie McIntosh’s goal to restore Hamilton’s two-goal advantage, before extending that further herself with a close-range finish just before full time. Mason didn’t shirk the defensive side of the game though, as she won 17 duels and made 12 recoveries.

Midfielder & Star Player – Rachel Rowe (Rangers)

The difference maker once again, Rachel Rowe is this week’s Star Player after inspiring Rangers to a 2-1 win over Aberdeen at the Balmoral Stadium. The midfielder showcased her full technical prowess in this victory, scoring a goal with both her left and right foot, testing the Dons defence throughout, and completing six dribbles during her time on the pitch.

Midfielder – Fiona Brown (Glasgow City)

In her first full start since returning to Glasgow City, it took Fiona Brown just 15 seconds to make an impact. The winger blitzed past Celia Barclais, and lofted a cross-cum-shot over Kelsey Daugherty to stun Celtic and put City ahead instantly. The “new” arrival was a constant threat, completing eight dribbles throughout the match, and providing a constant and consistent option for her teammates.

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Forward – Ellie Kane (Queen’s Park)

It has been slightly strange to not have had an Ellie Kane goal to mention for the best part of two months, but the Queen’s Park captain was back to form in a 5-1 win over city rivals Glasgow Women on Sunday. Scoring the Spiders’ final two goals, Kane also set up goals for debutant Hannah Cunningham and Ami Robertson in an impressive creative showing from the 23-year-old.

Forward – Eilidh Adams (Hibernian)

Hibernian kept their noses in front of city rivals Hearts with a 5-0 win over Motherwell at Meadowbank on Sunday, with Eilidh Adams leading by example from the off. The young striker, who has been playing beyond her years for quite some time, converted two first-touch finishes and also chipped in with an assist for her strike partner, Jorian Baucom.

Forward – Cara Henderson (Partick Thistle)

Partick Thistle secured their second consecutive top-half finish on Sunday afternoon, with Cara Henderson in full flight during their 2-1 win over Montrose. The Thistle star grabbed her first goal since the beginning of November, firing a poacher’s finish past Lauren Perry to give the Jags the lead for the first time. Henderson also completed 69% of her passes and chipped in defensively by winning eight duels.