Park’s Motor Group SWPL Team of the Week – 2nd April

Written by Jack Donnelly

Goalkeeper – Lauren Hamill (East Fife)

While East Fife lost their encounter with Boroughmuir Thistle over the weekend, their goal difference has been preserved thanks to the heroics of Hamill in goal. The ‘keeper faced a threatening Thistle front line and was on top, top form as she made 10 saves throughout the match to keep her side in with a fighting chance.

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Defender & Star Player – Amy Muir (Glasgow City)

City’s flying fullback was in fine form in her side’s 2-0 win away against Hearts. Industrious in defence, Muir won 14 duels and made 16 recoveries, while also sealing the points with the second – and her first ever – City goal with a brilliant first-time effort from range.

Defender – Rebecca Hellgren (University of Stirling)

The Students’ centre back was a key component in her side’s defensive efforts in a 0-0 draw with playoff-chasing Kilmarnock. A rock at the back, Hellgren won nine duels, and also made 22 recoveries, 24 interceptions and nine clearances.

Defender – Kelsey Cranie (Kilmarnock)

Kilmarnock were the more dominant side in their 0-0 draw against Stirling Uni, thanks in no small part to a solid backline, with right back Cranie the standout performer. The versatile youngster, one of the first graduates from Kilmarnock’s academy, won 11 duels and made 12 recoveries in an impressive showing.

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Midfielder – Alana Marshall (Spartans)

The Spartans midfielder was heavily involved in her side’s spirited comeback away against Aberdeen. With three efforts on goal and the assist for Amelie Birse’s goal, Marshall’s attacking acumen was backed up by her defensive diligence, as she won 14 duels and made six recoveries.

Midfielder – Lauren Kerr (Gartcairn)

The Gartcairn midfielder put the icing on the cake for her side over the weekend, as she netted Gartcairn’s third goal in a 3-1 win away against St. Johnstone. Kerr was also up to scratch defensively in this encounter, winning nine duels and making 15 recoveries.

Midfielder – Chelsea Cornet (Rangers)

The Rangers midfielder was a creative force in her side’s 2-0 win over Hibernian at Broadwood on Sunday, picking up two assists, completing four dribbles and having 80% pass accuracy, which will have in no doubt contributed to Pedro Martinez Lisa’s decision to award Cornet her first senior SWNT call-up.

Forward – Jacynta (Celtic)

Visitors to the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie certainly got their money’s worth over the weekend, with Celtic’s Jacynta putting in a dazzling display. The creative midfielder showcased her quick feet and excellent movement as she was successful with 14 attempted dribbles against Partick Thistle, while also laying on Celtic’s first goal with an inch-perfect through ball to Amy Gallacher.

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Forward- Eilidh Austin (Hamilton Academical)

The 17-year-old turned in a performance well above her years against Glasgow Women over the weekend. After opening the scoring inside the first minute of the match with a low finish past Molly Reeve, Austin completed four dribbles and won 15 duels as Hamilton ran out 2-0 winners.

Forward – Tiree Birchill (Motherwell)

The on-loan Celtic forward has continued to impress during her time at Motherwell, as she found the net once again with a cool finish into the bottom left corner. That makes it five games unbeaten for the Lanarkshire side, and four goals in three games for the impressive Birchill.

Forward – Stacey McFadyen (Montrose)

In what was a thrilling encounter in Park’s Motor Group SWPL 2, league leaders Montrose held onto the three points in a 3-2 win over Queen’s Park, with McFadyen scoring her side’s second goal with a lovely chipped effort from the edge of the box. She also provided the assist for Montrose’s third goal.