SWPL Team of the Week – 3rd & 6th October

Team of the Week from Sky Sports Cup games played on Thursday 3rd and Sunday 6th October.

Written by Jack Donnelly.

Goalkeeper – Molly Reeve (Livingston)

Starting this week’s team in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2, Livingston racked up another three points at home to St. Johnstone, running out 2-0 winners at the Home of the Set Fare Arena, in what was a fairly uneventful affair. While there wasn’t too much to write home about from the match itself, Livi keeper Molly Reeve kept her focus to ensure that her side walked away with a clean sheet which, after conceding 14 goals in their last two games, was very much needed.

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Defender – Bruna Lourenço (Celtic)

It’s been a busy few weeks for the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League champions. Ahead of their UWCL opener last night, Celtic didn’t compete domestically on Sunday afternoon, but did face off against Rangers at Broadwood last Thursday evening, with a 2-2 draw seeing the spoils shared. Bruna Lourenco, who has had the rather important task of filling Chloe Craig’s boots this season, performed admirably against Rangers, with the Portuguese defender winning 14 duels and making eight recoveries, while also completing 88% of her passes.

Defender – Leah Eddie (Rangers)

After a score draw against rivals Celtic on Thursday evening, Rangers returned to winning ways with a 2-0 home victory against Motherwell. Given that the Light Blues have only conceded three goals in their nine league matches thus far, much of their success is built on rock-solid foundations, with summer arrival Leah Eddie slotting into Jo Potter’s backline excellently. The former Hibernian centre back thrived on Sunday, winning eight duels and making a whopping 18 recoveries of possession. The 23-year-old also completed 88% of her passes in a cool and composed display.

Defender – Kiera Ritchie (Hamilton Accies)

Back in ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2, Hamilton continued their crusade in the second tier, maintaining their undefeated streak in the league with a 3-0 victory over Rossvale in Kirkintilloch. It was a hard-fought victory for Robert Watson’s side, with Accies taking over an hour to open the scoring, with the defence tasked with remaining resolute until a breakthrough was found. Kiera Ritchie ensured that any threat that Rossvale posed was quickly snuffed out, and marshalled a strong backline to Hamilton’s third league clean sheet in a row.

Defender – Lauren Doran-Barr (Hibernian)

Another stellar shift from Hibernian on Sunday, as the green side of Edinburgh stuck five at home against Montrose on what was a landmark day for some stalwarts of the club. On the pitch, however, Lauren Doran-Barr was making a mark of her own, with her performance earning her a second consecutive Team of the Week inclusion. The defender lashed a rocket of a strike into the top left corner to wrap up the scoring, and also won seven duels and made seven recoveries in another impressive performance.

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Midfielder – Aleigh Gambone (Glasgow City)

Glasgow City extended their winning run to seven on Sunday afternoon, firing five past Aberdeen away at the Balmoral Stadium. Leanne Ross’ side had a number of top performances to write home about, with American midfield Aleigh Gambone excelling against the Dons. A goal, 15 duels won, and 87% of passes completed made a memorable afternoon for Gambone in the Granite City.

Midfielder – Nicole Carter (Gartcairn)

After a back-and-forth battle, with both clubs exchanging goals, Gartcairn would come out on top with a 3-2 win over Boroughmuir Thistle on Sunday afternoon. The clash was won by narrow margins, with the midfield battle being a crucial factor on this occasion. Nicole Carter was the standout for Gartcairn in the middle of the pitch, scoring the opening goal of the game and commanding the midfield against the Edinburgh side.

Midfielder – Lisa Robertson (Heart of Midlothian)

After losses to Glasgow City and Rangers in recent weeks, Hearts returned to winning ways on Sunday afternoon, as Eva Olid’s side ran out 3-0 winners away against Partick Thistle in Kirkintilloch. Lisa Robertson, who has had a starring role in the maroon midfield, was immense against Brian Graham’s side, popping up all over the park to frustrate the Jags to no end. 18 duels won, eight interceptions made, 16 total recoveries, a pass accuracy of 84%… safe to say, it was a complete midfield performance from Hearts’ number six.

Midfielder – Hannah Jordan (Spartans)

Spartans’ second win on the bounce, and their third in their last four games, occurred on Sunday, as the Edinburgh side took all three points against Dundee United. In a match that saw Spartans jump into eighth – level on points with Motherwell in seventh – it was Hannah Jordan who took the plaudits, bagging herself a brace. The young forward battled hard at the top end of the pitch, winning all of her aerial duels and making four recoveries of the ball.

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Forward & Star Player – Cara Gray (Kilmarnock)

The first Ayrshire Derby of the season went to the blue side of the west coast, as Kilmarnock registered a commanding 8-1 win against Ayr United at Townhead Park. Killie were rampant against their rivals, with Cara Gray in particular sending Ayr’s defence into chaos. The young forward looked electric, claiming the match ball after scoring a hat trick, and earning herself this week’s Star Player award.

Forward – Emily Whelan (Glasgow City)

Our second inclusion from Glasgow City’s 5-0 victory over Aberdeen, it seemed fair to pick out a member of the Glasgow side’s fluid and firing front line. Emily Whelan was a standout from the attacking pack, giving everything in this game and being rewarded with two goals of her own. The stats reflect a tireless performance from the forward, with 10 duels won and eight recoveries made, with Whelan also completing 82% of her passes.