Team of the Week – 16th February

Team of the Week from ScottishPower Women’s Premier League games played on Sunday 16th February.

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Goalkeeper – Natalie Angelini (Boroughmuir Thistle)

Boroughmuir Thistle extended their winning run to five games on Sunday, as they defeated St. Johnstone in a closely-contested 2-1 victory at Meadowbank. Thistle had to dig in for their victory, particularly after Rebecca Galbraith’s dismissal in the second half, and the away side were putting the back line under pressure towards the final whistle. Goalkeeper Natalie Angelini had to come up big on numerous occasions throughout the match, and was forced into making a massive save in the dying moments of the match to preserve Thistle’s slender lead and claim all three points.

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Defender – Tessel Middag (Rangers)

With results elsewhere going in their favour, Rangers’ 6-0 win over Partick Thistle put them top of the SWPL table on goal difference. Regularly impressive in both midfield and defence, Tessel Middag was a standout in the latter on Sunday afternoon, with the Netherlands native excelling in the centre of Jo Potter’s back three. Middag recorded a pass accuracy of 90% and made 17 recoveries of possession, constantly thwarting Thistle and confidently moving the ball forward, with just one of her long passes missing the target.

Defender – Amy Muir (Glasgow City)

In the first-ever SWPL match to be broadcast on the BBC Scotland channel, Glasgow City and Celtic put on an entertaining display for the near-1000 strong crowd at Petershill Park, and many more watching at home. There was some fine finishing on show from both sides, with City defender Amy Muir lashing in a first-time effort from outside the box to draw the match level midway through the first half. The full back impressed on the left hand side, completing 81% of passes, winning 12 duels, and making six recoveries of possession.

Defender – Mia McAulay (Rangers)

It’s a defensive double-up for the league leaders this week, with the Rangers back line standing strong away against Partick Thistle. Following on from her first senior Scotland call-up, Mia McAulay opened the scoring with her fifth league goal of the season, lashing home a first-time effort from the middle of the box. The wingback had a blistering performance – accurate with all seven of her crosses, successfully completing nine dribbles, misplacing just four passes all game, winning 20 duels… an impressive display from the teenager, to say the least. McAulay helped to wrap up the scoring as well, as she squared the ball to Camille Lafaix for Rangers’ sixth and final goal.

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Midfielder – Eilidh Austin (Motherwell)

It was a historic day for Motherwell on Sunday, as Paul Brownlie’s side secured a top-six finish for the first time in their history following their 4-2 win over Aberdeen at K-Park. The Lanarkshire side had four different goalscorers in their momentous victory, but it was Eilidh Austin who stood out most amongst her teammates. The Rangers loanee, who has been playing in a more advanced role for Motherwell, netted her first goal for the club with a rocket from just inside the box, giving Annalisa McCann no chance. The 19-year-old also completed 76% of her passes and won 19 duels, giving her plenty to be proud of on a day deserving of celebrations.

Midfielder – Shannon McGregor (Celtic)

As previously mentioned, Celtic faced title rivals Glasgow City at Petershill Park on Friday night, with the sides battling it out in an entertaining 2-2 draw. In the middle of the park, Shannon McGregor was the biggest presence in green and white, with the 25-year-old continuing to impress in her first season with the champions. The midfielder recorded a pass accuracy of 84%, won 14 duels and made an impressive 19 recoveries of possession, with 10 of those coming in the opposition half, with McGregor showcasing her work rate and tenacity in a tireless performance.

Midfielder – Kayla Jardine (Hearts)

Hearts were the joint-top scorers over the weekend, running out 6-0 winners against Queen’s Park at the Oriam on Sunday afternoon. As part of a midfield trio, Kayla Jardine was granted more of an attacking role in Sunday’s victory, with this decision paying off in spades as the midfielder bagged a brace while also impressing in other areas of her game. Nine of Jardine’s 10 recoveries came in the opposition half, highlighting a successful pressing performance, while a pass completion rate of 90% showcases her comfort and composure in distribution.

Midfielder – Rosie Livingstone (Hibernian)

Hibernian kept pace with their title rivals on Sunday, earning a hard-fought three points at Links Park with a 2-0 win over Montrose. After a first half that saw numerous chances go begging for Grant Scott’s side, Rosie Livingstone forced home the opening goal just before half time, firing a loose ball in the box past Kirsten Pratt. The young winger, who completed 90 minutes for the first time since December 2023 on Sunday, lead Hibs’ press from the front, winning all seven of her recoveries in the Montrose half, and completed four dribbles as she took to both flanks during the match, with plenty of success for Livingstone on both.

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Forward – Josephine Giard (Hamilton Academical)

After a couple of sticky results against Ayr United and Boroughmuir Thistle, Hamilton Academical got back to winning ways with a 4-0 victory against Gartcairn at New Douglas Park. The ever-reliable Josi Giard was the standout performer for Accies once again, with the German striker scoring twice and assisting once for a hat trick of goal contributions. Giard’s brace took her to 19 goals for the season, while her assist was her 40th for Hamilton in the SWPL era – the most for the South Lanarkshire club.

Forward & Star Player – Aimee Anderson (Spartans)

Spartans picked up their first win since mid-November on Sunday afternoon, and it may prove to be crucial in the relegation fight. The biggest headline from the Edinburgh side’s 6-1 rout of Dundee United was that Aimee Anderson took home the match ball after a clinical close-range hat trick. The 20-year-old striker was a constant nuisance that the United back line struggled to deal with, with Anderson winning 17 duels against her opponents and delivering the goods inside the penalty box, with a goal-scoring performance worthy of our Star Player award this week.

Forward – Cara Gray (Kilmarnock)

Kilmarnock recorded a convincing win against Livingston on Sunday afternoon, running out 4-0 winners against the West Lothian side at Rugby Park. As has been the case in many games this season, Killie found success in front of goal through Cara Gray, with the forward scoring a brace. Having not scored for three games prior, these goals will come as welcome relief for the 17-year-old, with the double taking her season tally to 12.

Image credit: Spartans FC