Team of the Week – 18th and 20th September

Team of the Week from ScottishPower Women’s Premier League games played on 18th and 20th September.

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Goalkeeper – Liamara Hensel-Burg, Spartans

Spartans may have fallen to a narrow 1-0 defeat against capital rivals Heart of Midlothian in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League, but Hensel-Burg produced an exceptional display to keep her side in the contest throughout. Across the 90 minutes, the goalkeeper faced eight shots against and made seven saves, outperforming her 1.34 expected conceded goals (xCG). Hensel-Burg commanded her penalty box with authority by completing eight exits, while also distributing under pressure with a 100% accuracy rate with her short passing. Spartans next face Motherwell away on Sunday (16:00 KO) with just one point separating the two sides.

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Defender – Amy Denholm, Boroughmuir Thistle

Boroughmuir Thistle maintained their 100% start to the 2026/27 ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2 campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory away to Renfrew, with Denholm delivering a match-winning display down the right flank. Operating in a more attacking role, Denholm proved to be a lethal threat, bagging a double from just three shots with an xG of 1.12. She was heavily involved in Thistle’s build-up, completing 23 of her 30 passes (77% accuracy) alongside five crosses. Denholm also put in significant defensive work to protect the clean sheet, registering four interceptions and four recoveries in the opponent’s half to keep Renfrew pinned back. Thistle will look to maintain their perfect start when they host St Johnstone on Sunday (13:00 KO).

Defender – Laura McLaughlin, Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock bounced back in style after defeat to Hibs in the Sky Sports Cup with a convincing 3-0 home win over Livingston to stay second in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2. McLaughlin put in a Player of the Match performance at centre-back, opening the scoring for Killie with a well-taken goal while anchoring a disciplined clean sheet. She was composed in possession, completing 25 of her 30 passes at an impressive 83% accuracy rate, including three successful long balls. Off the ball, the Kilmarnock captain put in a sharp defensive display, registering seven interceptions and 14 recoveries to frustrate Livingston throughout. Kilmarnock travel to face Hamilton Academical on Sunday (14:30 KO).

Defender – Chelsie Watson, Motherwell

Motherwell came agonisingly close to securing a huge point away to Celtic under the floodlights on Friday night, ultimately falling to a late 1-0 defeat. Watson and her teammates put in a colossal effort in defence, but fell just short after Shannon McGregor’s goal. The Women of Steel captain helped organise her colleagues whilst producing interventions, blocks, and clearances to thwart their Glasgow opponents. Though heartbreak came late, Watson’s leadership and defensive grit were pivotal in a disciplined team performance.

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Midfielder – Keri Halliday, Heart of Midlothian

Heart of Midlothian claimed Edinburgh bragging rights with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Spartans, driven by an influential display from Halliday. Operating on the left flank in her 76 minutes, Halliday provided the assist to break the deadlock and help seal all three points. She was a constant threat, showcasing superb individual skill by completing 11 of her 14 dribbles (79% success rate) and testing Hensel-Burg with four of her six shots hitting the target. She also put in a relentless shift out of possession, winning 12 of her 20 duels alongside three interceptions. Hearts host Glasgow City in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League on Sunday (16:10 KO), live on BBC ALBA, with just two points between the two sides.

Midfielder – Gemma Mason, Falkirk

Falkirk remain unbeaten since promotion to the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2 following a convincing 3-0 home triumph over Gartcairn, with Mason delivering a midfield masterclass. Operating in a defensive role, she provided two assists as she was selected as the club’s Player of the Match. She controlled the engine room with composure and precision, completing 29 of her 40 passes (73% accuracy) while winning six of her 10 duels, including winning 100% of her aerial duels. Off the ball, she made four interceptions and recovered possession 11 times. Falkirk are away to Queen’s Park on Sunday (13:00 KO) as they look to remain third in the league.

Midfielder – Linda Motlhalo, Glasgow City

Glasgow City battled from 1-0 down to eventually defeat Partick Thistle 4-1 in the Petershill Park derby, with Motlhalo pulling the strings in central midfield. In her 73 minutes on the pitch, Motlhalo capped off an influential display by getting on the scoresheet, with four total shots and two on target. She was typically slick in possession, completing 26 of her 30 passes (an 87% accuracy rate), while recording a 100% success rate on both her long passes and dribbles. Motlhalo also put in diligent work off the ball, making six recoveries throughout, earning back-to-back inclusions in this team. City travel to face reigning champions Heart of Midlothian on Sunday (16:10 KO), another test of both sides’ title credentials.

Midfielder – Laura Berry, Rangers

League leaders Rangers maintained their perfect record at the top of the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League with a 3-1 victory over Aberdeen. Berry bagged a double to seal the points at home and earn the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League Player of the Match award. She was virtually unplayable in physical battles, winning an astounding nine of her 10 duels alongside a 100% dribbling rate. Berry was equally reliable in the build-up, completing 18 of her 25 passes (72% accuracy rate) while chipping in with two interceptions. Rangers host Celtic on Sunday (12:00 KO), live on Sky Sports, with at least one side’s 100% record about to end.

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Forward – Josi Giard, Hamilton Accies

Hamilton Academical secured a potentially important 2-1 victory away to St Johnstone in ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2, battling back from 1-0 down. Giard made a triumphant return from injury to be voted her club’s Player of the Match, scoring the vital winning goal from just 51 minutes played. She was a constant thorn in the Saints’ side, battling through 25 total duels (winning 12, including two aerial duels). Giard was equally relentless off the ball, leading the press with six interceptions and recovering possession six times (four in the opponent’s half). Accies host Kilmarnock on Sunday (14:30 KO) as they look to close the gap on the sides towards the top.

Forward & Star Player – Libby Smith, Hibernian

Hibernian continued their goalscoring form with a 6-1 victory over Montrose at Meadowbank Stadium, with Smith claiming the Star Player award this week after a sensational performance. The forward netted an outstanding hat-trick, her second in two weeks, and provided an assist to directly contribute to four of Hibs’ six goals. Smith hit the target with four of her five total shots from 0.92 xG while linking play brilliantly, completing 34 of her 43 passes (79% accuracy). Her lethal finishing and sharp movement helped move Hibs above City on goal difference in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League. The Hibees travel to face Aberdeen on Sunday (13:00 KO) as they’ll look to gain ground on their title rivals.

Forward – Megan Whiteford, Queen’s Park

Queen’s Park earned a 2-1 away victory against Dundee United to climb up to fourth place in ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2, with Whiteford putting in a decisive performance upfront. She converted her sole shot on target to find the back of the net and she was equally efficient when connecting play, completing 13 of her 17 passes (76% accuracy). Queen’s Park host Falkirk on Sunday (13:00 KO) knowing a win will lift them up the table and into third.