Team of the Week – 20th May

Team of the Week from ScottishPower Women’s Premier League games played on 17th May.

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Goalkeeper – Jasmine McPhie (Queen’s Park)

Queen’s Park continued their unbeaten run in May, their third victory in as many games in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2. A win against Kilmarnock on Sunday stopped their opponents lifting the league title, and the two sides might now face each other again in the promotion play-off. If they do, The Spiders will hope McPhie can replicate her performance which earned her a clean sheet. The ‘keeper made seven saves, six with reflexes, keeping Killie at bay despite an expected conceded goals of 1.46. Queen’s Park face Boroughmuir Thistle tonight at Meadowbank (19:15 KO), three more victories away from a return to the top flight.

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Defender – Rachael Boyle (Hibernian)

Hibernian’s hopes of finishing 3rd in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League remain alive after a 3-1 win over Partick Thistle on Sunday. With Glasgow City drawing 0-0 with Hearts, Hibs know they must win this Sunday and hope that Glasgow City lose at home to Rangers. Club captain Boyle returned to Hibs’ starting line-up last week and kept her place in defence, and showed her value to Joelle Murray’s side with support going forward and defensively. Despite not getting a goal or assist for her positive play, she got Hibs into dangerous positions on a number of occasions. There’s plenty for the Hibees to play for on the final day.

Defender – Amy Muir (Glasgow City)

Glasgow City denied Hearts a title party on Sunday, drawing 0-0 at Oriam in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League. Leanne Ross’ side were top of the table for much of the season, but results post-split saw them fall away from title contention. They showed their quality though, keeping the league favourites at bay and looking the more dangerous of the two sides for much of the game. Muir is included after a strong performance in defence with 75% of her duels won, as well as an 81% passing success rate and producing seven crosses. City end their season at home to Rangers on Sunday as they hope to end this campaign on a positive note.

Defender – Jessica Husband (Heart of Midlothian)

Hearts were forced to keep the champagne on ice as they couldn’t get the all important win against City to crown themselves champions. Following Rangers’ win over Celtic, The Jambos know a win or a draw on Sunday will be enough. This point against City could end up being vital and Eva Olid will be delighted to have kept a clean sheet. Husband played her part, selected as Hearts’ player of the match, as she boasted a solid 67% passing accuracy rate and providing four crosses. Only Hibs now stand in the way between Hearts and history.

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Midfielder – Bridget Galloway (Aberdeen)

Aberdeen ended May unbeaten with a 2-2 draw away to Motherwell, building momentum ahead of their SWPL Play-Off final to avoid relegation to the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2. Galloway, who came on at half-time, is included for her excellent finish that brought the sides level at 1-1. She also had a 69% passing accuracy rate and was just shy of winning half of her duels. The Dons know they will now play Boroughmuir Thistle, Queen’s Park, or Kilmarnock on Friday 29th May to keep their place in the division.

Midfielder – Jessica Linden (Gartcairn)

Gartcairn ended their season with a draw against Boroughmuir Thistle on Sunday, an impressive performance for a side who finished 15 points behind. Midfielder Linden got the all important goal, as well as having a further two shots and boasting a 77% passing accuracy rate. The youngster also won the majority of her aerial duels and made seven interceptions. Gartcairn will look to build on a strong end to the season in the 2026/27 campaign as they enter another season in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2.

Midfielder – Izzy Young (Spartans)

From 15 points behind Kilmarnock to ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2 winners, it was perhaps the greatest comeback in the history of the league. Perhaps considered impossible at one point, the Edinburgh side have bounced straight back after relegation. Spartans knew they had to win on Sunday and hope for results to go in their favour. Young played her part, scoring the second and final goal with around 20 minutes remaining. The wide midfielder also provided three crosses as Spartans ensured they got victory against Dundee United. With victory for Queen’s Park over Kilmarnock, cue wild celebrations at Ainslie Park as Spartans look forward to 2026/27 back in the top division.

Midfielder – Justine Strain (Livingston)

Livingston ended their season unbeaten in the post-split with a comprehensive 6-1 win over Stirling University. The results have seen Livi finish 13 points clear of their nearest rivals, comfortably sitting 7th. Strain makes it back-to-back inclusions in this team, adding to her two goals from last week. This week she got a hat-trick, with a further four shots, as well as providing an assist. Livingston will hope to keep Strain next season and build on the positive momentum.

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Forward – Elvie McLean (St Johnstone)

While a lot of attention was on the top of the table, there were plenty of eyes at the other end as St Johnstone and East Fife battled to ensure their safety in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2. It went down to the wire, but The Saints eventually got the important victory to finish three points clear of their opponents. McLean got the opening goal of the afternoon, as well as providing a further five shots (two on target). She also had a 70% passing accuracy rate, a 71% dribbling success rate, and provided five crosses. St Johnstone can now relax, while East Fife will compete in the SWPL 2 Play-Off Final against Falkirk on Thursday 28th May.

Forward & Star Player – Kaela McDonald-Nguah (Montrose)

Montrose ended their season on a high with a 5-0 away win over Hamilton Accies, denying their opponents a victory all season. McDonald-Nguah put Accies to the sword with a hat-trick, as well as having a further four shots throughout the match. She also provided three crosses and boasted a solid 66% passing accuracy rate as the Mighty Mo finished level on points with Motherwell. Montrose will look to build on a successful season and a guaranteed place in the top flight for 2026/27.

Forward – Katie Wilkinson (Rangers)

Rangers remain in the battle for the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League title after a resounding 4-0 win over Old Firm rivals Celtic. Typically close matches, Rangers blew their opponents away as they keep their hopes alive following Heart’s draw against Glasgow City. Wilkinson continues to shine for her side, scoring twice on Sunday to give them a comfortable 2-0 lead at half-time. Rangers know they must win against Glasgow City and hope Hibernian beat Hearts if they are to lift the league trophy for the first time since 2021/22.