Team of the Week – 21st and 25th October

Team of the Week from ScottishPower Women’s Premier League games played on 21st and 25th October.

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Goalkeeper – Liamara Hensel-Burg, Spartans

Despite Spartans succumbing to a 2-0 defeat against local rivals Hibernian in Wednesday’s Edinburgh derby, Hensel-Burg produced a resolute display between the posts. Facing nine shots on target and a total expected conceded goals (xCG) of 2.16, the shot-stopper repeatedly thwarted the visitors by pulling off seven saves, five of which required instinctual reflex stops to deny a potent Hibs frontline. Hensel-Burg proved equally reliable with her footwork, completing 16 of her 17 short passes alongside four accurate long balls to relieve sustained defensive pressure. Spartans host Glasgow City when they return to ScottishPower Women’s Premier League action on Sunday 8th November.

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Defender – Emily Tomb, St Johnstone

St Johnstone recorded a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Renfrew in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2, with Tomb delivering an outstanding performance in the Saints’ backline to earn the club’s Player of the Match award. The defender was imperious throughout the 90 minutes, dominating aerial duels, executing crucial tackles, and cutting out dangerous deliveries into the penalty area. This vital victory maintains St Johnstone’s position above the drop zone, keeping them a point clear of Livingston. The Saints next welcome Falkirk to the McDiarmid Park Astro on Sunday 8th November.

Defender – Eva McKean, Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock put on a ruthless away display in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2, storming to a 4-0 victory against Falkirk behind a defensive masterclass from McKean. Voted her side’s Player of the Match, the defender showcased brilliant positional awareness, winning key duels and neutralizing Falkirk’s threats to preserve a clean sheet. Killie’s victory elevates them to second place in the table following Queen’s Park’s slip-up, leaving them six points behind leaders Boroughmuir Thistle. Jim Chapman’s side can narrow that gap to three when they host the Edinburgh outfit on Sunday 8th November.

Defender – Demi Taylor, Montrose

Montrose secured back-to-back victories in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League with a convincing 2-0 win over Aberdeen at Links Park. Taylor put in a masterclass at left-back, acting as an unyielding engine down the flank while recording 71 total actions and winning 17 of her 22 duels (77%). She proved practically uncontainable in 1v1 situations, completing 11 of her 12 dribbles (92%) while testing the opposition goalkeeper with both of her shot attempts. Defensively, Taylor added four recoveries inside the opposition half, six accurate long passes, and three interceptions to lock down a well-deserved clean sheet. Montrose sit just one point off safety, knowing victory against Partick Thistle in their next league fixture will see them leapfrog The Jags.

Defender – Ellie MacDonald, Motherwell

Motherwell showed immense resilience across two demanding ScottishPower Women’s Premier League fixtures, earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Partick Thistle on Wednesday before taking on title-chasing Rangers on Sunday. MacDonald was a standout figure in the backline across both outings. Her defining performance arrived midweek against Thistle, where she provided an assist, won 13 duels (62%), completed 100% of her dribbles, and tallied 10 interceptions alongside two opposition-half recoveries. MacDonald’s tactical discipline and tireless work rate proved crucial in blunting dangerous opposition wingers under constant pressure. Motherwell switch focus to the Sky Sports Cup on Sunday when they host Hibernian for a place in the semi-finals (16:00 KO).

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Midfielder & Star Player – Ellen Dolan, Heart of Midlothian

Heart of Midlothian secured a thrilling 4-2 midweek victory over Celtic, leapfrogging their opponents in the table. Driven by an exceptional display from Dolan, the Jambos midfielder was lethal in front of goal, netting a magnificent brace by converting both of her shots on target from an xG of just 0.22. Her vision and range of passing set the tempo for Hearts, completing 34 of her 42 passes (81% accuracy) alongside three accurate long balls. Dolan was just as influential out of possession, winning 14 duels (61%), making seven interceptions, and registering 11 recoveries. Hearts hunt for a place in the Sky Sports Cup semi-finals when they visit Boroughmuir Thistle on Friday night (19:15 KO).

Midfielder – Jas McQuade, Hibernian

Hibernian produced a clinical 2-0 derby victory away to Spartans on Wednesday night, with McQuade pulling the strings in an attacking midfield role to claim her club’s Player of the Match award. McQuade was an unending source of creativity between the lines, connecting 25 of her 29 passes (86% accuracy), testing the goalkeeper with three of her four shot attempts, and completing three of her five take-ons. She complemented her attacking flair with defensive grit, winning 10 duels (63%) and recording four interceptions. Hibernian travel to face Motherwell in the Sky Sports Cup on Sunday (16:00 KO) as they aim to add an eighth title to their historic record in the competition.

Midfielder – Brogan Hay, Rangers

Rangers underlined their championship credentials with two huge wins in five days, dealing a major blow to their rivals with a 2-1 away triumph against Glasgow City before sweeping Motherwell aside 4-0 on Sunday. Operating across both flanks, Hay provided a constant spark, playing 35 impactful minutes against Glasgow City before delivering a commanding 94-minute display against Motherwell. On Sunday, Hay put Motherwell to the sword with a sensational brace, hitting the target with three of her four shots and driving play with 40 accurate passes (69% accuracy). Across both matches, Hay was flawless when taking on defenders, recording a 100% successful dribble rate while making six recoveries and six interceptions. Rangers now hold an eight-point lead at the top of the table, turning their focus to the Sky Sports Cup on Sunday when they host Partick Thistle (14:00 KO).

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Forward – Justine Strain, Livingston

Livingston earned back-to-back wins in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over title contenders Queen’s Park. Re-signing for the club just days prior to kick-off, Strain made an immediate and unforgettable impact on her homecoming in West Lothian. The forward was a constant threat to the Spiders’ backline, showcasing relentless energy and incisive movement in behind. She celebrated her return in fairytale fashion by scoring both goals for the Lionesses, including a dramatic late winner to secure all three points. Livingston are now within a single point from safety as they prepare to travel to Gartcairn on Sunday 8th November.

Forward – Holly Aitchison, Boroughmuir Thistle

Boroughmuir Thistle extended their advantage at the summit of the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2 with a gritty 2-1 victory over Hamilton Academical at New Douglas Park. Acting as the focal point in attack, Aitchison’s set-piece mastery and precise delivery proved to be the match’s deciding factor. She delivered both set pieces that led directly to Thistle’s two goals, causing chaos in the Accies penalty area amidst challenging weather conditions. Beyond her decisive service, her hold-up play kept Thistle firmly on the front foot throughout an intense contest. Boroughmuir Thistle look to produce an upset on Friday in the Sky Sports Cup when they host SWPL side Hearts (19:15 KO).

Forward – Katie Wilkinson, Rangers

Rangers forward Wilkinson produced another clinical week in attack, extending her prolific form at the top while collecting ScottishPower Women’s Premier League Player of the Match honours in the 2-1 win away to Glasgow City. Operating up front across 176 total minutes, Wilkinson netted the decisive goal against title rivals Glasgow City at Petershill Park with a long-range finish. She followed up with a strong showing against Motherwell, generating four shot attempts (three on target) while linking play with 17 accurate passes (74% accuracy). Across both matches, Wilkinson won 10 duels, recorded four recoveries in the opposition half, and served as an unrelenting focal point at the top of the pitch. Rangers are in Sky Sports Cup action on Sunday when they host Partick Thistle (14:00 KO) for a spot in the semi-finals.