Team of the Week – 22nd – 24th August

Team of the Week from ScottishPower Women’s Premier League games played between 22nd-24th August.

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Goalkeeper – Rachael Johnstone (Heart of Midlothian)

Hearts picked up a point on the road against Rangers at Ibrox in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League, and have Johnstone to thank. She was quick out of her box to deny Wilkinson as well as making some important saves, particularly in the 94th minute when she dived well and pushed the ball away to avoid any potential danger. With solid distribution, averaging 82% for both long and short passing combined, Johnstone earns her place between the sticks.

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Defender – Hannah Cunningham (Spartans)

Spartans’ battle to win immediate promotion to the top division continued with another win and a clean sheet. They left it late against Dundee United, but it earned the Edinburgh side an important three points. Selected as their Player of the Match, Cunningham was strong in defence, winning 80% of her duels and 83% of her aerial duels, as well as boasting a solid 65% passing accuracy.

Defender – Sophie Timlin (Gartcairn)

There was no stopping Gartcairn on Sunday as they swept aside newly promoted Stirling University. With so many goals, a forward might be disappointed not to make this team, but Timlin put in a very impressive allround display. Defensively she won 71% of her duels while going forward from full-back, she scored, had two further shots, and a 77% passing accuracy for short and long passing combined. She also provided the second highest number of total passes (58) in the league this matchday. It’s a very good start for Gartcairn and Timlin this season with two wins from two.

Defender – Jodie Malcolm (St Johnstone)

The Saints returned to McDiarmid Park astro on Sunday and with great success. After a disappointing defeat on the opening day, they bounced back with a 4-2 win over newly promoted East Fife. While Malcolm wasn’t credited with a goal in the end, she played a role in St Johnstone’s third and had a further three shots saved throughout the match. St Johnstone will hope to have more winning moments here for the rest of the season.

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Midfielder – Lizzi Arnot (Rangers)

It’s very rare to include a substitute in the Team of the Week, but Lizzi Arnot justifies her inclusion as she helped her side earn a point at home to Hearts. As Rangers rung the changes on 70 minutes, Arnot came on to provide two assists for Wilkinson and was a menace on the left wing. With limited time, her impact was significant and she barely put a foot wrong. The only disappointment will be that they couldn’t hold on for the win after going 2-1 up.

Midfielder – Abby Robinson (Kilmarnock)

It has been a fine start to the season for Kilmarnock and Robinson as she earns back-to-back places in the team of the week. With 15 goals in their opening two games, Killie are a side that will provide entertainment this season and Robinson will likely be at the heart of most of it. She scored the all-important winner in their 4-3 win away to Boroughmuir Thistle and was also responsible for winning the penalty.

Midfielder – Tiree Burchill (Hibernian)

It was a pleasant return to Petershill Park for Burchill as she helped her side to a 5-0 win away to Partick Thistle. The former Jag gave her previous side a headache as she constantly threatened, scoring twice, taking a further two shots, and having a total of seven crosses. She also brought her teammates into the game with 91% of her short and long passes accurate. The title holders have started the season in fine form and it’s perfect timing ahead of their next match in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Midfielder – Natalia Wrobel (Glasgow City)

It wasn’t the comfortable result that City were hoping for on the road to Aberdeen, but it’s two wins for two for Leanne Ross’ side. One goal was enough in the end, but any further goals looked like they would come from the attacking play of Wróbel. She was excellent on the ball, completing seven successful dribbles and was threatening with three shots. Playing a full match for the first time since January, City will hope they can keep Wróbel fit and in-form for the rest of the season.

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Forward – Saoirse Noonan (Celtic)

It was an all-round impressive display from Noonan, getting a goal and assist for Celtic as they dismantled Hamilton Academical 5-0. Accies couldn’t handle the Irish international, who had a total of eight shots in the match and would have been disappointed not to have at least scored a second. Linking up play with an 87% passing success rate, it was an excellent display for an out-and-out centre forward.

Forward – Ellie Kane (Queen’s Park)

Many will remember how prolific Ellie Kane was in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2 two seasons ago, and she could be back for more. Having not scored in the league since April 2024, she got off the mark for the season with a double in their 6-0 win over Livingston. With a further two shots, the Spiders will be hoping Kane and her teammates can recreate their title winning form of 2023/24.

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

Another player coming back to haunt their former club was McDonald-Nguah against Motherwell. The star player of the week got two goals and two assists as her side won 4-1 away from home, a potentially massive victory even this early in the season. McDonald-Nguah showed her ability to compete at the top level, displaying two clever finishes along with strength and speed to give defenders all sorts of problems. If she maintains this form, she could be one of the best signings this season.