Team of the Week – 25th February

Team of the Week from ScottishPower Women’s Premier League games played on 22nd February.

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Goalkeeper – Katie Cox (Aberdeen)

Aberdeen fell to a 3-0 defeat to Hibernian in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League, but it would have been more if not for Cox in goals. She made an impressive five saves, with very little she could do to deny Hibs their three goals. Alongside her defenders, she helped keep the Edinburgh side at bay until the 66th minute before a brilliant strike by Kathleen McGovern. Aberdeen remain second bottom in the league, level on points with Motherwell with six games in the split to avoid the relegation play-off spot.

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Defender – Nicola Docherty (Rangers)

Rangers climbed up to second in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League, dropping Montrose out of the top-six in the process. The Glasgow side were made to work hard for their 2-0 win, especially considering it was a 6-1 scoreline back in August at Links Park. Docherty earns her spot in the team with a clean sheet, 91% passing accuracy, 75% of her duels won, as well as the highest number of passes into the final third (18), progressive passes (19) and runs (six) of any player in the league this round. Leanne Crichton’s side remain five points behind Glasgow City with 10 games remaining.

Defender – Ciara Bonner (Queen’s Park)

Nothing could separate the top two sides in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2 on Sunday, with Queen’s Park and Kilmarnock playing out an entertaining 0-0 draw. Bonner played her part as she helped to keep the highest scoring side in the league goalless, the first time since the 31st of August. She also had the highest number of passes (81) and ball progression (8.59), the second highest progressive passes (19), and the third highest passes into the final third (15) of any player in the league this round. This included a solid 70% passing accuracy, 79% duels won, and four interceptions. The Spiders drop below Spartans but remain 13 points behind Killie.

Defender – Rebecca Brady (Gartcairn)

Voted as their player of the match, Brady helped Gartcairn close the gap on the promotion play-off places with a narrow 1-0 win over Livingston. The MTC Park side had already secured their top-six status in the last round of fixtures, but they also earned the bragging rights in the final meeting of the two sides this season. The defender earns her place with a clean sheet, providing the assist for their only goal, as well as winning a solid 63% of her duels. Gartcairn are now 11 points behind Boroughmuir Thistle with 10 games remaining.

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Midfielder – Jo Love (Partick Thistle)

Partick Thistle earned their top-six status in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League in dramatic style on Sunday, a last minute goal giving them the all important three points against Hamilton Academical. The experienced Love certainly played her part, providing an assist, as well as a 70% passing accuracy rate, winning 64% of her duels, 80% of her aerial duels, making nine intercetions, and an impressive 18 recoveries. Gary Holt’s side face a tough 10 matches ahead in the split, but will be delighted in their season turnaround to earn their spot in the top-six.

Midfielder – Linda Motlhalo (Glasgow City)

Glasgow City cruised past Motherwell on Sunday, moving themselves five points clear at the summit thanks to Celtic’s victory over Hearts. The South African internationist is included for her goal, intercepting the ball well before scoring, as well as 95% passing accuracy, 100% dribbling success, 67% of her duels won, and nine recoveries compared to just four losses. Glasgow City now enter the split looking to remain unbeaten and lift the league trophy for the second time under Leanne Ross’ leadership.

Midfielder – Elvie McLean (St Johnstone)

St Johnstone put more distance between themselves and the relegation play-off spot, defeating Stirling University 5-1. McLean makes the team, getting an assist, as well as the highest number of smart passes (two) and deep completions (five), and the fifth highest number of passes (49) and passes into the final third (14) of any player this round. This is on top of six shots in the match, three on target, 78% passing accuracy, 100% dribbling success, and winning the majority of her duels. The Saints are now seven points clear of East Fife with six games remaining.

Midfielder – Izzy Young (Spartans)

Spartans jumped above Queen’s Park in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2 following their 5-0 win over East Fife. Young makes it back-to-back inclusions in the Team of the Week, as she got two goals as well as being voted as Spartans’ player of the match. The 17-year-old also had a further two shots, 70% passing accuracy, five crosses, six dribbles (four successful), and four interceptions. The Edinburgh side move level on points with Queen’s Park (above on head-to-head) and now 13 points behind leaders Kilmarnock.

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Forward – Danni Findlay (Dundee United)

Dundee United picked up their first win since December as they came away from Meadowbank Stadium with a 2-0 victory. The two sides drew 0-0 earlier this season, so United’s victory gives them a boost in their battle to earn a top-six spot. Findlay earns a place in the team with her last minute header sealing the three points, whilst also have seven shots (three on target) and a 77% passing accuracy rate. The Tangerines are now six points behind Thistle and seven behind Queen’s Park and Spartans.

Forward & Star Player – Saoirse Noonan (Celtic)

Celtic earned a potentially massive three points in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League title race, defeating Heart of Midlothian 5-3. The result moves Rangers and Celtic up the table, both now above Hearts by a point. Noonan got her first hat-trick this season at an all important time in what was a thoroughly entertaining match. The Irish striker also had a further three shots and got her three goals from an xG of just 1.51. Grant Scott’s side remain behind Rangers on their head-to-head record and five points adrift of Glasgow City with 10 games left.

Forward – Kathleen McGovern (Hibernian)

Hibernian eventually saw off second bottom Aberdeen 3-0, as the Edinburgh side returned to the capital with all three points. McGovern continues to show her quality for Hibs, opening the scoring with a wonderful goal from distance before scoring a second 14 minutes later as she took one touch inside the box before calmly slotting the ball past Cox. The Scotland forward had a further five shots, 71% passing accuracy and 100% dribbling success. Hibs are now six points behind Hearts and seven behind Celtic and Rangers.