Team of the Week – 27th September

Team of the Week from ScottishPower Women’s Premier League games played on 27th September.

————————

Goalkeeper – Rachael Johnstone, Heart of Midlothian

Heart of Midlothian had to settle for a point in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Glasgow City in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League, with Johnstone putting in an assured display between the posts. She made seven saves, two of which were certain goals if not for her excellent shot-stopping skills. The ‘keeper was also composed in her distribution under pressure, completing 13 of her 16 passes at an 81% accuracy rate, including four successful long balls. Hearts next face Hibs in a Capital Cup battle at Easter Road on Sunday (14:10 KO), live on BBC ALBA.

————————

Defender – Faye Bryson, Hibernian

Hibernian moved level on points with Hearts following a 2-0 away victory over Aberdeen, with Bryson named her club’s Player of the Match following an outstanding display. The defender was instrumental in helping secure the clean sheet, registering seven interceptions and winning six of her nine duels. Bryson was equally influential going forward, making 13 total recoveries, six coming inside the opposition half, while completing 37 of her 51 passes (73% accuracy), providing five crosses, and maintaining a 100% dribbling success rate. Hibernian host Hearts on Sunday at Easter Road (14:10 KO), live on BBC ALBA, as both sides battle for points in the league and for the Capital Cup.

Defender – Jesi Rossman, Glasgow City

Glasgow City fought back to earn a point in an entertaining 2-2 draw away to Hearts, with Rossman getting the all-important equaliser. The American defender popped up with a vital strike, expertly finishing from distance with an xG of 0.05. Rossman was exceptionally composed in possession, completing 62 of her 71 passes (87% accuracy rate) to keep City moving forward. Defensively, she was excellent, recording 13 interceptions and 18 recoveries, alongside winning 100% of her aerial duels. Glasgow City will look to return to winning ways on Sunday when they travel to bottom-of-the-table Montrose (16:00 KO).

Defender – Rebecca Simpson, Gartcairn

Gartcairn climbed to fifth in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2 with a 3-1 home victory over Renfrew. Anchored by a commanding defensive display from Simpson, the 18-year-old got the third and final goal of the game to secure all three points. While they couldn’t keep Renfrew at bay, with the away side opening the scoring, the MTC Park side fought back to earn a win that moves them eight points clear of the relegation zone and just two points away from the play-offs. Gartcairn face a tricky away tie against Kilmarnock on Sunday (15:00 KO) as they look to earn back-to-back victories.

————————

Midfielder & Star Player – Sienna McGoldrick, Partick Thistle

Partick Thistle eventually earned a 3-2 victory over Montrose at Firhill, coming back from 2-0 down to get the win. McGoldrick, who earns this week’s Star Player recognition, delivered a match-winning display from midfield, netting a vital double from an xG of 0.43 while testing the goalkeeper with four of her five total shots hitting the target. Her second and the Jags’ third goal were particularly impressive, flying past Lauren Perry from the edge of the box. McGoldrick was constantly direct in possession, completing three of her five dribbles and four of her seven long passes. She also put in relentless work off the ball, making eight total recoveries. Partick Thistle will look to cause a shock when they host Rangers on Sunday (16:00 KO), currently the only side in the league with a 100% record.

Midfielder – Rebecca McAllister, Queen’s Park

Queen’s Park delivered a dominant performance to claim an emphatic 5-1 victory over Falkirk in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2. With newly promoted Falkirk unbeaten this season, The Spiders handed them their first loss while climbing above them in the table. McAllister was named the sponsors’ Player of the Match following an outstanding display in midfield, scoring twice as Queen’s Park put the game to bed by half-time thanks to five goals. Queen’s Park will look to continue their fine form when they visit St Johnstone on Sunday (16:00 KO).

Midfielder – Olivia Hurrell, Spartans

Spartans registered what could be a crucial 2-0 away victory against Motherwell in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League. The newly promoted side are now seven points clear of the relegation zone, and four points clear of the Women of Steel. Hurrell was named her club’s Player of the Match following an impactful display, capping off her performance by getting on the scoresheet with a phenomenal strike. She worked hard to connect play in advanced areas, completing 14 passes (56% accuracy rate), while contributing off the ball with three interceptions and six recoveries to help secure all three points. Spartans will look to hand Celtic back-to-back losses when they face them at Kirkintilloch Community Sports Complex on Sunday (13:00 KO).

Midfielder – Arwen O’Brien, Kilmarnock

Kilmarnock moved to within just one point of the top of the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2 table following a 3-1 victory away to Hamilton Academical. With many feeling these two sides could be considered favourites for the title, Kilmarnock came away with the win and are now eight points clear of the Lanarkshire side. O’Brien was voted her club’s Player of the Match as she delivered an authoritative display to help Killie dictate the tempo. Her tireless work rate, tactical discipline, and sharp distribution ensured Kilmarnock stayed on the front foot throughout. Killie host Gartcairn on Sunday (15:00 KO) as they look to overtake Boroughmuir Thistle at the top of the table.

————————

Forward – Emily Shanks, St Johnstone

St Johnstone secured a hard-fought point in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2, marking their only point this month in the league. With Boroughmuir Thistle top of the table, it was something of a shock result for The Saints as they move four points clear of the relegation zone. Shanks provided the decisive moment by scoring her side’s only goal and was a constant outlet for Saints, showing sharp instincts in and around the penalty box. St Johnstone host an in-form Queen’s Park on Sunday (16:00 KO) as they look for another positive result.

Forward – Calliste Brookshire, Rangers

Rangers asserted their dominance at the top of the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League with a sensational 5-2 derby victory over Celtic. Ending their rivals’ 100% record while maintaining their own, a number of Rangers players could have made the team this week. Brookshire is included after earning another ScottishPower Women’s Premier League Player of the Match award as she was pivotal in turning the game in Rangers’ favour. She got the assist for Rangers’ second to make it 2-1 before putting the exclamation mark on her performance in the 67th minute, cleverly getting the ball inside the box before slotting it into the net to cap off Rangers’ five-goal haul. Leanne Crichton’s side look like favourites for the title at this early stage and will look to continue the momentum away to Partick Thistle on Sunday (16:00 KO).

Forward – Kaitlyn Canavan, Livingston

Livingston earned their first point of the season after an enthralling 3-3 draw against Dundee United in ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2. Having gone 2-0 up and then conceding three goals, Livi did eventually find the all-important equaliser to earn a draw. Canavan proved to be a constant and important threat in the final third, scoring Livingston’s two opening goals in a high-scoring, end-to-end clash. Her sharp movement, clinical finishing, and relentless work rate off the ball ensured Livi remained a continuous threat throughout the 90 minutes. Livingston host Hamilton Academical on Sunday (16:00 KO) as they look to reduce the gap to safety.