Team of the Week – 29th April

Team of the Week from ScottishPower Women’s Premier League games played on 24th and 26th April.

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Goalkeeper – Sophia Anderson (East Fife)

East Fife earned themselves what could be a vital point at the end of the season after a goalless draw with Livingston on Sunday. The result moves them to within three points of St Johnstone who they are still to play again this season, though they are -25 behind their relegation rivals on goal difference. Anderson earns her place in the team, keeping Livingston at bay despite them scoring 15 goals in their last three games, including a vital save from a penalty. East Fife take on already relegated Stirling University on the 10th of May before facing St Johnstone on the final day of their season.

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Defender – Dominique Ypema (Heart of Midlothian)

Hearts took a massive step towards winning the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League title for the first time in their history with a 2-1 win away to Rangers. Ypema and her fellow defenders had a busy evening against Rangers, but limited them to just one goal in injury time as they moved two points clear at the top on Friday night. The centre back won 80% of her duels, made four interceptions, seven recoveries, and boasted a solid 80% passing success rate. Hearts beat Partick Thistle 3-0 last night and know they are just three more wins away from greatness.

Defender – Emma Brownlie (Glasgow City)

Rangers loss to Hearts was Glasgow City’s gain as Leanne Ross’ side jumped up into second, two points behind the leaders. At a noisy Wyre Stadium at Firhill, City made it four wins out of four against their Glasgow rivals without conceding a goal. Brownlie scored the opening goal of the night from a header as well as making four interceptions, 11 recoveries, and boasting a 90% passing accuracy rate. Glasgow City host Celtic tomorrow (19:00 KO) live on Sky Sports knowing every game is effectively must win until the end of the season.

Defender – Georgia Carter (Montrose)

Montrose secured their top flight status on Sunday with a 1-0 win over Aberdeen, condemning their opponents to the relegation play-off in the process. Having won the last three meetings between the sides and currently sitting 10 points clear, those wins have had a huge impact for Craig Feroz’s team. Carter got the all important goal for the Mighty Mo, finding herself in the right place at the right time, and she was a threat with four shots and two on target. Defensively she also won the majority of her duels, made 10 interceptions, 17 recoveries, and a solid 79% passing accuracy rate. Montrose next face Motherwell on the 10th of May knowing a win will guarantee they finish 7th.

Defender – Sarah Clelland (Spartans)

From what looked like a certainty, Spartans have put the cat amongst the pigeons in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2. The Edinburgh side are now just four points behind Kilmarnock with four games remaining after their 2-0 away win against Killie on Friday. Clelland was influential down the left side for Spartans, providing the assist for the opener and then the cross that ended up being scored to confirm their victory. They will know they likely need to win their remaining four games and hope Killie drop points, but Spartans are definitely back in the title race.

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Midfielder – Lucy Ronald (Motherwell)

Motherwell took the final Lanarkshire derby bragging rights of the season, knowing it won’t be until at least 2027/28 when the sides could next meet in the league. A 3-0 win for the Women of Steel, coupled with Aberdeen’s loss, guaranteed their safety as well as keeping them in the hunt to finish 7th. Midfielder Ronald was involved in 90 actions, 78% being successful, including opening the scoring with a clever finish. She made 13 recoveries compared to just five losses as well as having an impressive 92% passing accuracy rate. Motherwell next face Montrose in the battle for 7th before playing Aberdeen on their final day of the season.

Midfielder – Alba Stewart (Gartcairn)

Gartcairn may have ended any hopes for Dundee United of reaching the play-off spots in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2 with a 1-1 draw at Foundation Park. The 17 year old midfielder earns her place with an excellent performance, an 83% passing success rate, winning 69% of her duels, as well as making 13 recoveries compared to just seven losses. Gartcairn play Kilmarnock tomorrow (19:45 KO) as they will aim to see if they can possibly overtake the Tangerines by the end of the season, who they are seven points behind currently.

Midfielder – Rosie Livingstone (Hibernian)

Hibernian might be wondering what could have been had they replicated their form since the split throughout the whole season. At one point they looked adrift of the top four, but a 1-0 win against Celtic lifts them above them into 4th and now just five points behind Rangers. Livingstone earns another place in the Team of the Week this season as she continues to terrorise SWPL defences down the wing. On this occasion she didn’t get a goal or assist, but she won the penalty that was converted by Eilidh Adams as well as providing a constant threat for Joelle Murray’s side. Hibs face Rangers tomorrow (20:00 KO) as the reigning champions look to chase down the teams above them.

Midfielder – Niamh Noble (Dundee United)

While Dundee United are likely out of contention for the play-off spots in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2, Noble will be happy with her contribution for her side on Friday. United are 10 points adrift of Queen’s Park with just four games remaining. Noble, who switched sides throughout the match, produced six crosses, had 10 dribbles, made eight interceptions, as well as being involved in an incredible 40 duels (winning 22). United face Boroughmuir Thistle tomorrow (19:30 KO) as they look to keep their promotion play-off hopes alive.

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Forward & Star Player – Carly Johns (Hearts)

After such an important victory over Rangers, two Hearts inclusions in this team feels only fair. While Ypema was helping to keep Rangers at bay, Johns’ goal was ultimately the difference as she finished off a fine individual move for the Jambos. She also had a further two shots, won the majority of her duels, and had a 90% passing accuracy rate. If Hearts do go on to win the league, Johns will be seen as one of the best signings this season.

Forward – Emily Arthur (Boroughmuir Thistle)

Boroughmuir Thistle guaranteed themselves a place in the promotion play-off with a 1-0 away win over Queen’s Park. The result moved them 13 points clear of Dundee United with four games left to play. Arthur got the all important goal for the Edinburgh side, as well as having a further two shots and a 65% passing accuracy rate. It’s unlikely they can catch the top two, so Thistle’s focus will now be on at least finishing 3rd and building momentum going into the play-off battle.