Team of the Week – 30th April and 4th May

Team of the Week from ScottishPower Women’s Premier League games played on 30th April and 4th May.

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Goalkeeper – Beth Rennie (Dundee United)

Dundee United picked up their first win since December as they defeated Queen’s Park, the last side they were victorious against. Rennie earns her spot after a fantastic display against Partick Thistle midweek, making 10 saves and limiting Thistle to just one goal at Petershill Park. She had a quieter day on Sunday against the Spiders, but still made an important save with the score at 1-1 to give her side an outside chance of finishing above their opponents.

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Defender – Georgia Carter (Montrose)

The Mighty Mo continued their battle for survival with their fourth consecutive victory in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League. The Links Park side dispatched Queen’s Park 4-0 before earning a massive three points against Spartans to bring the sides level on points. A number of players could be included, but defender Carter edges it with two goals from the two games and a clean sheet against the Spiders.

Defender – Samantha Van Diemen (Glasgow City)

Glasgow City remain firmly in the title race after two victories over their Glasgow rivals. City were 1-0 winners over Rangers at Ibrox before going on to defeat Celtic 3-1 on Sunday. Van Diemen is selected after two solid defensive displays, particularly against the highest-scoring team in the league midweek. She was successful with 71% of all her actions against Rangers, including 11 interceptions and 82% passing accuracy.

Defender – Lauren Doran-Barr (Hibernian)

As well as going forward, Hibernian have built their title challenge on a solid defence and have conceded only 17 goals all season. Unsurprisingly, they continue to impress with a clean sheet against Motherwell and limiting Hearts to one goal on Sunday. Doran-Barr gets the nod for her part as well as dangerous passes forward on the right for Hibs, culminating in an assist for their second goal against the Jambos.

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Midfielder – Mhairi Crooks (Rossvale)

With Ayr United picking up three points on Sunday, Rossvale’s draw against Livingston could be vital at the end of the season. It means they are three points clear with two games remaining and a superior goal difference over their relegation-threatened rivals. Mhairi Crooks earns a spot in the team after scoring the crucial equaliser in the match, the latest in a selection of important goals for the club in recent weeks.

Midfielder – Hannah Stewart (Aberdeen)

The Dons moved themselves closer to safety and the potential to finish 7th place after a midweek draw and victory on Sunday. Scott Booth’s side drew 1-1 away to Spartans before a 2-0 win over Partick Thistle at Balmoral. Hannah Stewart got their only goal in Edinburgh before getting the opener on Sunday, earning her place in the team and helping towards an important four points. Her side is four points clear of relegation and just two points behind the Jags with three games remaining.

Midfielder – Jaya Gill (Ayr United)

After a disappointing loss to Rossvale, it looked like Ayr United were destined to be relegated from ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2. However, a 4-3 win over Gartcairn on Sunday moves them to within three points with two games remaining. United will give plenty of thanks to Gill, who gave her side a 2-1 lead after capitalising on a loose pass. She then delivered two dangerous balls from set-pieces, which eventually led to goals. Two massive games await Ayr United.

Midfielder – Lucie Burns (Kilmarnock)

It’s another inclusion for Burns, who continues to star for Killie this season. The winger was responsible for both of Kilmarnock’s goals on Sunday away to Boroughmuir Thistle as the sides drew 2-2. The result means Kilmarnock are now four points behind Hamilton Accies with two games remaining, and will need results to go in their favour if they are to earn promotion.

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Forward & Star Player – Katie Wilkinson (Rangers)

Another familiar name to the Team of the Week returns after five goals against Motherwell on Sunday. The Women of Steel must hate the sight of Wilkinson, who has scored 12 goals and provided two assists in their five meetings this season. It was a clinical performance from the forward, who continues her march to becoming the top goalscorer this season and potentially finishing on 40 goals.

Forward – Josephine Giard (Hamilton Academical)

Hamilton Academical have the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2 title in their clutches after a 6-0 win over St Johnstone on Sunday. Coupled with Kilmarnock’s result, they are four points clear with two games remaining. They could seal an immediate return to the top flight on Sunday away to Gartcairn. Their return will be thanks to the goals of Giard who grabbed herself a brace on Sunday, including a fine finish from distance.

Forward – Kathleen McGovern (Hibernian)

With three games remaining this season, Hibs remain top of the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League and three points clear of Glasgow City. Three goals in two games, including a brace against her former side Hearts, McGovern is playing a vital part in their title challenge. She is one behind her teammate, Eilidh Adams, in the league, but neither player will complain about their rankings if they can help their side lift an incredible league trophy.