Team of the Week – 7th and 11th May

Team of the Week from ScottishPower Women’s Premier League games played on 7th and 11th May.

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Goalkeeper – Rachel Johnstone (Heart of Midlothian)

It was a comfortable 6-0 win for Hearts over Motherwell on Sunday, and it was a convincing victory thanks to Johnstone keeping a clean sheet. The ‘keeper made five saves, including denying Bailley Collins a certain goal as she bailed out her defence with a low save one-on-one. It’s Johnstone’s first clean sheet since January, despite an expected goals conceded (xCG) of 1.65.

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Defender – Cassie Cowper (Montrose)

Montrose continued their fine form since the split with a 2-2 draw against Aberdeen on Wednesday and a vital 1-0 win away to Partick Thistle on Sunday. The results keep the Mighty Mo in with a chance of surviving the drop, reliant on the fact that they can beat Dundee United on the final day of the season and results go their way. Cassie Cowper earns her place, scoring the only goal against the Jags and helping her side keep their opponents at bay for the next 87-plus minutes.

Defender – Tegan Browning (Spartans)

It was two victories from two for the Spartans, and at absolutely the right moment. With Montrose breathing down their necks, the Edinburgh side picked up six points to maintain a two-point lead over their relegation rivals. Browning put in two solid performances at the back, a 66% success rate with all her actions against Dundee United midweek before scoring and keeping a clean sheet in their 2-0 home win against Queen’s Park. One more victory will guarantee their place in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League next season.

Defender – Ria McCafferty (Boroughmuir Thistle)

Despite being out of the title race, Thistle continue to end the season strong with a 2-0 away win against Ayr United. McCafferty put in an excellent shift, completing 99 actions throughout the match. This included 72 passes, four through passes, and 31 long passes, 20 of this total being progressive. These are the highest numbers of any player this round in ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2. Alongside a clean sheet, McCafferty more than earns her spot.

Defender – Kiera Ritchie (Hamilton Accies)

It wasn’t their best performance all season, but Hamilton Accies won’t care as they were confirmed as the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League 2 champions and secured an immediate return to the top flight. Ritchie got the only goal of the game while also ensuring Gartcairn were denied on their way to victory. With just her second goal of the season, it’s fitting Accies win the league through Ritchie, who has played some of the most minutes for the club this campaign.

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Midfielder – Steffi Simson (St Johnstone)

St Johnstone put distance between themselves and the relegation zone with a 2-0 away win to Rossvale. While the Saints were safe from any relegation danger before the match, they put in a good performance to boost their points tally. Simpson scored from the penalty spot, had three shots, and an 82% passing success rate in the middle of the pitch.

Midfielder – Kirsty McLean (Rangers)

Rangers remain in the hunt for the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League title after a 1-0 win over rivals Celtic. With Hibernian and Glasgow City drawing, Rangers moved above City into second and three points behind leaders Hibs with two games remaining. While it wasn’t the most exciting meeting of the two sides, the result means Rangers are unbeaten against Celtic this season. MacLean edges into the team with two shots, 80% of her passes successful, and 67% duels won.

Midfielder – Rosie Livingstone (Hibernian)

Hibernian remain top of the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League after a 2-2 draw against Glasgow City, now just two wins away from an incredible title. While Eilidh Adams and Kathleen McGovern were both on the scoresheet again, Livingstone is included after a wonderful assist for their second goal and testing the City backline with a further two shots.

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Forward – Kerry Beattie (Aberdeen)

With one game left in the 2024/25 season, Aberdeen are safe and could well finish as the best of the bottom-six sides. Their 2-2 home draw midweek against Montrose kept them four points clear of relegation before a comfortable 5-0 away win against Dundee United secured their status. Beattie has provided quality to the side since joining, and she had two moments of brilliance on Sunday. Two fine finishes at Foundation Park and at least one could be nominated for Goal of the Month for May.

Forward & Star Player – Cara Gray (Kilmarnock)

Despite their best efforts, Kilmarnock couldn’t deny Hamilton Accies the league title and will hope to go one better next season in the restructured league. In their bid for promotion, they will likely want to hold on to their on-loan forward from Glasgow City. Gray has been prolific for Jim Chapman’s side, adding her second hat-trick within a month in their 6-0 victory against Livingston.

Forward – Olufolasade Adamolekun (Hearts)

While Johnstone was keeping things tight at the back for Hearts, Adamolekun was helping to bring the goals as she scored once and provided two assists. The forward has been in fine form this season and has often shown her composure in and around the box. This was epitomised on Sunday as she took the ball towards goal before passing into the net and past Emily Mutch. With two games left, Eva Olid will be aiming for her side to finish above Celtic and earn a top-four finish.