Page 12 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.33 2022-23

In its inaugural season, SWF League One proved not only highly competitive but also a showcase
for players. With increased media coverage, especially in local press, the league provided a
platform for both young players to demonstrate their potential on a national stage and senior
players to show they can still produce.
There were many, many standout players across the season, but taking into account influence
and appearances in our regular Team of the Month, let’s have a look at the Team of the Season:
Rachel Pirie, Falkirk
This young keeper may have spent some of the season injured, but she has caught the attention
of many with some outstanding shot stopping, not least by their Scottish Cup opponents Celtic,
who singled her out for praise after the match.
Karen McCabe, St Mirren
St Mirren’s development throughout the season has been exemplified by their captain, whose
awareness and reading of the game has steadily improved throughout, alongside her team’s
form. Confident in bringing the ball forward and provides a dangerous corner.
Alix Wilkinson, FC Edinburgh
FC Edinburgh’s defence has been crucial to their success, with a back line full of ball-players who
often begin attacks. Wilkinson’s ability to break up attacks caught the eye, and contributed to her
side only conceding 12 goals in an invincible season.
Jude Connolly, Stenhousemuir
A full back who is as comfortable in attack as in defence. Connolly has played a leadership role
in a Stenny side which challenged for promotion.
Megan Murray, Airdrie Ladies
This versatile player served Airdrie well all over the park, providing goals and assists from
midfield as well as attack. Instrumental in turning around her side’s fortunes throughout the
season.
Emma Mitchell, FC Edinburgh
The champions had a formidable midfield, and Mitchell shades it for her vision and creativity,
allowing her side to play through the thirds with astonishing pace, providing defence-splitting
passes and chipping in with 20 goals.
Siobhan Scott, Giffnock Soccer Centre
A formidable striker with 21 goals, Scott was also moved back into a number eight position
towards the end of the season and didn’t look out of place in a very young side who made a
fantastic job of their first season playing at this level.
Deborah McLeod, FC Edinburgh
While she may have been pipped at the post for her side’s top goalscorer, McLeod’s all-round
work rate and energy off the ball provided a robust spine to many of the league winners’ attacks.
Among her 25 goals were some crucial ones for the champions.
Natalie Brown, Edinburgh Caledonia
Brown’s 22 goals coincided with Edinburgh Caley’s best form in League One, helping propel her
side from the bottom half of the table into the top six. Another with good work rate, she showed
Intelligent link-up play with teammates.
Suzanne Wyatt, Falkirk
The former Rangers and Kilmarnock striker has enjoyed a prolific season in League One, and
showed she wasn’t brought in just to be a leader to Falkirk’s younger players. Wyatt used her
experience to be in the right place at the right time so often, leading to an impressive haul of 28
goals.
Kayleigh Traynor, Westdyke
The season’s top scorer played a pivotal role in Westdyke’s successful campaign, not just through
her 35-goal tally but also through a deft first touch and ability to hold up play. A talisman in a
talented young side who will play SWF Championship football next season.
(scotwomensfootball.com)
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