Page 12 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.34 2022-23

In its first season as a national competition, the Scottish Women’s Championship has proven highly
competitive, with results hard to predict and every team capable of taking points off every other team
on any given day.
There were many, many standout players across the season, but taking into account personal
growth, influence and appearances in our regular Team of the Month, let’s have a look at the Team of
the Season:
Francesca Millar, Morton
It takes enormous character for a goalkeeper to come back from a shoulder fracture in only the second
game of the season, fight back to reclaim the gloves from two good keepers in Asha Caines and Megan
Felgate, all amidst a challenging season where your team struggled to pick up points. But to do so at
just 15 years of age is a huge indicator of the talent and potential in Morton’s young keeper.
Sophie Aitken, Dryburgh Athletic
Dryburgh Athletic had a frustrating start to the season in terms of goals, but they remained a difficult
team to break down and their number six has played a crucial role in that. A natural leader on the park
who starts moves and can play further forward,
Natasha Frew, Livingston
Perhaps more impressive than Livingston’s acquisitions on their way to the Championship title was
the development of the core spine of their team. This was particularly exemplified by their captain,
who has developed into a commanding player who is able to read the game, bring the ball forward
from defence and make unexpected runs. Frew also notched up some decisive assists at the business
end of the season.
Jess Murphy, Livingston
Widely respected by her peers, Murphy showed incredible creativity from defence throughout the
season to give Livingston options, chipping in with eight goals at important moments, particularly
from set plays.
Morgan Anderson, Rossvale
Rossvale used a big pool of players over the course the season, but Anderson stood out to provide a
calmness and stability in midfield, seeming to have a bit more time on the ball than those around her,
forging a good partnership alongside Lauren McCulloch.
Angyl Learmonth, Hutchison Vale
Scoring 24 goals in a season is an astonishing feat in itself, but to do so from the midfield of a team
struggling with consistency is truly impressive from the Hutchison Vale captain. Although she is the
league’s top scorer, Learmonth also provides leadership and creativity to this very young side.
Shannon Mulligan, Livingston
The Livingston midfielder has grown over the course of the season, channelling her combative style
to become a real asset both in breaking up counter attacks and providing dangerous balls forward.
She has scored some very important goals among her tally of 15, not least a last minute winner against
Rossvale in a midweek clash that started her team believing.
Sinead MacLeod, Renfrew Ladies
Renfrew’s top scorer has had a habit of making an impact at crucial moments in what has been an
impressive season for a side who only narrowly missed out on a play-off spot in the final game. A
direct player from the left who frequently injected purpose and energy into her side when it was needed.
Hannah Gordon, Inverness Caledonian Thistle
Caley Thistle may have struggled with consistency this season as they adjust to more time on the road
as part of a national league, but the season was notable for the development of those in the team who
worked hardest. Gordon may not have scored as many goals as she was known for in previous
campaigns but increasingly took a leadership role through the season in a deeper role.
Clare Docherty, Ayr United
Having taken a position at the club as head of the women and girls section, many would have been
forgiven for thinking former Celtic player Docherty would play an influential part in Ayr United’s
progression off the pitch rather than on it this season, but she has proven it is possible to do both. This
lively and skilful forward has at times looked like the fittest player in the league and has made an
incredible contribution to the turnaround in the club’s fortunes after a slow start.
Ashley Elizabeth, Livingston
Elizabeth is another player who benefited greatly from the new additions as the season went on,
having started the season looking isolated up front at times, the return of Jenn Dodds and the
signings of Brogan Anderson and Beth McKay allowed Elizabeth to step into the spotlight, with an
impressive hat trick against Renfrew then the crucial equaliser weeks later which clinched the title.
(scotwomensfootball.com)
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