The Weekend Watchlist
The Spark - Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, Nottingham Forest
Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah has been a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 this season, with seven goals and one assist to her name. Her scoring touch has been particularly decisive recently, finding the net in her last two league matches to help Forest secure back-to-back victories. Operating primarily from wide areas, Boye-Hlorkah combines pace, direct running, and intelligent movement to stretch defences and create opportunities both for herself and her teammates.
She has created 19 chances, made 93 recoveries, and completed 39 tackles this season, highlighting her ability to contribute across the pitch. As Forest prepare to face Newcastle this weekend, her influence in key moments, both offensively and defensively, makes her one of the players most likely to determine the outcome of the match.
The Engine - Beth Happle, Durham
Beth Hepple has been the driving force behind Durham’s performances in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 this season, leading the team with seven goals and two assists, the most of any player for the club in the league. Operating as a dynamic defensive midfielder, she combines defensive discipline with attacking intelligence, creating 23 chances for teammates while making 64 recoveries and 29 tackles.
Hepple also draws fouls effectively, winning 14 this season, providing Durham with valuable set- piece opportunities. Her ability to break up opposition play, link defence and attack, and contribute decisively in the final third makes her central to Durham’s game plan. As Durham prepare to face Bristol City this weekend, Hepple’s energy, vision, and consistency in key moments make her one of the players most likely to dictate the tempo and influence the outcome.
The Last Line - Abbie Lafayette, Sheffield United
Abbie Lafayette has been a cornerstone of Sheffield United’s defence in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 this season. While she has contributed three assists, it’s her defensive mastery that truly defines her impact, making 38 tackles, 39 interceptions, and 104 recoveries to consistently repel opposing attacks.
Lafayette’s reading of the game, composure under pressure, and physical presence make her an indispensable figure at the back, capable of shutting down threats before they materialise. As Sheffield United prepare to face Southampton this weekend, her leadership and reliability in defence will be pivotal in providing a platform for the team to build from and maintain stability throughout the match.
The Creator - Kirsty Howat, Crystal Palace
Kirsty Howat has been a key driving force for Crystal Palace in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 this season, registering six goals and four assists. Her influence extends beyond scoring, with 22 chances created and a 73% pass success rate, highlighting her ability to dictate play and link midfield with attack.
Howat also contributes defensively, making 46 recoveries to help her team regain possession and control the tempo. As Palace prepare to face Ipswich this weekend, her vision, creativity, and knack for finding decisive opportunities make her one of the players most likely to shape the outcome of the match.
The Flank Force - Charlotte Wardlaw, Newcastle United
Charlotte Wardlaw has been a commanding presence on the right for Newcastle United in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 this season. Contributing one assist, she has excelled defensively, making 42 tackles, 37 interceptions, and 53 clearances, while helping her team keep four clean sheets. Her passing accuracy of 76.1% allows her to transition play effectively from defence to attack, making her a vital link up the flank.
Combining defensive solidity with the ability to support forward play, Wardlaw’s energy, awareness, and reliability make her a key figure. As Newcastle prepare to face Nottingham Forest this weekend, her influence on both ends of the pitch is likely to be crucial in dictating the outcome.
