As Sunderland, Newcastle United, and Leicester City continued their winning ways in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2, the league saw another week of exciting matches, goals, and stand out stars. From debut goals, to first ever BWSL2 wins, the league’s second week was full of individual brilliance as well as strong team performances.
Looking back on last weekend’s fixtures, which players made those truly vital contributions to their teams, and deserve a spot in the BWSL2 Team of the Week?
Lysianne Proulx – Ipswich Town
Ipswich’s Goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx was an integral factor in the team’s ability to keep a clean sheet in their 0-0 draw with Southampton at Silverlake Stadium. The Canadian keep made four saves, to stop all of Southampton’s shots on target from ever breaking through the goal-line.
Although the Saints dominated possession and had 23 shots in total compared to Ipswich’s six, Proulx kept her team well and truly in the game, and stopped the Saints from claiming their second win of the season at home, leaving Ipswich still undefeated after 2 draws.
Rachel McLauhlan - Newcastle United
Newcastle United right-back Rachel McLauhlan did more than her defensive duties for the team, creating four chances in their win against Bristol City. Although their winning goal did not come from McLauhlan’s combination with winger Beth Ludsen, the pair were Newcastle's highest source for chances.
The Defender made and won 3 tackles, as well as 6 clearances, ensuring that Newcastle maintained their winning streak, as well as keeping them as the only team yet to concede in the BWSL2.
Rhiannon Roberts – Sunderland
Captain Rhiannon Roberts was an important stronghold in the backline for Sunderland, putting in an important defensive shift, blocking a shot, making two clearances and two interceptions. The Centre-back also made five successful tackles as Sunderland beat Burnley 2-1 to stay at the top of the BWSL2 table.
Roberts showed her leadership capabilities on the pitch, holding off Burnley and allowing her team to secure an added time winner.
Hannah Greenwood – Watford
Watford drew against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, and the BWSL2 newcomers managed to hold off Forest’s intense comeback due to the strength of their backline, with defender Hannah Greenwood making eight clearances, blocking two shots, and making two recoveries. Forest had 26 shots in total compared to the Hornets’ 8, but Greenwood managed to stop them from gaining three points at home, and keep Watford undefeated so far with two draws in their first ever league run.
Asmita Ale – Leicester City
Leicester City’s left-back Asmita Ale was one of their brightest sparks on the pitch in their 4-2 win over Durham at the King Power Stadium. Ale not only scored their third goal, an excellent shot into the top corner from outside of the box in first half added time, but also had 12 defensive contributions, the most of any player, including six clearances and two blocked shots. She also had the most touches (88), and her versatile and well-rounded performance set her apart as one of the best players on the pitch.
Amy Sims – Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sims scored in the 62nd minute to help Wolves clinch their first ever victory in the BWSL2, in a 3-1 win at home against Sheffield United. Her impressive strike from outside the box doubled Wolves’ lead after teammate Alana Hugh’s stellar effort to help Wolves get an important and first-time three points in the league.
The midfielder had a consistent and reliable performance throughout the game, with three passes into the final third, three interceptions, five clearances, and two recoveries, providing more than just goals for her team.
Alana Murphy – Nottingham Forest
Alana Murphy scored her second goal of the season for Forest after dispossessing the opposition and firing low into the left corner, helping the club stage a comeback after falling two goals behind against Watford. Creating four chances, the midfielder was key in controlling Forest’s attack, as well as winning 11 ground duels and registering 119 touches.
Murphy continued her impressive start to the season despite the team’s draw, one of three players in the league that have scored in the BWSL2 twice so far, and the only who doesn’t play for Sunderland.
Yana Daniëls - Wolverhampton Wanderers
Yana Daniëls was another of Wolves’ goalscorers on the weekend, giving them their third in the 80th minute of the game, reaffirming their lead after Sheffield United halved their deficit. Mel Fils assisted Daniëls as she shot from the centre of the box to take advantage of an attacking response to Sheffield. As well her goal, Daniëls made 5 recoveries and 2 clearances to help seal Wolves’ historic victory.
Paulina Nyström - Leicester City
Paulina Nyström registered a goal and an assist against Durham in Leicester City’s second win out of two games. She had four shots on target, and only took 29 minutes to equalise and break through Durham’s defence with her first goal for the club. After her successful effort, she assisted Asmita Ale’s excellent strike, putting Leicester comfortably ahead.
Furthermore, the striker registered the most touches in Durham’s penalty area (8) and the most shots (4), as the new signing looked to fulfil her goal-scoring potential at her new club.
Jade Pennock – Durham
Despite Durham’s loss to Leicester City, forward Jade Pennock was a promising glint of hope, as she assisted Beth Hepple’s goal in the 8th minute, and then scored her own from a set piece in an attempt to get some goals back for the club in the 74th minute, reducing their deficit to just one goal at that point in time. Pennock was therefore directly involved in both of Durham’s goals, and registered four shots overall. So, although Durham might not have gained any points in their first two games, Pennock has proven that she can and will aid their attack as the season continues.
Elise Hughes – Sunderland
Hughes was another player to have a heavy volume of goal involvement on the weekend, after scoring two for her own team, as well as an own goal. After inadvertently helping Burnley equalise, the striker scored the winner deep into added time, as her 98th minute goal secured the three points for Sunderland and undid her shortfall. Her opening goal came in the 28th minute from close range, whilst her winner was assisted by a cross into the box by Natasha Fenton. She has equalised teammate Katy Watson’s two goal tally so far in the BWSL2 this season and certainly made her mark on the match against Burnley.
