GK – Michael Andrews (Bonnyrigg Rose)
The Rosey Posey made a statement of intent in their maiden SPFL outing. They defeated Clyde 2-1 at New Douglas Park to kick off their Premier Sports Cup campaign in style! Forwards Kieran McGachie & Kieran Hall both found the back of the net in the first half but we’ve gone for experienced shot-stopper Michael Andrews as our Bonnyrigg pick. The keeper made several important saves to ensure that his side came away with all three points.
DEF – Lee Kilday (Queen’s Park)
Queen’s Park are gearing up for their first season in Scotland’s second tier since 1983 and preparations couldn’t be going much better. They followed up a 5-2 win over Stranraer with a 4-1 victory over Forfar Athletic at temporary home, Ochilview, on Tuesday night. Skipper Lee Kilday led by example at both ends of the park, putting in a shift at the back and scoring twice. A true captain’s performance!
DEF – Steven Swinglehurst (Annan Athletic)
As 0-0 draws go, Annan Athletic’s meeting with St Johnstone on Tuesday night was lively. Saints were reduced to 10 men in the first half, with 10 becoming nine late in the second for a pair of red-card incidents. The Galabankies fought hard to ensure they made use of the advantage to get something out of the game against Premiership opposition. Captain Swinglehurst was a rock at the back for Annan, making important challenges and blocks, allowing his side to pick up a penalty shoot-out bonus point.
DEF – Matthew Shiels (Hamilton Accies)
After a difficult season dealing with injury problems and only managing eight Championship appearances in 21/22, Shiels maybe has a point to prove. Aged 21, with bags of potential, the former Rangers youth put in a stellar performance for Accies on Tuesday night. They handed Stranraer their second 5-2 loss in a row, with Shiels showing his class at both ends of the park. The left-back popped up with a pair of goals en route to an impressive victory.
MID – Connor Murray (Queen of the South)
Queen of the South bounced back from a disappointing result at the weekend, defeating Ayr United 3-0 at Somerset Park on Tuesday night. It was not only the scoreline, but the manner of which the Doonhamers went about their game. Manager Wullie Gibson has implemented a style of play which is not only effective, but also easy on the eye. There were eye-catching performances throughout the team, but we’ve gone for Murray, who notched a goal and an assist from the right flank.
MID – Dylan Easton (Raith Rovers)
Arguably the best player in League 1 last season, could Dylan Easton turn out to be the best in the Championship in 22/23? The midfielder’s competitive Rovers debut could not have gone any better, as they thrashed Peterhead 6-0 at ‘San Starko’. Easton notched three of the six goals on Wednesday night. The first being a stunning overhead kick which will live long in the memory. Two further cool finishes (one which may have deflected in off Peterhead defender Paul Dixon) rounded off a terrific evening for Rovers’ No 23. Easton is the TOTR Star Man!
MID – Ylber Ramadani (Aberdeen)
The Dons have been making waves in the transfer window this summer, with manager Jim Goodwin dipping into various markets to try and improve his squad. Albanian international Ramadani joined the Pittodrie side from MTK Budapest in June and made his competitive debut against Dumbarton on Wednesday night. The holding midfielder was arguably the best player on the park, showing great composure and class on the ball, along with getting stuck in on the defensive side as his side were comfortable in a 2-0 win.
MID – Steven Hetherington (Falkirk)
The result of the round came from the Falkirk Stadium on Tuesday night, as the Bairns put in a heroic performance to defeat Premiership side Hibernian 1-0 and surge to the top of Group D. Aidan Nesbitt’s first-half header proved to be the difference, with John McGlynn’s team defending their lead with incredible work rate and bravery to seal the three points. Any member of the Falkirk team could have realistically made the TOTR. But we’ve gone for midfielder Hetherington who, after a difficult 21/22 campaign, thrived in a more advanced role, showing great energy, commitment, and class throughout.
MID – Daniel MacKay (Inverness CT)
Some combinations just work. Fish and chips, steak and wine, pasta and garlic bread… Daniel MacKay and Caley Thistle also fall into this category! The young attacker recently re-joined the Caley Jags on loan from Hibernian and his impact was immediately felt on his second debut for the Highland side, who defeated Livingston 2-1 at the Tony Mac. A quick, strong runner with great technical ability, MacKay was brilliant on Tuesday night, scoring one and setting up another.
FWD – Nikolay Todorov (Dunfermline Athletic)
Two games played. Two wins. Seven goals scored. None conceded. New Pars boss James McPake couldn’t have asked for a much better start to life in the Kingdom of Fife. His side took apart Highland league outfit Buckie Thistle at East End Park on Tuesday night. Dunfermline displayed great attacking intent and were well worth their 5-0 victory. Bulgarian forward Todorov struggled for form last season, finding the net only six times in all competitions. But his midweek brace might just be the catalyst needed to rediscover his goalscoring touch ahead of what promises to be a very competitive season in League 1.
FWD – Blair Lyons (Montrose)
The Links Park Dynamo will be setting their sights on the League 1 play-offs once again, after another stellar league campaign from one of the best part-time teams in the country. Their competitive campaign kicked off in Fraserburgh, away to the reigning Highland League champions. Attacker Lyons was the best player on the pitch at Bellslea Park, netting himself a quickfire first-half hat-trick, as Montrose picked up all three points in a 4-2 victory. When Blair Lyons is in this kind of form there aren’t many players more exciting to watch in the lower leagues!
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