GK – Ryan Fulton (Hamilton Accies)
This week’s Star Man comes (unsurprisingly) from Hamilton Accies’ SPFL Trust Trophy triumph on Sunday. Accies, holding a one-goal lead, were reduced to 10 men early in the second half after Daniel O’Reilly’s red card. A backs-to-the-wall performance was required to ensure the silverware went to Lanarkshire. Goalkeeper Fulton was phenomenal, particularly in the second half, making a slew of incredible saves to fend off a hungry Raith Rovers attack and help his side over the line. Well played, Ryan!
DEF – Scott Taggart (Alloa Athletic)
A typically fine performance from one of the most consistent defenders in cinch League 1. Taggart excelled at right-back in the Wasps’ 2-0 win over Peterhead at Balmoor. The full-back’s energy and defensive qualities helped Brian Rice’s side to their ninth league shut-out of the season. Taggart also got his name on the scoresheet, expertly converting a second-half penalty to give his side’s play-off hopes a huge boost on a weekend when Falkirk & Edinburgh both dropped points.
DEF – Thomas O’Brien (Arbroath)
Not many would’ve fancied the Red Lichties to pick up three points at Ochilview against cinch Championship league leaders Queen’s Park, but that’s exactly what happened on Friday evening. Dale Hilson’s brilliantly-taken second-half goal proved to be the difference on the night. Arbroath had to battle and ride their luck for large periods of the game, but their defence – led by O’Brien – stood firm and the Lichties were worthy winners.
DEF – Thomas O’Ware (Kelty Hearts)
Kelty’s first season in Scotland’s third tier has been a difficult one, with the Maroon Machine looking at a season of consolidation after the title-winning jubilation of 21/22. However, they have had a large amount of joy against high flying Falkirk, taking 7 points from the 4 meetings between the sides. O’Ware was imperious at the back in Friday night’s trip to FK2, leading by example from the heart of defence as Kelty gained a point and a clean sheet from a 0-0 draw.
DEF – Andy Rodden (Bonnyrigg Rose)
Arguably the biggest result in the cinch SPFL at the weekend came from the bottom end of cinch League 2 where Bonnyrigg Rose picked up a vital 1-0 away victory over fellow strugglers Albion Rovers. Left-back Rodden made his first start for the Rosey Posey and was fantastic throughout as the team showed the kind of desire, heart and character needed in their battle for SPFL survival.
MID – Connor Murray (Queen of the South)
Talk about an impact sub! With Queen of the South’s match away to Edinburgh poised at 0-0 after an hour, manager Marvin Bartley introduced Connor Murray to the match. In the remaining 30 minutes of play Murray notched two assists and found the net as the Doonhamers ran out 3-1 winners at Meadowbank. If Queens are to keep their slim play-off hopes alive they will be looking to Murray to provide this creative spark in their six remaining league matches.
MID – Chris Hamilton (Dunfermline Athletic)
Has there been a more consistently excellent player in cinch League 1 this season than Chris Hamilton? The midfielder has been the beating heart of a team which looks set to clinch the title and book their return to the second tier at the first time of asking. Hamilton was fantastic once again on Saturday, displaying his tireless work rate and quality on the ball in the Pars’ 3-1 away win against Montrose.
MID – Chris Maguire (Ayr United)
It’s taken a few weeks for Maguire to get fully up to speed at Somerset but Friday night’s win over Cove Rangers showed the 34-year old at his very best. His clever use of the ball and fabulous close control were a joy to watch as he provided a pair of assists in the 3-0 victory at Somerset. If he can maintain this form over the coming weeks and months Maguire could be a real difference maker in the Honest Men’s promotion push.
FWD – Gabby McGill (Airdrieonians)
The Diamonds continue to be the SPFL’s great entertainers, having bagged 18 goals in their last 3 league outings. One of the keys to this attacking potency has been the stellar form of attacker McGill, who himself has scored 7 of those 18 goals. McGill was fantastic yet again in Airdrie’s 5-1 win away to Clyde, scoring two and assisting another in a swashbuckling display of free-flowing attacking football. The Diamonds are very much the form team in cinch League 1 and look like strong contenders for promotion.
FWD – Nathan Shaw (Inverness CT)
Inverness have kept their hopes of a late play-off push alive with a crucial 1-0 win over Partick Thistle at the Caledonian Stadium. Caley were forced to play the final 34 minutes with 10 men after midfielder Welsh was shown a red card. There were TOTW contenders across the board for Billy Dodds’ men, who fought hard to hold on to their precious one-goal lead. But we’ve gone for Shaw, whose 50th-minute strike secured all 3 points on a chilly Friday evening in the Highlands.
FWD – Robert Thomson (Stirling Albion)
The title race in cinch League 2 looks to be going right down to the wire. League leaders Stirling welcomed Dumbarton to Forthbank on Saturday and had to come from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw and maintain their two-point lead at the top of the table. Forward Thomson was the man of the moment on both occasions, scoring a pair of headers from Jack Leitch corners to ensure his side extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches.
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