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Motherwell had six first team players and two academy players representing their respective countries across the world over the March international break.

Stephen O’Donnell

A regular in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad, O’Donnell featured in both Scotland friendly matches against Poland and Austria.

Coming off the bench in the 67th minute at Hampden against Poland, the full-back earned his 25th Cap for his country. He won the free kick which Scotland went on to score. However, Poland equalised late on from the penalty spot after the referee controversially pointed to the spot.

O’Donnell once again started the match from the bench in Scotland’s second game against Austria in Vienna.

However, he got 30 minutes on the park after coming on for Nathan Patterson. Scotland went on to draw the match 2-2 after Jack Hendry and John McGinn had the visitors ahead.

Liam Kelly

Earning his first call up since September 2021, Liam Kelly was named alongside Craig Gordon and late call up Zander Clark as Steve Clarke’s goalkeeping options.

Named on the bench for both games against Poland and Austria, the 26-year-old will continue to push Craig Gordon for the number one jersey.

Max Johnston

Billy Stark’s Scotland Under 19 group had three games in the UEFA Euro Under 19 Championship in Hungary.

Max Johnston was an unused sub for their first encounter against Turkey, where the Scots came away with a 2-1 victory.

He was a starter in Scotland’s second match against Hungary where he played the full match.

The versatile full back was again named in the starting 11 for their third match against Israel where he played the first half of the game.

Bevis Mugabi

Bevis Mugabi was once again in the Uganda squad as they travelled to Uzbekistan to play in a mini tournament to warm up for AFCON 2023 Qualifiers.

The centre half played the full match against Tajikistan, where Uganda won 6-5 in a penalty shootout. Mugabi didn’t feature in Uganda’s second match against Uzbekistan.

Liam Donnelly

Northern Ireland were in action twice during the international period, playing against Luxembourg and Hungary in two friendly matches.

Donnelly was an unused sub in both matches. Northern Ireland picked up a 3-1 win against Luxembourg and were defeated 1-0 by Hungary.

Ross Tierney

Tierney was named in the Republic of Ireland Under 21s squad for their vital UEFA European Under 21 Championship match against group leaders Sweden.

Going into the game, they were four points behind Sweden having played a game less. Tierney was named in the starting 11 and scored the opener in the game, rifling home after 12 minutes played.

The Irish went on to double their advantage in the second half with Tierney playing the full 90 minutes.

Bailey Rice

Motherwell academy player Bailey Rice played 90 minutes in all three of Scotland’s Under 17 matches.

The Scots found themselves two down at half time in their first game against Czech Republic however grabbed two goals in the second half and managed to secure a vital point.

They were beaten 4-0 by Germany in their second match, but came away with a 6-1 victory against Georgia in their final game.

As a result, Scotland qualified for the Uefa Euro Under 17 Finals as one of the best-placed runners-up.

Lennon Miller

Lennon Miller also got plenty game time for Scotland’s Under 17s matches as helped them reach the Uefa Euro Under 17 Finals.

He played the full 90 minutes in their 2-2 draw against Czech Republic.

He was in the starting lineup for their second game against Germany and played 70 minutes before being substituted.

The midfielder was named on the bench for their final game against Georgia but came on and played the full second half to round off his Scotland duty this month.

Motherwell play Rangers in SWPL1 on Sunday at Alliance Park.

Kick off is 4pm.

Come and Watch

There will be no tickets sold before the match on Sunday.

It will be pay at the gate only, with tickets priced at £5 for adults while kids go free.

Tale of the Tape

Motherwell last picked up points in this fixture back in April 2019, when they drew 3-3 with the Glasgow outfit.

Rangers came out 5-0 winners last time the two sides played.

Form Guide

Motherwell staged a remarkable comeback in their previous outing, against Partick Thistle, coming back from two goals down. Kaela McDonald-Nguah grabbed her fourth and fifth goal of the season, while Gill Inglis also got on the scoresheet.

The ‘Well last picked up three points against Spartans in January.

Rangers are top of the league in SWPL1, two points clear of Glasgow City but also have a game in hand over City.

The Gers have a perfect record in the league stretching back to October 2021, where they drew 1-1 with Glasgow City.

Motherwell have signed 18-year-old forward Robbie Mahon. 

The Irish youth international, a graduate of the Bohemians academy, has signed on an initial deal that runs through until June 2023.

“We are delighted to sign Robbie, who we believe is a player with excellent attacking attributes, and untapped potential at a young age,” manager Graham Alexander said.

“He’s very quick, he’s positive with a lovely left foot. His attitude means he’ll work exceptionally hard to make the steps needed toward becoming a first team player. We look forward to helping him do just that.”

Mahon has featured for the Republic of Ireland’s under 17s, scoring in a 6-0 victory over Andorra in 2019.

He was a main feature in Bohs’ SKB Under 17s and helped guide them to winning the Mark Farren Cup in 2019.

After graduating from the academy, he began his transition to first team football, making five appearances for the Bohemian’s first team in the 2020-21 campaign, three of which came in the league.

He was named on the bench for Bohemian’s UEFA Europa Conference League Qualifiers against Stjarnan, F91 Dudelange and PAOK at the start of the season.

St Mirren are the visitors in the cinch Premiership on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3pm.

Ticket information

Tickets are now available to buy online or from the Fir Park ticket office. St Mirren fans are asked to buy directly from their club.

Pay at the gate is not available. Alternatively, call 01698 333333 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

Ticket prices are:

– Concessions are listed as Over 60s, 16-18 year olds and full-time students with a valid matriculation card.
– Juveniles are listed as 15 and under.

Covid restrictions

Covid-19 certification checks will not be in place.

We would still advise that all fans take a lateral flow test before travelling to the match, regardless of their vaccination status.

Watch live online

In the UK and Ireland, you can buy a pay-per-view pass for £12. To buy, go to ppv.motherwellfc.co.uk.

If you’re based abroad, you can watch via subscription at live.motherwellfc.co.uk.

Form guide

Both sides haven’t had the best of league form in recent times.  The Steelmen are yet to win a league game in 2022 but home form has been good and Graham Alexander’s men will be looking to recapture that early season form.

Stephen Robinson’s St Mirren had a fine spell since the return to football in January but that has tailed off slightly with one win in their last seven games.

Tale of the tape

Games at Fir Park between the two sides have historically been tight affairs, and the two games this season have ended in score draws.

Both sides are level in the table on 36 points and with only two games before the split, a win would be vital for top six hopes.

Motherwell fought back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 with Partick Thistle on Sunday at Alliance Park. 

Kaela McDonald-Nguah scored two while captain Gill Inglis also got on the scoresheet.

Cara McBrearty scored from the penalty spot for Thistle, with Linzi Taylor and Teigan McCann also netting.

The deadlock was broken on six minutes, when Gill Inglis fouled in the penalty area and Thistle striker McBrearty took full advantage.

Thistle doubled their lead after 32 minutes. The ball was flicked through and Taylor finished cooly into the corner.

After finding themselves behind, Motherwell kept pushing to get the goal that would bring them back into the game, and on the stroke of half time they did just that.

McDonald-Nguah picked up the ball just outside the box and unleashed a fine strike which flew past the Thistle keeper. 1-2.

After half time, it was Motherwell who came out the traps flying. Inglis was fouled in the wide area and lined up the free kick. A looping effort which was destined for the top corner left the Thistle keeper helpless and the skipper levelled the game.

After coming back from 2-0 down, Motherwell were not finished. The women of steel were awarded a free kick which McDonald-Nguah converted. A fierce shot beat the wall and nestled into the bottom left corner.

However, their lead would only last a matter of minutes.

A ball into the box wasn’t dealt with and McCann was on hand to finish and level the score. 3-3.

There would be a chunk of added time at the end of the game, as Murron Cunningham was stretchered off after a suspected knee injury, but neither side could find the back of the net and the game would end in a draw.

Motherwell striker London Pollard has been called up to the Scotland Under 19s squad.

Scotland play three matches in round two of the UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship.

The first match takes place on Tuesday 5 April, when the dark blues take on Kazakhstan at Ainslie Park.

They will then take on Estonia on Friday 8 April at Ainslie Park, before facing Kosovo at the Falkirk stadium on Monday 11 April.

London Pollard featured in Pauline Hamill’s previous Under 19s squad in February, scoring against Wales.

Motherwell play Partick Thistle on Sunday 27 March at Alliance Park in SWPL1. 

Kick off is 4pm. 

Come and Watch

Tickets will be sold on the gate only and they are priced at £5 for adults whilst children go free. 

Tale of the Tape

Partick Thistle have the upper hand against Motherwell this season. 

Brian Graham’s team have picked up a victory in the league and in the cup this season, whilst the third fixture was a 2-2 draw. 

Last time out, Partick Thistle came up with a second half leveller as the points were shared in a 2-2 draw. Kaela McDonald-Nguah and Amy Anderson got on the scoresheet for the women of steel that day. 

Form Guide 

Motherwell have faced a tough run of games, facing off against three of the top four in SWPL1 in the last three weeks. 

Motherwell’s last game ended in a harsh 6-1 defeat to Celtic, with Jemma Hughes grabbing her second goal of the season. 

Partick Thistle have also been on a difficult run. The Glasgow side last picked up points when they beat Hearts 4-2 in Edinburgh at the end February.

Exploring the links between wellbeing and sport – a Q&A with Motherwell sponsors Paycare

The link between team sports and personal wellbeing is becoming ever more apparent – and if there’s one person who truly recognises that connection, it’s Paycare’s Sally Bromley.

Sally is the Health Cash Plan provider’s Partnerships Engagement Officer, meaning she’s regularly in touch with all of those sponsored by Paycare, including Motherwell FC.

We caught up with her to find out a little more about her role, and the importance of sport for health and happiness.

Q: Firstly, what’s your background and what does your role at Paycare involve?

A: Before joining Paycare, I worked in management – both in the graphic print and property lettings sectors. I’ve always been a self-confessed sportaholic, starting my own netball club 12 years ago and spending much of my free time coaching and encouraging participation in sports.

That’s what attracted me to the role at Paycare, because of the wonderful work they do with so many sports clubs locally, nationally and internationally.

As Partnerships Engagement Officer, I’m responsible for sourcing potential new groups, clubs and partners to work alongside, as well as building and developing existing partnerships, and being the first point of contact for those we sponsor.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the partnership between Motherwell and Paycare?

A: Our CEO Kevin Rogers was the driving force behind the sponsorship, he’s a huge fan and is often seen at games alongside other Paycare staff. For us, it’s important that the partnership goes deeper than simply having our logo on the players’ shirts.

Motherwell is a particularly family-orientated club whose values mirror our own – and we love the level of engagement the club has within the community, too.

Q: Why do you think it’s important for prominent sports stars such as the Motherwell team to promote health and wellbeing?

 A: Footballers and other well-known sports stars are role models and as such can have great influence over others. Their reach enables them to spread the message of how important health and wellbeing is to lots of people – including many boys and men who are statistically more likely to neglect their physical and mental health. This is especially important post-pandemic when many more people are struggling with their wellbeing.

Q: In the past, footballers and others in the public eye may have been reluctant to talk about their wellbeing. Do you think this is changing now?

A: Definitely – national campaigns have really heightened awareness and there have been a number of high-profile sports stars who’ve talked openly about their health issues, paving the way for the generation following them.

It’s not only key for individuals to realise the positive influence talking about their wellbeing can have, but also for sporting organisations to do the same. WHO and FIFA signed a four-year deal in 2019 to promote healthy lifestyles through football and we’ve also had the #BeActive campaign during Covid and the #ReachOut campaign to encourage taking action to achieve better mental health.

FIFPRO research shows 23% of active players and 28% of retired players experience sleep disturbance; depression impacts 9% of active and 13% of retired footballers; and 7% and 11% respectively report having anxiety.

Q: Most of us know taking part in sport or exercise is beneficial, but could you share with us some of the key ways in which it can help your wellbeing?

A: There are so many benefits to sports participation and regular exercise, in addition to the physical health improvements you’ll see. Sport can reduce stress, anxiety and depression; increase self-esteem and confidence; improve sleep; and increase energy levels.

It really is a case of ‘the earlier, the better’ as we see children who start playing sports early on in life learning emotional control, communication skills, how to cope with failure, and lots of essential social skills which can all boost their wellbeing.

Q: How do you find being active personally supports your wellbeing?

When I was younger, being active was important simply because I enjoyed it, but as I’ve got older I’ve realised the impact on my physical and mental wellbeing. As a working mom, playing sport became my release from the stress of a busy schedule – it was a form of escapism and often gave me the motivation to get through the week.

Now my children are older and no longer live at home, it’s even more important for me to stay active as it provides important social connections, helps combat many issues associated with ageing, and helps keep my mind clear and focused.

Q: All exercise is beneficial, but are there any extra benefits to taking part in a team sport such as football?

A: A sense of belonging and being part of a community are both integral aspects of team sport – and we really saw the importance of that during the Coronavirus lockdowns. Collaborating and working together towards a common goal are also key, and doing so can really boost your self-confidence. Individuals are also less likely to give up exercising if it’s part of a team commitment, meaning they reap the benefits of long-term physical activity.

Paycare has almost 150 years of experience boosting the UK’s health and happiness, providing a range of solutions to ease the cost of everyday healthcare. This includes the low-cost high-value Bundle, which enables employers to support the physical, emotional and financial health of their teams – for just £2 per employee per month.

Bundle comprises three valuable aspects: a 24/7 GP appointment service, access to a telephone line for confidential chats and counselling, and Paycare Perks – discounts on everything from utilities and household items to fashion and holidays.

Visit www.paycare.org/wellbeing-bundle to find out more!

A difficult afternoon for Motherwell as the women of steel struggled to break down an organised Celtic side in a tough encounter at the Penny Cars stadium on Sunday.

Larisey Clarissa fired Celtic into the ascendency early into the first half before Jemma Hughes netted a spectacular equaliser minutes later. Annie Timoney restored the hosts advantage seconds before half time before Charlie Wellings added a third early into the second half.

A Chloe Craig double and Izzy Atkinson strike followed to settle a disappointing 6-1 defeat for Paul Brownlie’s side.

Looking to narrow the gap to bitter rivals Rangers, Celtic started on the front foot with Fran Alonso’s side testing Ciara Duff in the Motherwell goal.

Sarah Harkes powerful free kick ricocheted its way back to the feet of the American who picked out Clarissa with an intelligent through ball, but the strikers hopeful effort sailed wide of the target.

Minutes later, Celtic found their breakthrough. Harkes’ incisive through ball fell kindly to the feet of Olafasdottir Gros’ on the right, who skilfully worked her way into the box before firing an enticing delivery across the face of goal, and Clarissa coolly slotted her strike home at the back post.

Demoralised with the early setback, Motherwell toiled in search of a route back into the game. Kelly Clark’s mistimed clearance was superbly intercepted by Hughes at the edge of the penalty area, and the forward’s magnificent strike nestled perfectly into the top left corner.

Celtic continued to threaten the Motherwell goal and with the half time whistle looming, the hosts restored their advantage.

Wellings floated corner kick fell kindly to Timoney at the edge of the box and her audacious attempt evaded everyone before finding the bottom right corner.

The hosts continued to flood the Motherwell penalty area and added their third of the afternoon in the early stages of the second half.

Despite the game initially being halted for a Motherwell substitution, Celtic continued to play on and after an exceptional run from Bowie, Wellings escaped her marker to stab home a stealthy finish at the back post.

Minutes later, Celtic added a fourth from the penalty spot. After initially being impeded in the box, Craig stepped up and placed her composed effort past Duff.

In the dying stages of the game, the hosts secured their fifth. Wellings strike was superbly parried away by Duff, but only to the feet of Atkinson who fired home from close range. The striker appeared to score from an offside position, but the referee looked disinterested in the adamant Motherwell pleas.

Minutes from full time, Craig netted her second and Celtic’s sixth of the afternoon after latching onto Tyler Toland’s drilled corner kick to complete a disappointing afternoon for Paul Brownlie’s side.

“We have to keep working away. We have to focus on where we want to be at the end.”