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It’s time to pick your Paycare Motherwell FC player of the month for March

To vote, head to our Facebook page and pick your favourite.

Kevin Van Veen, Liam Kelly, Joe Efford and Ricki Lamie are all in contention.

When Lauren Doran-Barr lined up for Motherwell in the Scottish Women’s Premier League against Celtic last month, it represented the culmination of a two-year journey back to the starting line-up.

But the 22-year-old feels her comeback was just the latest stage in an ongoing attempt to get where she wants to go in football and make up for lost time.

The former Scotland youth international had last played in February 2020 before suffering the latest in a short series of medial knee ligament sprains in training.

Further assessment from the physio led to the feeling there was something more to the sprains but the pandemic caused major delays in getting to the root of the problem.

“She suggested I go to my doctor and hopefully they could refer me for an MRI scan,” the right- back said.

“I had my doctor’s appointment a week before lockdown happened so there were bigger things going on in the NHS. It took about six months to get the MRI.

“The scan came back clear but I had a ganglion cyst. People usually get them in their wrist but it is really uncommon in knees so it was a bit new to the physios. I still had pain when I ran so I got referred to a knee specialist and waited another six months.

“Thankfully I didn’t need surgery, he was happy for me to push on and the main thing was strengthening about the area because there was quite a bit of scar tissue there. The biggest thing that kept me out for so long was the waiting but there was nothing I could do with Covid going on. It was a bit of a strange injury and the timing wasn’t great.

“Since then it’s been trying to find a rehab programme that has worked for me. It was just trial and error and eventually we got it right and get to the level of strength where I was able to kick through it.”

Doran-Barr returned to training in January and was back in action in February off the bench before starting the last two games against Celtic and Partick Thistle.

“It felt like a long time coming,” she said. “I was just absolutely buzzing to be back kicking a ball again.

“I have just tried to take it one week at a time and not look at the bigger picture. It’s just about getting game time under my belt to get my fitness levels back up. It’s been two years so it’s not going to happen overnight.

“As much as you are buzzing to come back in and you can’t wait, it is quite daunting. My first session back, I was really quite nervous.

“During the two-year period, not only have I got to catch up fitness wise but there’s a feeling that everyone else has had an additional two years’ development. But I can only focus on myself and take it one week at a time and be better than I was the last week. That’s what got me through the two years, just celebrating small wins.

“It was probably quite a surprise that I started a couple of weeks ago, but I have just tried to keep my head down and work away sand thankfully I got an opportunity. Hopefully between now and the end of the season I will get as many minutes as I possibly can and look to get a really good pre-season under my belt and kick on next season.”

Eddie Wolecki Black was in charge when Doran-Barr got injured but current boss Paul Brownlie and player/coach Leanne Crichton have made sure the pathway to the first team was open.

“They have been great in terms of supporting me and keeping me on throughout the journey,” she said.

“Under that change, initially there was that doubt before I had a conversation with Paul, he was not a coach I had worked with before. Given I was out for so long, it was in the back of my head: ‘Will he keep me?’

“But the first conversation I had with him, he just wanted to get me the support that I needed. Straight away his take was that he wanted to get me back fit and back playing.

“He hadn’t seen me play for a long time so coming back from injury I feel a bit like I have a point to prove to re-sign for season 22-23. I am hoping to get as many minutes as I can and hopefully stay on for next year.”

Doran-Barr has had to show similar determination to prove herself throughout her football career.

“I played in boys’ teams when I was younger,” she said. “I think it has massively changed now but back then I was the only girl in my team and I don’t ever remember coming up against another girl.

“There was always a comment or two made by the opposition player or coaches: ‘They have got a girl in their team’. That probably puts a target on your back at times. Maybe at times they thought it was going to be easier because I was a girl.

“I think it gives you a bit more determination to prove yourself and make a point that you are not a passenger, that you can actually play. You always work that bit harder to impress the coaches.

“The coaches and boys I played with were always great, they accepted me straight away, and I think that was off the back of me working hard every session and wanting to win. They were always very encouraging and accepting and I definitely felt part of the team.

“Rangers was my first girls’ team. I got scouted when I was playing for the school team. It was a tournament at Toryglen and I think I was in first year. I signed for Rangers when I was 11 or 12, going into the under- 13s, and worked my way up to the first team.

“When I was 17 or 18 I left to go to Stirling because I was at university in Stirling. In my second year, I went and played for Stirling University in the SWPL and then came over to Motherwell.

“My initial time was under Donald Jennow, who really kicked me on confidence wise and had a lot of belief in me.”

As well as her football education with Rangers, Doran-Barr also won 10 Scotland youth caps at age levels up to under-19s.

“I absolutely loved going away with Scotland squads. I have got so many memories and made friends for life throughout that journey. There were so many amazing trips.

“Everyone wants to play for their national team but my focus is just on getting back to where I need to be and helping the team. I don’t think I am anywhere near where I want to be, I have still got a long way to go to get back to sharpness.

“It is definitely an exciting time to be at Motherwell, we are trying to kick on. The club has taken massive strides in the two years I was out and I want to be a part of it. We are building something special.

“Paul and Leanne have great experience in the women’s game and it’s somewhere I feel I can become a better player.”

Football has also been a major part of Doran-Barr’s education and current full-time job for a sportswear firm, where she has worked after graduating from a sports studies degree in 2021.

“In my dissertation I looked at the perceptions and knowledge levels of the menstrual cycle within Scottish women’s football,” she said.

“I interviewed six coaches and sent a survey out and got over 100 responses. I got a first in it so I did all right.

“It was definitely interesting. It’s something not a lot of people talk about or are aware of. There is still more that can be done to develop the education side of women’s football for coaches.

“Women’s football has taken massive strides and the participation levels for young girls are amazing to see, it wasn’t like that when I was younger.

“But there are still sides oft the game that need to be developed, the education side of the game is almost entirely based on male athletes. For coaches that are coaching the women’s game, I think it’s important they have more knowledge of the athletes they are dealing with, that they go through different things.”

Livingston are the opposition in the cinch Premiership on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 3pm at the Tony Macaroni Arena.

Ticket information

Tickets for Motherwell fans can be purchased online now directly from Livingston. Fans should purchase tickets in section L of East Stand.

Prices are:

• Adults: £25
• Over 65s / 16-18 / Full time students £17
• Under 16: £10
• Wheelchair & carer £17

Watch live online

The match is available to buy on pay-per-view from Livingston in the UK and Ireland for £20.

To buy, head to ppv.livingstonfc.co.uk.

Form guide

Motherwell picked up a valuable three points against St Mirren last Saturday, which was their first league win of 2022.

Livi have been in good form since the start of December, but have lost their last three games, failing to score in their last two.

Tale of the tape

Motherwell have won the last two meetings at the Tony Macaroni, and have also won both games this season.

Last time at Livingston, the Steelmen won 2-1 in what was a memorable day for Liam Grimshaw, who’s winning strike was his first ever professional goal.

Top Six hopes

Motherwell go into Saturday’s game knowing a win will secure top six status.

A draw will also be enough but not if Hibernian (v Hearts) and Ross County (v Aberdeen) both win.

A Motherwell defeat makes things more complicated. It would require Hibernian to lose to Hearts, Aberdeen v Ross County to end in a draw and St Mirren not to beat Rangers by enough to better Motherwell’s goal difference.

Livingston can also make the top six. A win would see them leapfrog Motherwell onto 40 points which will be enough provided Livi better Ross County’s scoreline or Hibs fail to win.

Motherwell showed their resilience to fight until the end, but Rangers snatched the three points in the second half to clinch a narrow 1-0 victory at Alliance Park.

Lizzie Arnot’s second half strike proved to be the difference in what was an excellent performance from Motherwell.

Following last weekend’s tumultuous 3-3 draw with Partick Thistle, Paul Brownlie made three changes from the previous outing. Ciara Duff, Murron Cunningham and Carla Boyce all dropped out whilst Khym Ramsay, Chelsie Watson and Kodie Hay all returned to the starting 11.

Motherwell pressed high from the off, frustrating the visiting defence who looked to build from the back.

Katie Rice’s pinpoint delivery fell kindly to Lori Gardner at the edge of the box, but the wingers drilled attempt was brilliantly parried wide of the target in what was an early warning sign for the league leaders.

Minutes later, Rangers again failed to cope with the accuracy of Rice’s corner kicks, as Hay was left unmarked lurking at the back post, but the powerful headed effort rattled off the crossbar.

Rangers though were threatening when they finally broke free of Motherwell’s grip. Demi Vance’s cross from the right flashed across the face of goal, but despite being a few yards out; Brianna Westrup couldn’t capitalise on the glorious chance at the back post.

The visitors continued to pile on the pressure, and almost found the breakthrough minutes later.

After latching onto Chantelle Swaby’s magnificent cross-field pass, Brogan Hay superbly cut in from the right before picking out Kayla McCoy in the box, but the forward couldn’t adjust her position and the chance slowly petered away.

As the half time whistle loomed, Motherwell continued to flood the Rangers penalty area in search of the opener. Gardner skilfully worked her way into the box after defeating her opponent with a clever nutmeg before firing towards goal, but Swaby’s late lunging tackle steered her effort wide of the target.

With both sides level midway into the second half, the visitors snatched a lead.

The lively Hay skilfully worked her way into the box before firing an enticing delivery across the face of goal, and Arnot was on hand to coolly slot her strike into the bottom right corner.

With the women of steel chasing the game in the final few minutes, Gill Inglis volley sailed into the path of Gardner at the edge of the box, who intelligently chested the ball down before dispatching a spectacular half-volley inches wide of the far post.

Despite their tireless efforts, Motherwell were unable to find the late equaliser that they truly deserved. Paul Brownlie will have several positives to take from today’s contest before moving on to face local rivals Hamilton in the Lanarkshire derby at Fir Park.

“I’m proud of the players. We didn’t stop believing in each other. We now have to follow it up to make it count.”

Motherwell put a top six finish in their own hands after coming out on top in a topsy-turvy affair with St Mirren.

Eammon Brophy’s opener for the Saints was cancelled out by a quickfire double from Sean Goss and Connor Shields.

Conor McCarthy’s controversial leveller brought St Mirren level, before Dean Cornelius’ cool finish put ‘Well ahead at the break.

With the game finely poised, Richard Tait’s own goal late on sealed a vital three points, a first league win of 2022 and a shot at finishing in the top half of the cinch Premiership table.

After an international break to reflect and react to a last-minute loss at St Johnstone, Graham Alexander made three changes from the last outing.

Juhani Ojala, Jake Carroll and Liam Donnelly all dropped to the bench, with Bevis Mugabi, Callum Slattery and Sean Goss coming into the side.

Motherwell were dominant in the opening spell, looking to carve out chances to take the early initiative.

But they were to come unstuck on the 15 minute mark. A ball into the box was headed by O’Donnell and unfortunately ricocheted off Solholm, with the ball falling kindly to Brophy in the six-yard box to lash home.

Given their recent misfortune, Motherwell could have crumbled but rallied in spectacular style five minutes later.

The industrious Shields got free down the right and fired low to the edge of the area, where Goss was waiting to rush in and steer a perfect right-footed effort into the bottom corner of the net.

Within 60 seconds, it was two. Van Veen’s flick allowed Shields to ghost in behind Shaughnessy and, bearing down on goal, expertly clipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.

Brophy shot a warning 10 minutes from the interval. Spinning Lamie on the edge of the box, he fired low past Kelly but only found the left post.

The equaliser would come six minutes from the interval. A corner from the left saw Kelly have his shirt clearly pulled as he came for the ball. McCarthy got in and stabbed home but, despite the protests, the leveller stood.

Motherwell though would make sure they went in at the break ahead.

Efford’s burst down the left saw him get free and fire low into the box. Cornelius timed his run perfectly, taking a touch to set himself before placing the ball into the corner.

The second half was a far calmer, arguably nervous affair with both sides having plenty on the line.

Slattery saw a spectacular effort from distance tapped onto the bar which Efford just couldn’t then poke home, while Fraser should have tapped home for the visitors but couldn’t react to the ball quick enough to find an empty net.

Then, with 12 minutes left, the decider came.

Van Veen did all the work down the left, getting in behind and squaring it to the near post. Tait and Shields both went for it, with the former Motherwell man making the last connection to put through his own net and secure the three points for the Steelmen.

The story of supporter to player is a traditional one that automatically brings a sense of connection.

When they step out onto the pitch, you think you know them already. They know the trials and tribulations you’ve gone through watching your team, as they have done so themselves.

Without a win in the league in 2022 prior to this afternoon’s match, Dean Cornelius takes that emotion out with him every Saturday.

He doesn’t let it overwhelm him, but the midfielder allows it to give him an extra boost that is unique to him.

Other players at the club care greatly about what happens on the pitch, but Cornelius is a different type of care. It’s the team he supports, the colours he has worn in stands near and far.

It’s why this run of fixtures has hurt him so much. But with a top six spot in reach and European football not out of the question either, he knows there is time to make amends and make this season successful.

“I’ve sat and experienced the same emotions fans are feeling,” said Cornelius. “There’s nothing worse than watching your team and they get beaten. It ruins your weekend. It can affect your full week if your team loses.

“I’d say being a fan helps me as it gets my adrenaline up. But sometimes you need to dial it down as you don’t want to get caught up in the emotion of a game.

“It’s been difficult recently. I have come into the team a bit more recently and I have been enjoying that side of things, but the results have taken away most of that enjoyment.

“Ideally you want to be winning every game you can. That’s all you want to do, give back to the fans who are giving you everything. But it’s not gone that way recently. We still have time to turn things around.

“We are quite fortunate with the position we are in. During another season, we might have been punished for this run that we know just isn’t good enough.

“We probably should have been punished but now we have a bit of hope. We now hope we can rectify things and finish high in the table.

“You take each game as it comes and try to get three points. Looking at the league table and knowing you are still within touching distance of the top six, and then perhaps pushing for Europe, it does give your morale a boost.”

It was good for Cornelius to get away during the international break, a chance to recharge and pick himself off the floor after a last-minute defeat to St Johnstone last time out.

Some might have opted for a chilled few days in the house, kick back with some films or maybe just a couple of road trips. Not Cornelius or his dad’s bank account.

The midfielder jetted off to Italy for a few days to take in the sights of Milan. When the 20-year-old says sights of the famed Italian city, he really means the shops and malls it possesses.

He makes no secret of the fact he loves his fashion. Team-mate Liam Grimshaw hasn’t hit him up with any Genki attire, but there’s been room for other brands to fill in.

Stone Island, CP Company, Balenciaga, brands are a treat for Motherwell’s young engine room battler when he gets a chance to unwind.

A few items leave him a bit red in the face, but overall, his ability to save smart for the future means he’s quite content splashing out on the latest trends.

“The international break was decent,” Cornelius explained. “It was nice and chilled. Luckily enough I managed to get away to Milan for a few days to go and do some shopping.

“I took full advantage of the day we had. We had three days off. I’m quite into my Stone Island and things like that so I was in my glory over there!

“I picked up a few wee bits, all on my dad’s bank card! I’ve got the birthday coming up in a couple of weeks so I was lucky to be treated to a few things.

“I am quite sensible with my money and I am a good saver. But I do like my clothes. Whenever I get something delivered and it’s a top, my mum always tells me it is ridiculous as I can hardly fit it in.

“I’ve even moved my cupboards into other rooms around the house. I am taking up all the room! I’ve not got any Genki stuff yet though as Grimmy hasn’t managed to sort me out.

“I have no idea what my wardrobe is worth but I do look back on some of the things I’ve bought and wonder whether it was a bit stupid. But hey, you only live once.

“All of my stuff is mostly Stone Island CP Company. I have a few Balenciaga numbers and things like that in there too. I keep them for my good nights. I don’t know what the dress code will be for Player of the Year as it’ll be my first time going to something like that.”

Andy Boles – Motherwell’s head of sport science up until January this year – has been a big influence on Cornelius’ career and perhaps not one many will have noticed.

That’s because it’s what some may dub the ‘boring’ side of football. The midfielder realises how important things like diet is, and what a proper recovery after a game can do for you.

He’s far from a finished article but the youngster knows that Boles’ techniques will stand him in good stead for a long career in professional sport.

“I’ve done the first part of my career but I am nowhere near into my career yet,” explained the soon-to-be 21-year-old.

“But you do see the early stages and you sit back and realise what proper pros are about. It’s not just on the pitch, it’s things off the park as well.

“There is a lot you don’t realise coming into football. It’s not just about training well and getting results. It’s played off the park as well, how you live your life off it, how seriously you take it, your diet, how you recover after a game.

“It’s all massive in how football develops. It’s a lot more athletic now. You need to make sure you are staying on top of things. Andy Boles was straight on me when I came in.

“He was always on to me about my protein intake, my diet, giving me challenges to ensure my weight was right. He helped me dig out my best performances as if you look after your body, it’ll look after you on the pitch.”

No matter how this season ends up for the team, in Cornelius’ own personal development, it will go down as one of the most important.

He netted his first goal for the club he loves, a fine strike from 20 yards against St Johnstone back in December. He has managed to amass his first Premiership start, back-to-back starting XI selections.

Overall he’s made 11 appearances so far and you would hazard a guess and says there will be many more to come over this season, the next and further on. Two key factors are the reason for this.

It all stems back to when Cornelius was a kid, and needed a lift to take him up and down the pitches at pro youth level. His parents sacrificed a lot for him to get to Fir Park, and his success is a family achievement.

“The manager picks the team at the end of the day and whatever team he picks, the boys will back his decision,” he added. “Even if you are on the bench, we try to help the team.

“But regular games are definitely something I need to push towards. I need to get as many of these matches under my belt as it will help me become a better player.

“We don’t have that experience in midfield where we have been and done it all in the game. We are still trying to learn, develop and take bits off each other. Sometimes that can be good as you can get a bit more youth in the midfield.

“It’s all part of helping us develop. I am taking things as they come. I am still a bit starstruck when I play as I have always dreamed of playing at Fir Park. I’ve always wanted it and now it’s come true.

“It’s nice to reward your family too. I have worked hard but the hours my mum and dad have done taking me to games up and down the country isn’t seen.

“They constantly worked around me so I could get to where I am now.”

Motherwell manager Graham Alexander believes his side are more than capable of coping with the pressure that sits on their shoulders going into the final two pre-split cinch Premiership fixtures.

He wants his team to focus on each game individually and forget about any thoughts about final league positions in the table.

Motherwell, using the money raised from the ‘Well In Scheme’ will be launching bags which contain items that will help young people with Autism enjoy the matchday experience and environment further.

Each bag contains a lanyard, fidget spinner, ear defenders, stadium map and a sensory fan.

The lanyard will allow stewards, other supporters and kiosk workers to be more patient and understanding.

Using the fidget spinner will allow the young person to combat the feeling of stress in an uncomfortable situation.

In the noisy environment of a football match, ear defenders will drown out some of the loud noises which can arise within the stadium during the game.

The sensory fan will allow the young person to communicate with whom they are attending the game with about how they are feeling.

The fan has visual aids which the young person can point to, which then relates to how they are feeling in that moment. The fan contains emotions such as “It’s too; hot, bright, crowded, loud.”

The stadium map will enable the young person to know where they are within Fir Park.

“Over the past couple of years, the Community Trust has worked with a number of local organisations to deliver football sessions for young people with autism,” general manager of the Motherwell Community Trust Dawn Middleton said.

“Sometimes they join our core programmes but often the autism sessions are the most supportive environment for them to enjoy the game.

“We have worked closely with Alan Burrows to identify how we can support young people to come to Fir Park on matchdays and feel safe and supported.

“These bags are just the first step towards delivering a more inclusive and supportive matchday experience for all our fans.

“We could not have achieved this without the support of the Motherwell supporters in the ‘Well In’ scheme.”

The Autism bags will be launching for the first post-split fixture at Fir Park and there will be a collection point at the Davie Cooper stand, one hour prior to kick off. The bags are aimed for Under 16s.

The third Lanarkshire derby of the SWPL1 season will take place at Fir Park.

Motherwell will take on Hamilton at Fir Park on Saturday 16 April. Kick off is 3pm.

The women of steel will play their first SWPL1 match at the Fir Park as they look to secure their third victory over their Lanarkshire rivals this season.

There will be free to entry to the stadium for the match. However, if you are able to, there will be buckets available for fans to place donations.

All profits will go towards the girls academy.

Fans will be located in the John Hunter stand for the match.

“This is a momentous occasion for the players and the club,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Playing Hamilton was always going to be a big game, given the fact it is a derby match and it could be a game that defines where we finish this season.

“I am delighted that the players get the platform to go out and perform on a bigger stage.

“It will hopefully help raise the profile of the women’s game within Motherwell Football Club as we have worked very hard this season to push it on to the next stage.

“I hope the Motherwell fan base turn out in their numbers to help push the girls on in what will hopefully be a day and a game to remember.”