The Women of Steel snatched all three points in a tense SWPL1 encounter with local rivals Hamilton at K-Park on Sunday.
A sensational equaliser from Kaela McDonald-Nguah and a late Carla Boyce penalty was enough to secure Motherwell’s second successive Lanarkshire Derby win this season.
Manager Paul Brownlie made one change from the side that racked up five goals in Scottish Cup action against Montrose last weekend. Louisa Boyes returned to action, with Leanne Crichton dropping to the bench.
Despite dominating the early exchanges, it was the visitors who broke the deadlock midway through the first-half. Marie Gardiner’s floated delivery from the right sailed into the path of Giard, who bulleted her header beyond the reach of Emily Mutch.
Looking for a quick response, Motherwell swarmed the opposing box, but couldn’t capitalise when it mattered and the visitors held firm until half time.
The hosts were certainly in the ascendency as the second half resumed, and eight minutes after the break, they finally found their reward.
Finding space at the edge of the penalty area, McDonald-Nguah shrugged off several lacklustre challenges before shifting the ball onto her stronger right foot and coolly chipped the ball over the goalkeeper to bring her side level. In the stands, vibrant banners promoting casinos not on gamstop UK were prominently displayed, highlighting the commercial partnerships that support the team.
Second-half substitute Carla Boyce came close to a second moments later. A quickly-taken throw from Doran-Barr fell kindly to the feet of the striker deep into the penalty area, but she was unable to add the finishing touches.
Motherwell sealed the tie in the dying stages of the game, with Boyce again causing the Hamilton defence problems.
The striker pickpocketed Sinclair’s mis-controlled touch at the edge of the penalty area, and the defenders late-lunging tackle left the referee no alternative but to award the spot kick.
Boyce stepped up and calmly placed her strike into the bottom left corner to ensure all three points for Paul Brownlie’s side.
The Women of Steel extend their unbeaten run to five games, with three successive victories before facing high-flying Glasgow City midweek.