The opening weekend of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign awaits, with the women of steel facing a trip to the Granite city to face Aberdeen at Balmoral stadium.
Paul Brownlie’s side travel to the North-East following an intense pre-season campaign, with a 7-0 victory over English outfit Fleetwood Town concluding the squads preparations ahead of the upcoming season.
The Tale of the Tape
Motherwell
Motherwell will be looking to replicate the performance that ensured a commanding result on the Fylde coast last week. A range of players netted on that day, with Carla Boyce, Kaitlyn Canavan, Jo Addie, Kaela McDonald-Nguah, Tara McGonigle and a brace from former Aberdeen striker Bailley Collins securing a comprehensive victory.
The women of steel have maintained an impressive unbeaten record against the Dons, with Motherwell recording five successive victories. The pair last met on the final day of the 2022/23 campaign, as goals from Boyce, McDonald-Nguah & Lori Gardner sealed a comfortable 3-0 victory on that day.
Injuries have continued to hamper the squad, with Amy Anderson and Georgie Rafferty both unavailable for today’s season opener. Murron Cunningham and Laura McCartney have both returned to training in recent weeks but will not be available for a return to competitive action as of yet.
Lucy Ronald will also be unavailable, as she continues her return from a long-term injury.
Aberdeen
The hosts will be looking to improve upon their ninth-placed finish last season, which saw the side sit perilously above the playoffs, three points ahead of Hamilton in 11th.
Aberdeen have been prolific in the summer transfer window with Laura Holden, Hannah Insch and Liverpool shot-stopper Faye Kirby joining the side. Changes have also emerged in the technical area with former Watford FC head coach Clinton Lancaster announced as the new AFC women’s manager last month.
The Dons wrapped up their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw with Hamilton last weekend, as Bayley Hutchinson found an equaliser in the final few minutes.
How to follow the action
Supporters can follow this afternoon encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match.