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Stuart Kettlewell reacts to a late win over Kilmarnock.

• Poor first half not to be forgotten about
• A deserved special moment for Harry Paton
• Rewarding supporters’ loyalty

Motherwell scored with the last kick of the ball against Kilmarnock to make it nine Premiership wins on the bounce, with Harry Paton scoring at the death to make it 2-1. 

Marley Watkins early goal gave a confident Kilmarnock the upper hand which they largely maintained over a one sided first half. At that stage a weakened ‘Well side looked out of sorts but a thumping equaliser from Dan Casey just before the hour mark changed the game.

Fifteen minutes from time the Steelmen were denied the three points which looked most unlikely in the first half, when Callum Slattery’s penalty kick was well saved by Willie Dennis.

However, ‘Well continued to press for a winner and it duly arrived seven minutes into added on time when Harry Paton capped a fine second half performance steering his shot beyond Dennis to send the ‘Well fans into ecstasy as the dejected Kilmarnock players slumped to the Fir Park pitch.

On paper, Fir Park hopes of extending an unbeaten league run to nine games was hindered by a lengthening list of injuries.

Missing key players, especially in forward positions, Stuart Kettlewell gave on loan Huddersfield defender Brodie Spencer his debut. In the absence of Connor Wilkinson, Joe Efford made his first start of the season alongside Theo Bair in an impoverished home attack.

Kilmarnock seemed fully aware of the home side’s injury woes and went on the offensive from kick-off.

It took the Ayrshire side only 12 minutes to gain the advantage.

At a second attempt Danny Armstrong whipped his cross to the back post where Marley’s head guided the ball tight inside the post before Kelly’s outstretched hand could keep the ball out.

With ‘Well’s front two unable to keep the ball in Killie’s half the home defence was kept under constant pressure and after 22 minutes the visitors came close to doubling their lead when Kyle Vassell’s header flashed across Kelly’s goal.

The Killie striker was lucky six minutes later as he attempted to usher the ball over his own byeline. Slattery, though, nipped behind him to keep the ball in play before rolling it back for Blair Spittal whose powerful angled drive was parried by Willie Dennis.

Despite Killie having the bulk of the possession in ‘Well’s half, Kettlewell’s men made some threats on the visitor’s goal as half-time approached.

A couple of teasing crosses forced Dennis to leave his goal line and collect the ball as Bair waited for a slip.

Just before the break Stephen O’Donnell curled another cross into a packed box only to watch Lennon Miller, at full stretch, stooping to head the ball over the bar.

Despite that belated burst of action from the home side Kettlewell made a tactical switch at half-time bringing on Harry Paton for Efford.

And it almost paid off within five minutes. O’Donnell’s deep cross found Paton beyond the six-yard box and although the substitute did well to cut the ball back, Bair could only volley the bouncing ball over the cross bar.

Paton’s introduction in midfield provided ‘Well with greater width and the opportunity to push forward in greater numbers to support Bair and exert some pressure on the Killie defence.

And the change in approach paid off after 58 minutes when the Steelmen grabbed the equaliser.

O’Donnell and Slattery combined on the right and when the latter’s cross found Spencer on the opposite side the debutant quickly passed the ball into Casey, 12 yards from goal. The central defender, with the confidence of a striker, dragged the ball to his right before driving it low and hard beyond Dennis and raise hopes of an unexpected fightback.

Suddenly Kimarnock looked nervous as the Fir Park players fancied claiming all three points.

Another cross from O’Donnell in the 73rd minute found the overlapping Spence and although he kept his header on target it was straight into the ‘keeper’s gloves.

Four minutes later Casey was dumped at the edge of the opponent’s box by Armstrong’s challenge.

After a lengthy VAR check it was judged that the offence was inside the penalty area. But Slattery’s dreams of claiming a winner from the spot disappeared when his well struck shot was pushed away by Dennis low to his left.

When the fourth official’s board indicated eight additional minutes there was a roar of anticipation from the home fans that a sensational comeback could be achieved.

And with 97 minutes on the clock the winner finally arrived. Spittal did well to carry the ball to the byeline. And when his cut back rolled across the box, fittingly Paton stepped onto the pass before firing the ball past Dennis to cap an incredible fightback.

Forward Shana MacPhail has joined the club on a permanent deal following a successful trial period.

The 22-year-old, who most recently featured for Stirling University Women in SWPL2 will make the switch to ML1 after a spell on trial.

“I am really excited to sign for Motherwell,” said MacPhail.

“It’s such a great environment to be part of. I’m confident that the quality of the players and the experience of the coaches will bring the best out of me.

“I can’t wait to get stuck in and play my part in helping the club achieve its goals.”

The striker has also tested her talents across the pond, with a brief spell at the University of Wisconsin, where she netted twice against both Loras College and Washington University.

Shana will be the eleventh new acquisition for the women of steel this season.

“Delighted to get Shana on board,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“She’s worked extremely hard over the pre-season period and I’ve been very impressed with what she has demonstrated across numerous training sessions.

“Shana will add more of an attacking threat and will provide further competition in the final third of the pitch.”

Your opinion matters – join our focus group.

Well Society members often ask if they can have input into kit designs. Now they can!

Shirts are one of the elements of football you can touch. Just seeing that claret band, or petrol blue can stimulate your brain and trigger memories. The design and style of the shirt is important – from the colour scheme, the placement of logos and sponsorships, to the overall aesthetic appeal of the shirt. This is no different at Motherwell, and who better to influence our future uniform than the Fir Park Faithful?

Interested?

In order to fully represent the views of our club’s diverse fan base, and to stimulate engagement with the club, The Well Society will oversee a consultation with members regarding their thoughts, ideas and opinions on what makes the perfect Motherwell kit. The feedback will be collated, and any prevalent themes, ideas or opinions will be passed to the designers at Macron to influence our Home and Away kits for the 2024/25 season. Whilst we’re at it, why not send us your thoughts on a third kit?

The Well Society will be holding two focus groups at Fir Park on Wednesday 6 September​ from 6pm-7pm and from 7.15pm-8.15pm.

If you would like to apply to be on the focus group panel, please send an email to well.society@motherwellfc.co.uk with your full contact details and your preferred time slot by 5pm on Thursday 31 August. Please note this event is open to adult members of the Society only, and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

For those unable to attend in person, you can download Macron’s kit design app – My Macron Kit – to build your dream kit.

Junior Steel Members can also let their imagination run wild by sending us drawings of what they would like to see their heroes in. Email finished drawings to us or hand in their design to the Society at the Chapman Building.

Your design can be anything you like. However, please bear in mind the constraints the kit supplier may have in creating the kit, therefore anything too detailed or unrealistic may not be put forward for selection. Save and share your designs with us by emailing them to: well.society@motherwellfc.co.uk

Whilst this input will be considered, it is not in the form of a competition, and not binding in terms of the final design.

We look forward to seeing what you come up with.

Want to join the Well Society? Sign up here.

Full-back Robbie Garcia has joined Lowland League side Cowdenbeath on loan until January.

He will join up with Adam MacDonald, who is also on loan at the club.

Named on the bench against St Mirren on Saturday, Garcia heads out in search of first-team minutes.

Best of luck, Robbie.

Our Under 18 side returned to competitive action on Friday against Kilmarnock at K-Park. 

The match ended 2-1 to the visitors, despite a Campbell Forest equaliser on the hour mark. Andy Miller and Zander Craik scored on either side of half time.

The first big chance of the game was presented to Devon Johnston of Motherwell. A slack backpass to the Kilmarnock keeper didn’t have enough power on it to reach Armour, Johnston pressed and tackled the keeper but the ball fizzed away from danger.

There would be a large stoppage in play when Arran Bone collided with Gilmour in the air. The Kilmarnock youngster was knocked out cold and treated immediately on the pitch. We wish him a speedy recovery.

At the restart, Mikey Booth went close. A free-kick from 25 yards wasn’t dealt with by the keeper who spilled the effort wide for a corner.

Max Ross was presented with a chance from a corner kick after Forest kept the ball alive in the area, but the defender blazed high and wide.

Miller opened the scoring for Killie after some continued pressure on the ‘Well backline. The centre-back connected well from a corner kick and knocked the ball in off the crossbar and past Josh Bogan. 1-1 half time.

The Motherwell keeper was called into action shortly into the second half. On 55 minutes, he made the stop from Craik’s header back across goal and his defence subsequently cleared the danger.

Substitute Harry McLean quickly made an impact from the bench shortly after. He carried the ball into the Kilmarnock penalty area and was brought down and awarded a penalty. Despite the keeper going the right way, Forest converted to get his side onto level terms.

However, seconds later, Kilmarnock were back in front. Craik converted up the other end from a free-kick awarded straight from the restart and Kilmarnock were ahead again.

Motherwell pursued an equaliser but couldn’t find the goal and ended up losing narrowly to the young Ayrshire side.

Motherwell team: Bogan, Garcia, McDermott, Ross, Bone, Flatman, Whyte, Forest, Tomany, Booth, Johnston.

Motherwell subs: Lawson, McQuarrie, Webb, McLean, Simpson, Arnott.

The club would like to thank supporters for their backing over the summer. 

As a result of tremendous backing, we have now exceeded our target of 4200 season tickets sold for the 2023/24 season.

We recognise, due to a number of factors, how difficult it has been for many to be able to afford season tickets this season.

With a tricky financial climate and rising prices across the board, we are hugely grateful for your backing and support.

Season tickets are a vital part of the club’s annual income and helps sustain the club for the season ahead. As a fan owned club, supporters a key pillar in our club and manager Stuart Kettlewell wants to extend his gratitude towards supporters for their tremendous backing since he arrived at the club.

The first Lanarkshire derby of the 2023/24 campaign awaits, as the women of steel prepare for another swift return to action following Wednesday nights hard-fought encounter with Glasgow City under the lights of Petershill Park.

Carla Boyce netted Motherwell’s only goal of the evening, with the defending champions punishing the visitors numerous squandered opportunities, cruising to a comfortable 3-goal advantage.

Paul Brownlie’s side will return to K-Park, looking to keep their unbeaten home record intact, as the visit from Hamilton provides an ideal opportunity to continue their positive start to the league campaign.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

The hosts will be looking to continue their recent Lanarkshire derby success, with the women of steel securing three successive victories from their last four, including a comfortable 4-1 victory at New Douglas Park.

The midweek return of both Amy Anderson and Murron Cunningham from both short and long-term injuries is a positive first step from the clubs recent injury woes.

Georgie Rafferty will remain doubtful for Sunday’s match whilst Eve Donald will remain unavailable. Laura McCartney & Lucy Ronald continue their return from long-term injuries.

Hamilton

On the other side of the River Clyde, Hamilton will be looking to develop upon their 11^th-place finish last season, where they narrowly staved off relegation with a 2-1 victory over Gartcairn in the SWPL Playoff Final.

Accies have yet to pick up their first points of the new campaign, after facing top-six opposition in their opening three games. An opening day defeat to Hearts was soon followed by Celtic and Partick Thistle, with Josephine Giard netting the sides only league goal in a 7-1 loss to the defending Scottish Cup champions.

Ticket information

Cash & card payments are available for this fixture, with season ticket holders requiring their season ticket card upon arrival.

• Adult – £8
• Concession – £3
• Under 11s – Free to enter.

*Concession tickets apply to those over 65, and to 12–17-year-olds, with full-time students also eligible with a valid matriculation card.

Additional information – no pets allowed within K-Park.

How to follow the action

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match.

Theo Bair says the team love playing at Fir Park and are looking forward to being back home. 

The Canadian international speaks about his targets for this season and how big an impact he feels he can make in ML1 this campaign.

Brodie Spencer has joined the club on a season-long loan from Huddersfield Town, subject to international clearance. 

The Northern Irish international is a full-back and joins from the Championship side for the rest of the season, having penned a new contract with The Terriers until 2025 prior to the switch.

He joined Huddersfield from Cliftonville in 2020 and initially played in the under 17 side at the club. He made a quick impression at that level and the decision was taken to skip the Under 19s team and go straight into the B team.

In May 2022, the defender won the Antoni’s Memorial Academy Player of the Year trophy at Huddersfield for his impressive displays.

He the progressed to first-team level and has made six senior appearances in all competitions.

The 19-year-old made his international debut for the Northern Irish senior side 2022 against Kosovo, where he assisted one of the goals. He has three caps so far.

“Brodie is a real quality player with bags of potential” Stuart Kettlewell said.

“I think it says a lot when the parent club offer a player a new deal before loaning him out. It shows their real desire to see the player grow and I think Brodie will do just that.

“With international caps in the senior team at such a young age, it only shows how much quality he’s got.

“It’s been a busy couple of days but I’m buzzing to be here,” Spencer said.

“This is a great opportunity for me to get minutes and impress in a first-team environment.

“I feel like the club and the manager is a good fit for me and I can’t wait to get going.”

Spencer will wear the number 22 kit this season.