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A swift return to action will see Motherwell turn their attention to title-chasing Rangers, with a tough trip to Broadwood expected, as the hosts remain unbeaten domestically with five wins and a draw against defending champions Glasgow City.

Motherwell will be looking to replicate their impeccable home record that has yet to materialise on the road. The women of steel’s hunt for their first points away from home continued in Glasgow, as Paul Brownlie’s side left Springburn empty-handed, with Thistle netting a decisive late opener.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

The women of steel will be looking to break their recent struggles away from home, with three narrow defeats to Aberdeen, Glasgow City and Partick Thistle failing to mirror the squads successes at K-Park.

Brownlie’s side faced a closely-fought encounter last time out at Broadwood, with a 89^th-minute Chelsea Cornet goal doubling Hannah Davidson’s early first-half opener, as chances from Kaela McDonald-Nguah and Katie Rice narrowly evaded the target.

Laura McCartney has returned to the matchday squad and will be eligible for contention this week, with Morgan Cross, Morgan Hay and Eve Donald all doubtful for a return following injuries sustained in the past week.

Rangers

The hosts have built a fine start to the 2023/24 SWPL campaign, with Jo Potter’s side remaining unbeaten in their opening six league encounters, including a pulsating 1-8 victory over Dundee United at Foundation Park.

Rangers’ prolific form in-front of goal has the Glasgow side sat comfortably at the top of the SWPL league table, netting 23-times thus far whilst maintaining a one-point advantage over rivals Celtic.

Midfielder Chelsea Cornet leads the goalscoring chart in Glasgow, netting five-times so far, with striker Kirsty Howat also netting her fourth goal of the new campaign by rounding off her hat-trick against United last weekend.

Ticket Information

• Adult – £7
• Concession – £3
• Juvenile – £3

How to follow the action

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

A closely fought afternoon in Springburn was narrowly separated by a late Partick Thistle goal, with the hosts capitalising on a late chance in a game scarce of goal-scoring opportunities for both sides.

Megan Robb’s late strike was enough to secure Thistle’s fourth victory of the new campaign, sealing a harsh 1-0 defeat to end the women of steel’s recent unbeaten run.

Head coach Paul Brownlie named an unchanged starting XI from Sunday’s commanding 3-1 victory over newly promoted Montrose, with Laura McCartney replacing recent acquisition Morgan Cross on the bench following an injury sustained midweek.

With both sides trading possession and failing to land a shot on target in the opening exchanges, Carla Boyce came close to breaking the deadlock midway through the first half. A dangerous delivery from the left caused indecision within the Thistle backline, with the ball falling kindly to Boyce on the half-volley at the edge of the box, but the strikers effort sailed wide of the target.

Motherwell’s claims for a penalty were soon dismissed despite Thistle stopper Megan Cunningham seemingly colliding with Louisa Boyes deep into the opposing penalty area, but the referee quickly waived play on despite the adamant protests from the Motherwell players.

With both sides tiring in the soaring heat and the game seemingly destined for another draw, Thistle netted the opener in the dying stages.

Amy Bulloch’s floated delivery from the left was punched clear by Mutch, but the following clearance fell into the path of Robb at the back post, and the midfielders volley ratted the crossbar before nesting into the roof of the net.

Chasing a late equaliser, Motherwell ambitiously flooded the hosts penalty area with crosses, and were seemingly denied their second penalty claim of the afternoon, with Boyes again on the receiving end of a replicated challenge from the first half, but again the referee dismissed Motherwell’s pleas.

Ultimately, chances proved to be too little too late for Brownlie’s side with Thistle earning all three points with a strong defensive display. Motherwell drop out of the top-six on goal difference, with Hearts gaining one place before facing local rivals Hibs later this afternoon.

In November this year, we will welcome the fifth batch of inductees to the Motherwell FC Hall of Fame. 

In our 137-year history, there have been names who have forged their way into Motherwell FC history and we want to commemorate their efforts.

We will never forget those who have forged the path to where the club sits at present day. Some with us and some sadly not, we want to come together to celebrate the proud history we have at Motherwell Football Club.

This year, the event will take place at Dalziel Park Hotel on Friday 17 November, with host Tam Cowan inducting five new names.

If you would like to attend our night of celebration, tickets cost £66 for adults and £30 for children under the age of 12 are on sale now.

You can buy tickets for the dinner online or contact the commercial department on 01698 338011.

Please note than some of the colourful language on the night may not be appropriate for young children or those easily offended.

Blair Spittal has become a vital part of Motherwell’s team. The midfielder joined in the summer of 2022 and has raced towards the 50 game mark since. 

But away from football, he has also approached the next chapter in his life with wife, Hailey. Having had their marriage delayed due to Covid-19, they purchased their first pet together, Simba.

Now two years of age, Simba has prepared Blair and his wife for the arrival of their first child, that is due in December of this year.

With his football going well on the pitch, he takes Simba to a local play park where he can run freely and Blair can reflect and think about how his life is going to change at the end of this year.

With three back-to-back home victories returning a current top-six place for the women of steel ahead of this weekend’s return to action, Paul Brownlie’s side will be aiming to replicate their success on the road.

A trip to Springburn awaits, with Partick Thistle the hosts at Petershill Park, as Motherwell hunt for their first points away from home following an opening weekend defeat to Aberdeen and defending champions Glasgow City.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

The visitors will have the opportunity to preserve their impressive run of form, as victory this weekend would extend the sides record to three successive wins. Katie Rice and Louisa Boyes both netted their first goals of the new campaign to overcome newly-promoted Montrose last weekend, with the prospect of another contested meeting with Partick Thistle expected.

Brownlie’s side have faced several closely-fought encounters with the Jags, with three stalemates resulting from the last four meetings. In a recent test last season, Motherwell overturned an early two-goal deficit, netting three successive goals before a late Teigan McCann strike prevented a Motherwell victory on that day.

Despite the sides success on the pitch, their recent injury woes continue to hamper the team. Morgan Hay will remain unavailable for this weekend’s encounter, whilst Morgan Cross will be doubtful following an injury sustained midweek. Lucy Ronald and Laura McCartney will both continue their return from long-term spells on the sidelines.

Partick Thistle

The hosts have also made a positive start to the 2023/24 SWPL campaign, racking up three wins from five, with their only defeats coming against Rangers and Glasgow City.

Brian Graham’s side have proven to be prolific in-front of goal, netting 12-times in their opening three league victories. Striker Cara Henderson has netted six-times so far, including an opening weekend hat-trick over Dundee United, placing the forward second overall in the SWPL top-scorer table.

They’ll be a sense of familiarity to Sunday’s meeting, with Emma Lawton, Claire Adams and Kodie Hay all set to face their former side.

Ticket Information

• Adult – £7
• Concession – £5
• Kids go FREE

How to follow the action

Supporters can follow Sunday’s encounter on Twitter @motherwellwomen, with a full report of the action available post-match. The match will also be available to watch live on the BBC Sport Scotland website, with access to the ground available to fans from 12.15PM ahead of a 1PM kick-off.

Our match against Rangers at Ibrox will now place on Sunday 24 September.

The match was originally scheduled to take place on Saturday 23 September but has been moved due Rangers’ participation in the UEFA Europa League.

Kick off is 3pm.

We have reviewed the UK Government consultation paper titled “Guidelines for taking passengers to sporting events in Scotland.”

The document details a number of proposed guidelines for public service vehicle (PSV) operators who provide transport for fans travelling to sporting events. These include potential restrictions on pick up points, arrival and departure times and limitations on where the vehicles can stop on route to a match.

Responses to the consultation are due by 24 November 2023 and, as a fan owned club, we will consult fully with our members before submitting our views. We believe it is important that we encourage as many fans as possible to attend matches and to make the experience as enjoyable and welcoming as possible.

The Board of the Well Society will issue a further update on how members can provide input into the consultation process.

We have five players on international duty over the next couple of weeks.

Liam Kelly

He may still be waiting for his first international cap but Liam Kelly has become a regular in Steve Clarke’s squads.

It’s a crucial match for Scotland in their quest for EURO 2024 qualification. They travel to Cyprus on Friday 8 September before playing England in a special anniversary match on Tuesday 12 September at Hampden.

Scotland can secure qualification this month. If they beat Cyprus and Spain beat Georgia, a draw between Georgia and Norway on Tuesday 12 September would mean qualification for Scotland.

Lennon Miller

Making the step up to Scotland’s Under 19 squad for the first time, 17-year-old Lennon Miller has two matches this week.

Scotland face Belgium on Wednesday 6 September before a match against the Czech Republic on Saturday 9 September. Both are friendly matches that are taking place in Belgium.

Bevis Mugabi

Back in the Uganda squad and it couldn’t have came at a more important time for Bevis Mugabi and the Cranes. They take on Niger on Wednesday 7 September in Morocco.

Uganda are three points behind second placed Tanzania going into this round of games. If Uganda win and Tanzania lose to Algeria, Uganda would move up to second in the standings and would ensure they qualify for The Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Davor Zdravkovski

Retaining his place in the North Macedonian squad, Davor Zdravkovski is looking for his first cap for his nation.

North Macedonia travel on Italy first on Saturday 9 September before a home match against Malta on Tuesday 12 September.

They are currently 4th in their group, three points off second placed Ukraine.

Brodie Spencer

Originally called up the Northern Ireland Under 21 squad, Brodie Spencer received a call-up to the senior squad for their upcoming matches.

Northern Ireland travel to Slovenia on Thursday 7 September and are on the road again on Sunday 10 September, in Kazakhstan.

The Northern Irish will be looking to move up their group standings, as they are currently in 5th with three points after four matches.

With the first international break of the season upon us, Motherwell knew a win would see them go joint top with Celtic in the cinch Premiership. 

Visiting a ground they hadn’t won on in four years, the Steelmen shaped up to face Hearts, with the Jambos being knocked out of the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.

Starting the brighter of the two sides, Motherwell had the majority of the chances in the opening exchanges. Bevis Mugabi went close with a header before Callum Slattery’s ball across goal was intercepted.

It would be Slattery who would finish an exquisite team goal on the half hour mark. Initially ruled out for offside, VAR intervened to show Slattery was well onside.

Motherwell finished the half strong however, it would be a test to the finish. Paul McGinn received his second yellow of the game with 20 minutes to go and Hearts threw everything at the ‘Well backline.

They held firm however and secured a massive three points that see them on 10 points out of a possible 12 so far this campaign.

It was back-to-back victories for the women of steel, as Motherwell built upon their Lanarkshire derby triumph with an assured performance against Montrose.

Katie Rice fired the hosts ahead early into the first-half with a composed finish from distance, with Louisa Boyes netting her first goal of the new campaign within the opening exchanges of the second half.

Montrose pulled one back against the run of play, but Kaela McDonald-Nguah continued her prolific run of form, netting her fourth goal of the new campaign to restore Motherwell’s two-goal advantage.

Head coach Paul Brownlie was forced into making slight alterations to his matchday squad, as latest addition Morgan Cross received a place on the bench following a midweek injury to Morgan Hay that ruled the midfielder out of action.

Buoyed in confidence following their recent run of form, Motherwell started firmly on the front foot, with Tara McGonigle almost adding her name onto the scoresheet. The wingers cutting run freed up space at the edge of the box to strike, but the wingers drilled effort narrowly evaded the crossbar.

The hosts continued to press and deservedly netted the opener moments later. Rice’s left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area sailed past the Montrose stopper before nestling comfortably into the bottom-right corner.

With the women of steel maintaining a narrow lead at the break, Brownlie’s side came out of the traps early into the second half and soon doubled their advantage. Boyes’ right-footed effort midway through the Montrose penalty area coasted through the visiting defence before picking out the centre of the goal.

Motherwell continued to control possession and almost added a third in quick succession, as McDonald-Nguah met Rice’s floated corner kick in the air, but the strikers headed attempt fell agonisingly over the crossbar.

The hosts control and composure in the game was soon threatened as Montrose netted a quickfire response. Aimee Ridgeway coolly converted Charlotte Gammie’s low delivery, picking out the bottom-corner with a smart finish.

Despite a sudden spell of attacking threat from the visitors, the hosts restored their two-goal advantage to maintain their place in the top-six of the SWPL. McDonald-Nguah’s threatening right-foot proved to be beneficial yet again, as the strikers close-range finish sailed into the bottom-right corner to secure a second consecutive victory for the women of steel.

Brownlie’s side will return to action next weekend, as a highly anticipated meeting with Partick Thistle awaits.