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Following an extended international break, the women of steel return to action in the Sky Sports League Cup, as Paul Brownlie’s side look to replicate last season’s Scottish cup successes which saw the side overcome Gartcairn, Montrose and Glasgow Women before facing Rangers in a closely-fought Semi-Final at Hampden Park.

The brief hiatus from the domestic calendar has allowed the squad the ideal opportunity to regroup following a tough final week, with competitive performances against Partick Thistle, Rangers and Hibernian yielding no points.

With a trip to Links Park on the horizon, Motherwell will be looking to finally conclude their misfortunes on the road and secure their second victory over Montrose this season.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

The women of steel will be keen to replicate their league victory over Sunday’s hosts, as they prepare to kickstart their league cup campaign.

Motherwell’s last victory in the domestic calendar came against the Gable Endies earlier this month, with strikes from Katie Rice, Louisa Boyes and Kaela McDonald-Nguah securing a comprehensive 3-1 victory at K-Park.

The women of steel will be looking to surpass last-season’s Quarter-Final exit to eventual champions Rangers, with the side envisioning a place in the latter stages of the competition.

Montrose

The hosts have had a tough start to life in the SWPL after their title-deciding SWPL 2 campaign last season, with the side picking up one win from their opening eight league encounters.

A heavy defeat to Rangers will have drained much optimism gained from their historic first Premier Legue victory over Dundee United in the same week.

The Links Park side will be keen to establish a lengthy cup run to support their efforts in their maiden league campaign.

Ticket Information

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

• Adult – £7
• Concession – £5
• Under 16s – Free to enter when accompanied by an adult.

*Concession tickets apply to those over 65, and to full-time students eligible with a valid matriculation card.

How to follow the action

Supporters travelling to Links Park will be available to access the ground within the hour prior to kick-off at 1PM.

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

Motherwell take on champions Celtic on Saturday 30 September at Fir Park.

Kick-off is 12.3opm.

How to follow the game

– Concessions Tickets would be ages 65 and over and FT Students with a valid matric card.
– Young Adults tickets would ages 12 to 17.
– Juveniles would be 11 and under

Supporters are able to buy tickets online here or visit the ticket office at Fir Park.

Ticket Office open from 11am – the ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility.

Tickets can be purchased online.

Our home match against Celtic will be shown live on our pay-per-view streaming service. 

The match will be available for £15.

You will be able to purchase online.

Kit Watch

We will be wearing our home kit for this match.

Team News

Jon Obika, Calum Butcher and Mika Biereth all remain missing for this match.

Pape Souare travelled with the squad to Ibrox on Sunday and Conor Wilkinson came on as a second half substitute as he made his comeback.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

Despite picking up no points in their last two outings against St Mirren and Rangers, the mood within the Motherwell camp is a positive one.

A dominant performance against St Mirren was followed by a very impressive display at Ibrox however, in both games, the Steelmen couldn’t find the breakthrough.

Conor Wilkinson made his return from injury against Rangers and Pape Souare was in the match day squad, however was unstripped on the day.

Last time out against Celtic, Motherwell earned a valiant point at Celtic Park. Kevin van Veen cancelled out Kyogo’s opener as Motherwell became the first team to take points away from Parkhead in the 2022/23 cinch Premiership season.

Opposition Report

With the Ange Postecoglu era now over at Celtic, Brendan Rodgers returned to the helm in the summer.

The new boss has guided his team to top of the table after six games, collecting 16 points in the process.

Despite Joe Hart being shown red in the first half, Celtic cruised their way to a 3-0 win over Livingston in their last match. Matt O’Riley has made a promising start to his season, scoring four goals and assisting twice in eight games.

The every present Kyogo, who was the cinch Premiership top goalscorer last season, has also scored four times this campaign.

Joe Hart will be missing for this game through suspension.

Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liel Abada and Nat Phillips have all been missing through injury of late. Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh have also been sidelined.

It was a case of ‘what if’ last week against St Mirren for Motherwell, when the failed to add the finishing touch to an impressive display and with a trip to Ibrox looming, Stuart Kettlewell’s team had to add quality in the final third. 

A bright start in Govan for the ‘Well would fill the near 400 travelling supporters with optimism, with Harry Paton and Callum Slattery each going close.

Brodie Spencer was an ever continuous threat but despite the good start, it was the hosts who take the lead through a very fortunate Cyriel Dessers deflection.

Motherwell would continue to create time after time as Oli Shaw was presented with the best chance of the game in the second half as he was put through 1v1 with Jack Butland.

Blair Spittal seen two efforts cleared off the line as the Steelmen went back to Lanarkshire quizzing themselves how they haven’t scored or recored a point in the last two outings.

Despite being arguably the better team in the match, Motherwell came away with nothing from Ibrox on Sunday afternoon, with Robbi Matondo’s deflected effort off of Cyriel Dessers deciding the match. 

Paul McGinn returned to the side, while Conor Wilkinson made the bench, having recovered from injury.

Harry Paton was the first to go close after just five minutes, he worked the space on the edge of the box before striking the ball just past Jack Butland’s post.

Blair Spittal’s delivery from a free kick was good and Sam Lammers could only header the ball back into the danger area where Bevis Mugabi looked like he would get on the end of it. However, Conor Goldson hooked the ball over the bar before the Ugandan could get a touch.

Paton and Callum Slattery linked well before the latter drove into the box and slid the ball wide on 16 minutes.

Despite a promising start, Motherwell fell behind on 24 minutes. Matondo struck towards goal and his effort came off of Dessers in the area to wrong foot Liam Kelly in the goal and the ball drifted into the net. 1-0.

As the half drew to a close, there was another opening for the visitors. Spittal crossed the ball into the box with Theo Bair flicking on behind him, wing back Brodie Spencer came rushing in however he couldn’t get a connection with the ball in the area.

Just before the hour mark and with the score still 1-0, Kelly came rushing out of his net and wiped out Dessers in the box with the Ibrox crowd pleading for a penalty. Fortunately for the Motherwell captain, the linesman had his flag up to save his blushes.

With Rangers creating a couple of openings that were dealt with by the Motherwell backline, the game was nearing it’s conclusion and Motherwell had a flurry of chances to equalise.

Spittal seen his low effort cleared off the line by James Tavenier, with Oli Shaw also being presented with a golden chance. The ball was fed through by Bair for the substitute but his effort was saved by Butland.

Georgie Gent set Spittal up right at the death but once again, the midfielder seen his effort cleared off the line by Goldson before the flag went up for offside.

Stuart Kettlewell reacts to the defeat to Rangers.

• Players deserved to get more out of the game

• Operating at a good level

• A bitter pill to swallow

Manager Stuart Kettlewell was full of praise for Sunday’s opponents Rangers, having watched them overcome Real Betis in the Europa League on Thursday night. 

Kettlewell has reinforced the message that matches against the old firm are not Motherwell’s fight however, that doesn’t mean they will lie down and not show fight and spirit.

Stephen O’Donnell discusses his recent return to regular action and how much he has benefitted under Stuart Kettlewell.

Once a Scotland national team regular, O’Donnell says the manager’s detail and thoroughness towards his work ensures there is clear clarity when he steps onto the pitch.

With one of the most difficult matches of the season on Sunday, a trip to Ibrox, O’Donnell knows the challenge that awaits and says if Rangers are even the slightest bit off of their top form, that the Steelmen need to make the most of it.

Kayla Jardine has left the club and will return to Rangers after being recalled from a season-long loan deal.

The 18-year-old, who netted three times across her first spell in Lanarkshire, extended her stay at the club this summer after signing an initial short-term loan deal in January last season.

However, the forward has returned to her parent club having yet to make her first appearance in claret and amber for the 2023/24 campaign.

We thank Kayla for her efforts at Motherwell and wish her all the best for the future.

Global steel supplier Steel Plate & Sections and Management consultancy Faithful+Gould, since rebranded as AtkinsRéalis will become our new official U14s regional and national academy squad sponsors until the conclusion of season 2023/24.

With over 50 years of industry experience, SPS were the first and continue to be a leading supplier in high-yield steel for offshore fabrication and have been committed to ensuring the needs of numerous industries across the globe.

“We are delighted to announce that SPS Profiling have proudly sponsored Motherwell Football Club’s women’s U14 Academy squad,” SPS Division Manager, John Lynas said.

“Known as ‘The Girls of Steel’, this support pays tribute to the area’s steelmaking heritage, epitomised by the men’s team, “The Steelmen.”

“This partnership underscores the connection between local industry and community, fostering youth development and unity. It’s a symbol of the enduring legacy of steelmaking and a bright future for young athletes in the community.

“Our sponsorship equips the U14 girls with new training gear and features the SPS Profiling logo on their match day kits.”

AtkinsRéalis, previously named Faithful+Gould, design and deliver major projects on the built and natural environments all around the world, by advising and supporting public and private sector clients with the delivery of complex, outcome-focused projects.

The U14 national squad sponsor, build relationships based on understanding, integrity and collaboration. Engineering a better future for the planet and its people.

“We are thrilled to be sponsoring Motherwell Girls National Academy Programme under 14 Football team,” Director Tom McDougall said.

“Empowering the next generation of females is a cause close to our hearts, and we believe in fostering their passion and dedication.

“By sponsoring this talented group of girls, we hope to have contributed in a way that the girls have the resources, coaching, and opportunities they need to excel on the field and beyond.”

It’s the most important time of the year for a professional football player, as they find out their ratings on the new EAFC game.

From finding out who is the fastest to who is the highest rated in the squad, the Motherwell players are shown their newest cards for the year.