Narrowly missing out on top-six football was a bitter pill for Paul Brownlie’s side to swallow last season, but the campaign was littered with success. Beating the previous highest points total in the league but also reaching the semifinal of the Scottish Cup and becoming the first domestic women’s team to step onto the Hampden turf was just two of those successes.
It was a historical moment and despite a 2-0 defeat to Rangers on the day, it has given everyone within the squad the taste of a cup run, something they want to repeat this year. In Sky Sports cup action this weekend, Motherwell travel north to newly promoted Montrose in the second round, looking to get off to the best possible start and overcome the first hurdle.
For summer signing Hannah Cunningham however, reflecting on last season’s cup run with Glasgow Women was not one to fondly remember as her side were beaten by Motherwell, one stage before Hampden.
“The team had a great run last year,” said Cunningham.
“I was on the losing side in the quarter final, so felt the opposite feelings to the team, but for us to have another run this season only increases momentum, and as a squad we should always be aiming to achieve results in any game that we play.
“Going to their ground will be difficult and we can’t underestimate them, but concentrating on our game plan and executing it effectively will be crucial for us to get into the next round of the cup.”
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 first game we played against Montrose was a test for us, as all games are in this league,” Cunningham said.
“We played some good football in spells, but we can always improve on our own performance, and I think that’s definitely something we identified moving forward.
“We’ve had some very good performances so far this season, but as Paul has said, it’s small details in some of those games that has let us down. It’s crucial for us as a squad to regroup and fix the small details.”
Arriving from Glasgow Women in the summer, Cunningham has instantly cemented her place at the core of the Motherwell backline, aiding a seamless transition to ML1 which the defender noted was an attractive move.
“Moving to Motherwell was a very attractive move for me,” Cunningham explained.
“Playing against Paul and Leanne on numerous occasions last year, you could see the standards set here. I always want to improve and push my levels as far as possible, so they were a huge influence on me coming here for sure.
“I’ve been settling in well within the team and getting used to the high demands set on us. It’s a very competitive and challenging environment to step into, which is always a positive, and we are moving in the right direction each day as a squad.”
Cunningham’s first taste of top-flight football in Scotland came last season in Glasgow Women’s maiden SWPL campaign, an experience that has proved instrumental this time around.
“Last year was an extremely good experience,” Cunningham added.
“Getting to know and testing yourself against some of the best players in the country will only improve personal performances. Even though last season didn’t end on a positive note, I hope to bring the experiences I gained into my game here at Motherwell.
“Morale is very strong within the group, the experienced players are always trying to help newer players strive to be successful within the team, and there’s also a great sense of togetherness within the squad.”
