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Stuart Kettlewell reflects on his side’s 1-1 draw with St Mirren.

• Slack in possession
• Happier with the mentality than the performance
• Two big performances needed before split

Following a two-week break to the domestic calendar, Motherwell are back in action, with the women of steel preparing to face nearest league rivals Aberdeen in a pivotal encounter at K-Park.

Paul Brownlie’s side headed into the break with back-to-back victories over Spartans and local rivals Hamilton, firing four past Accies in a comfortable Lanarkshire derby victory at New Douglas Park.

An impressive and prolific spell on the road aided the sides aspirations of preserving their SWPL status this season, with Motherwell narrowing the gap to Aberdeen ahead of a highly-anticipated meeting in East Kilbride.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

The women of steel cruised into the domestic break with successive victories on the road, overcoming a tough run of form to defeat Spartans and Hamilton. Finding the target on eight occasions whilst only conceding once, Motherwell headed into the post-split firmly in control of their own destiny, increasing their advantage to 12-points over Dundee United in the relegation playoff-place.

Louisa Boyes continued her recent form in front of goal, netting a second half brace over Spartans before adding a third over Hamilton the following week. Morgan Cross also found the target twice during that spell, with Amy Anderson, Bailley Collins and Jo Addie also adding their names to the scoresheet.

Striker Laura Berry will return to the matchday squad after completing an international triple-header of U17 Euro Qualification matches against Denmark, Poland and North Macedonia, with the forward netting four-times across the campaign.

Aberdeen

The Dons remain six-points clear of the women of steel at the top of the bottom-six after firing twice against Spartans in an assured performance at the Balmoral Stadium.

Aberdeen have secured and retained an 100% win record over Motherwell this season, with a narrow 3-2 victory in the North-East followed by a 5-2 win in East Kilbride. A record Brownlie’s side will look to bring to a conclusion this weekend.

Ticket Information

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

• Adult – £8
• Concession – £5
• Under 16s – Free to enter

How to follow the action

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

Not everyone is as fortunate and at Motherwell Football Club, we want to do our very best to help those within our local community who fall into that bracket.

That’s why, when our sponsors TCL wanted to give tablets to a local Primary School, we got the full team involved to give the kids a day they’ll never forget.

Stephen O’Donnell is looking forward to getting back to the action after a break. The Scotland internationalist says the last two breaks have been very different in terms of timing of results. O’Donnell reckons the previous break came at a bad time as momentum was with the team, and this one has allowed us to reset. 

The full-back discusses the recent form of Scotland, whilst also addressing his own future at Motherwell.

After a two week hiatus, Motherwell return to action this weekend in the cinch Premiership against St Mirren and manager Stuart Kettlewell provides a full update on the squad fitness, after the players who have been on international duty have returned to the club. 

Kettlewell was asked about the statement the club published last week with regards to VAR and refereeing decisions this season, as well as addressing recent speculation surrounding Blair Spittal’s future.

Brian Caldwell was recently appointed as the new CEO of the club and Kettlewell discusses how that process has came about and the impact it will have on the club as a whole.

Stuart Kettlewell offered an update on the playing squad ahead of our match against St Mirren. 

Speaking at Thursday morning’s press conference, Kettlewell provided the update after the return of players who have been away representing their country.

“Lennon Miller came off late on for Scotland against Italy, so he’s a doubt,” Stuart Kettlewell said.

“He played with a fractured patella earlier in the season so for him to come off tells you there’s an issue. We’re hoping it’s not a massive one and it’s touch and go for this weekend.

“How much involvement he can have this weekend will be determined over the next 24 hours.

“Jon Obika remains out. Outwith that, we’re assessing one or two coming back from international duty.”

Kettlewell also provided an updated on Harry Paton’s progress.

“Harry is getting on well,” Kettlewell added.

“From the time of the injury, we’re looking at 10-12 weeks. He is out of the boot and walking but has quite a chunk to go. I spoke to him on Tuesday, he’s upbeat and feeling better. But he’s not going to be returning imminently.”

We had six players away on international duty, with some involved in friendly action and others tasked with COPA America Playoffs. 

Liam Kelly

Liam Kelly was an unused substitute in Scotland’s 4-0 defeat to The Netherlands. Kelly was one of four goalkeepers in the squad, fighting against Angus Gunn, Craig Gordon and Zander Clark.

Against Northern Ireland at Hampden, Kelly was once again named on the bench with Gunn given the nod. Scotland lost out 1-0.

Bevis Mugabi

Bevis Mugabi pulled on the armband for the first time and led his country out against Comoros. It was a 4-0 defeat for Uganda on the night, with Mugabi playing the full match.

In their second match, Mugabi lined up as captain against Ghana. He played the full match, leading his team to an impressive 2-2 draw.

Lennon Miller

Scotland Under 19s were in Italy for their EURO qualifiers. They were in a group with Italy, Georgia and Czech Republic. In the first match against Italy, Lennon Miller was named in the starting lineup and played most of the match. Scotland lost out 3-1 on the day and Miller had to come off with minutes remaining.

As a result, he missed their second match against Georgia where Scotland lost 3-2 and third match against Czech Republic.

Theo Bair

Back in the international setup for one of their biggest matches, Theo Bair was on the bench for the playoff match against Trinidad and Tobago. Looking to reach their first ever COPA America, Bair was an unused substitute on the day but Canada got the job done, winning 2-0.

Davor Zdravkovski

Davor Zdravkovski was an unused substitute in North Macedonia’s first friendly match against Moldova. His side drew 1-1.

Looking for his first international cap, North Macedonia took on Montenegro in their second match. North Macedonia lost out 1-0, with Zdravkovski being an unused substitute.

Adam Devine

There was only one game for Scotland’s Under 21 side during this international window, facing Kazakhstan in their EURO qualifying group.

Adam Devine was named on the bench but came on with 15 minutes to play. Scotland comfortably won the match 4-1, strengthening their grip on qualification in the process.

Here is the latest update on the players who are currently out on loan. 

Ricki Lamie

Ricki Lamie has signed a pre-contract with Dundee, where it will see Lamie join the Dee on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

Matty Connelly

East Kilbride missed out on the opportunity to win the league, however, the Kilby remain pole position to do so.

They have also reached the Lowland League Cup final where they will face Tranent.

Connelly is now on 11 appearances for East Kilbride and is their first choice keeper. With seven wins and two defeats in the last nine in the league, Connelly was able to keep a clean sheet against East Stirling in a 2-0 win for his side prior to a very comfortable 6-1 win over Broomhill in their latest outing.

East Kilbride travel to Civil Service Strollers needing only one point to win the league.

Ewan Wilson

Ewan Wilson has made two start and one sub appearance so far for Beith Juniors.

He was a 77th minute substitute against Darvel in a 3-2 win at the start of March, and was awarded his first start against Pollok a week later.

Beith are currently in second spot, five points behind Clydebank. However, Beith have five games in hand over the table toppers.

In their last match, Beith were in cup action against Darvel. Wilson once again started the match and played the full game. The match went to extra time, with Darvel winning 5-4 on spot kicks. Wilson took a penalty, dispatching it cooly down the middle.

Arran Bone

Arran Bone has made four appearances since the last loan update. Gala Fairydean Rovers hadn’t won in four games prior to their match against Stirling University. Bone played the full 90.

The centre-back, who has also been operating as a full-back, has seven appearances thus far in the Lowland League.

They are 16th in the league standings but have a 23 point cushion over 17th placed Gretna.

Ross Tierney

Walsall and Ross Tierney have been a strong run of form as they have propelled themselves up the table and are only three points off of a playoff spot.

Tierney has featured in all of Walsall’s last nine games, starting two in the process. He scored his third goal for the club against Morecambe last month.

With only one defeat in their last nine games, Walsall have put themselves in a strong position going into the latter parts of the season. 23-year-old Tierney is now on 29 games for the club since his arrival in the summer. He has made substitute appearances in the last five games.

Adam MacDonald

Adam MacDonald has made four appearances for Cowdenbeath since last month’s update. All four of those appearances have came off the bench for the midfielder.

With 27 appearances in total this season, MacDonald has developed well in the Lowland League.

Cowdenbeath have moved themselves up to 11th in the table having recorded three wins, a draw and two defeats in their last six matches.

Motherwell return to cinch Premiership action after the March international break, facing St Mirren at Fir Park. 

Kick off is 3pm.

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 9am – the ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility.

If you are outside the UK, you can watch the game via Motherwell TV.

Should you be in the UK, it will be commentary only.

Kit Watch

We will be wearing our home kit for this match.

Injury Update

Callum Slattery, Harry Paton, Barry Maguire and Jon Obika will all be absent for this match.

Lennon Miller will be assessed upon his return to Fir Park after the midfielder came off early on international duty.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

It has been a bit stop-start in terms of games for the Steelmen of late. With no games in two of the last three weekends, Motherwell return to action for the season run-in.

Last time out against Aberdeen, in controversial fashion, Motherwell lost out 1-0 to the visitors. Prior to that match however, Motherwell were is good form. Picking up back-to-back wins against Livingston and Rangers, they pushed themselves up the table.

Their results mean the Steelmen are eighth in the table, six points off Hibernian in sixth. With two wins and three defeats in their last five, Motherwell have three games to go between now and the split. Those games include St Mirren at home, Dundee away and Hibernian at home.

Against St Mirren this season, Motherwell have yet to register a win over the Paisley side, despite some strong showings. It was a 1-0 win for St Mirren at Fir Park earlier in the season, despite domination from the home side. St Mirren knocked the ‘Well out of the Viaplay Cup in another 1-0 win before a 0-0 draw in the league in December.

Opposition Report

Before the international break, St Mirren looked to be heading for two wins out of two in the league, with Stephen Robinson’s side 2-0 up at Kilmarnock. A second-half comeback seen Killie win 5-2.

That makes it two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five games. Those two defeats and draw have both came on the road.

St Mirren are currently fifth in the table, with Hibernian only four points behind in sixth. Top six looks to be secured for Stephen Robinson’s men, with their eyes now fixed on securing European football.

Mikael Mandron, a familiar name to Motherwell fans, is the top scorer for St Mirren. With 10 goals in all competitions, he has four goals and one assist in his last seven appearances.

Motherwell will face Dundee United at Fir Park on Sunday 14 April. 

Kick-off will be at 4PM.

The women of steel will be set to take to the Fir Park turf for the third time after previously facing Hamilton and Glasgow Women in the previous two SWPL campaigns. The encounter in ML1 will follow a two-week break to the domestic calendar, with Paul Brownlie’s side set to face Dundee United after meeting closest league rivals Aberdeen prior to the international break. The hosts will be poised to continue their positive run of form after securing back-to-back victories over Hamilton and Spartans.

There will be free entry to the stadium for the match. However, if you are able to, there will be buckets available for fans to place donations.

All profits will go towards the girls academy.

Fans will be located in the John Hunter stand for the match.