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A comfortable afternoon in East Kilbride saw the women of steel continue their impressive run of form, as Motherwell coasted past closest league rivals Aberdeen to narrow the gap to the top of the split at a sun swept K-Park.

Morgan Cross netted her third consecutive goal after latching onto Louisa Boyes’ pinpoint through ball before calmly dispatching a low strike beyond the reach of the Dons stopper. Laura Berry doubled the hosts advantage midway through the first-half after a clever interchange of play fell kindly to the striker within the opposition penalty area, and the youngster coolly slotted an unstoppable effort into the back of the net.

The Rangers loanee secured her brace and the three points shortly after the hour mark, prodding home the rebound from Brooke Nunn’s initial strike. The hosts secure their third consecutive victory after defeating Spartans and Hamilton, racking up 11-goals and conceding only once.

Head Coach Paul Brownlie made two changes from the side that earned their second Lanarkshire derby victory against Hamilton over a fortnight ago, with Murron Cunningham returning to the core of the Motherwell backline, as Laura berry also returned to the starting XI following a spell with Scotland U17s.

Looking to reverse the script that saw Aberdeen overcome the women of steel twice this season, Motherwell started firmly on the front foot, finding space in-behind the visiting backline and testing the Dons goal within the opening phases of play.

Motherwell’s early persistence was soon rewarded, with breakthrough coming after only five minutes. Louisa Boyes skilfully worked her way through the Aberdeen half before threading a perfectly-weighted through ball to the feet of Cross, who shifted the ball onto her stringer right-foot before slotting a precise effort under the approaching Dons stopper.

Katie Rice almost doubled the hosts advantage moments later after expertly escaping her marker before clipping an audacious effort from over 30-yards out, but the midfielders dangerous attempt curled agonisingly wide of the top-right corner.

As the first-half progressed, Motherwell strengthened their foothold in the game. A clever interchange of play on the left fell kindly to Brooke Nunn on the edge of the Aberdeen penalty area and the wingers low delivery sliced across the visiting box, with Berry capitalising at the back post with an accurate finish.

As the second-half resumed, Motherwell picked up from where they left off, with Berry netting her second of the game. Nunn continued to threaten the Dons backline with her unpredictable turn of pace and the experienced midfielders drilled strike was brilliantly parried clear by the Aberdeen keeper, but Berry reacted first to prod home the rebound.

Motherwell move three points behind the Dons in the league table, with both sides set to meet only once more this season in the Granite city. The women of steel will return to action in a fortnights time to face Dundee united at Fir Park.

Trading Meadowbank for ML1, Hibernian loanee Brooke Nunn has re-ignited the attacking threat within the Motherwell forward-line, as the squad racked up eight goals in back-to-back victories over Spartans and local rivals Hamilton since the arrival of the versatile forward.

The experienced striker marked her arrival in claret and amber following a spell in the Scottish capital, with the Arsenal academy prodigy aspiring to preserve SWPL action in North Lanarkshire for the foreseeable future.

“The next few weeks could be really important,” Nunn emphasised.

“I think if we keep playing how we’ve been playing and implementing our game plan, with our momentum, we can hopefully get some good results.

“Our aim is to finish as high as possible and get as many goals and points behind us. The chase is on!”

Despite an established pedigree at Arsenal, London City Lionesses, London Bees and Turkish Super League side Altay S.K Women, Nunn struggled to maintain a consistent place in the starting XI throughout her maiden stint in Leith.

“I had a meeting at Hibernian about game time and we both came to the conclusion it would help me with a loan move to help grow my confidence and receive more consistent first-team action.

“After speaking to Paul, I was really interested in his vision for the club. He showed me his style of play and explained exactly what he wanted and expected from me. He encouraged me to play freely, enjoy myself and I am excited to finish off my season under his wing.

“I’ve settled in really well, the girls have been really nice and welcoming. I’ve also really enjoyed training, learning new things and having the opportunity to express myself as a player.”

Motherwell secured their second Lanarkshire derby victory of the 2023/24 SWPL campaign, with a comprehensive victory over Accies on the other side of the River Clyde.

In her first start for the club, Nunn racked up three goal contributions in an exceptional full debut after impressing in a short cameo over Spartans the previous weekend.

“I’m delighted with the start I’ve made at the club,” Nunn noted.

“Paul has really aided my progression. The entire coaching staff have set the standard for performances that demonstrate the best of my ability. They’ve believed in myself as a player and have helped build my confidence.

“I’m a forward-thinking attacker who likes to take on players 1v1 and create goal scoring opportunities. I’ve always looked up to and developed my game around Rachael Yankee. She was a brilliant attacker and a great role model throughout my time at Arsenal.”

A product of the Gunners’ academy, the 31-year-old played a fundamental role in achieving successive WSL title victories in 2011 and 2012, whilst accomplishing two Women’s FA Cup and two FA Women’s League Cups.

Impressing at the pinnacle of the women’s game, Nunn’s breakthrough campaign led to an appearance in Arsenal’s Champions League squad.

“This was one of the highlights of my career,” Nunn explained.

“Playing and developing my game at the Arsenal Academy gave me a unique experience that enabled me to play with world-class athletes and understand a lot about the foundation of football from a young age.

“To complete the journey from U10’s to the first-team and compete in the Champions league was an unreal experience and really special to me.”

Motherwell sustained their top-six hopes after coming from behind to draw level with St. Mirren, but their route to the top half became even more complicated, as the Steelmen sit six-points adrift of Dundee, with two games left to play.

The Steelmen were left fighting for a route back into the game after a disappointing opening spell, with Olutoysi Olusanya punishing a static home defence to give Saints an early opener on the 18th minute.

The hosts worked tirelessly to draw level but it took until the 74th minute for Theo Bair to force home the equaliser and claim his 12th league goal of the season.

Stuart Kettlewell was forced to make one change from the side which lost to Aberdeen over a fortnight ago, with Lennon Miller unable to fully recover from the hamstring injury that forced the midfielder to the sidelines whilst representing Scotland Under 19s. Davor Zdravkovski was rewarded with a place in midfield, as attacking full backs Geordie Gent and Adam Devine also started.

The expectations had been firmly placed on the squad prior to kick-off, with anything other than a victory potentially ending the ‘Well’s hopes of continuing their push for the top-six.

Motherwell started firmly on the front foot, pinning the Saints defence into their own third of the pitch, with the first threat on the visiting goal coming after three minutes when Theo Bair fired across goal from an offside position.

An early let off for the visitors who survived another narrow escape moments later when Gent cut across the box on the left and drilled an inviting delivery across the face of goal, with Saints stopper Zach Hemmings pushing the defenders delivery onto the post. Striker Bair looked destined to prod home the rebound, but the Canadian’s attempt ricocheted through numerous black and white jerseys before falling wide of the target.

After 14 minutes, though, ‘Well were fortunate not to concede the opening goal.

A VAR check cleared Bair of handball but the forwards clumsy challenge at the edge of the box presented Saints with a free kick in a dangerous position.

Ryan Strain’s curled effort rebounded from the face of the crossbar and when former Motherwell striker Mikael Mandron overcame the home defence to meet the rebound, his header from eight yards met the same fate.

Motherwell’s fortunes only lasted another three minutes until the Buddies made the breakthrough.

Greg Kiltie’s corner floated across the six-yard box and with no takers in claret and amber, Olusanya gladly accepted a free header to bullet the ball past Liam Kelly.

An unsettling moment in the game that frustrated the home side, with a spell of nervous and inconsistent play, highlighted with numerous misplaced passes and unassured decision making.

By comparison the Paisley side looked comfortable in possession and more than likely to extend their lead.

Ten minutes from half-time, the most productive Motherwell move came once again on the left, as Gent powered his way into the box before cutting the ball back to Bair. When his initial effort was blocked, Halliday’s strike on goal was deflected over the bar.

In an improved end to the first half for the Steelmen who conjured up one more chance. Gent whipped in a free kick from the left and the Buddies clearance fell kindly to Zdravkovski who was perfectly placed at the edge of the box, but the midfielder cold only to drill his shot a couple of yards wide of goal .

Aware of the fact that Saints blew a two goal lead at Rugby Park a fortnight ago, ‘Well fans hoped for a similar outcome in the second half.

A blocked shot from O’Donnell and Bair’s header wide in the first few minutes heightened expectations of a fightback.

In the latter stages of the game, ‘Well netted the equaliser.

Jack Vale floated his cross beyond the six-yard box and O’Donnell’s measured header back across the face of the goal found Bair who bundled the ball over the line to set up a thrilling final 15 minutes.

However, similar to the last time the teams met in Paisley, they had to settle for a point each.

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.