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The women of steel successfully preserved their SWPL status for a fifth consecutive season in emphatic style, retaining a formidable eight-game unbeaten run, with victories over Spartans, Hamilton, Dundee united and Montrose.

With only three games remaining, Motherwell are still within reach of nearest league rivals Aberdeen in the pursuit of concluding the season at the top of the split. Experienced defender Murron Cunningham understands that establishing our SWPL status for the forthcoming season has been pivotal to building momentum.

“Retaining our place in the league with over a month till the end of the season has been a real driving factor,” Cunningham explained.

“It’s hugely important to the players and the club. The risk of fighting to stay in this league could’ve hindered our vision to head in the right direction towards the top of the split.

“As a team, we value ourselves highly and know we can compete with the teams in the top-six. Securing a place in the SWPL next season was crucial and will continue to play a role in retaining the momentum for the remainder of the season.

“The atmosphere is good, as a team we have really demanded a standard from one another in training and games to compete at the best level we can. We have picked up good points recently and shown we are capable of competing with those teams around us.”

The women of steel’s remarkable run of form has accurately coincided with a monumental resurgence in the final third, with Paul Brownlie’s side netting 22-times across their last six domestic league encounters. Cunningham emphasised the importance of SWPL survival as a motivator for the squad.

“As a squad, we have had a lot of motivation these last few months,” Cunningham noted.

“The team have played with confidence recently and that may come down to the determination of securing a spot in the league for next season.

“That and the feeling of winning have been big driving factors for us as a team and I think it’s been clear to see that we have played recently with a real intent to be on the front foot and challenge teams.

“Having a run of eight games unbeaten is something that can be hard to do in football especially when you are playing against teams of similar ability and status. However, the changing point in our season so far was playing the top-three at K Park and coming close to a historic victory after putting in a respectable performance that gave us the confidence to continue to develop a consistent style of play.”

The 2023/24 SWPL campaign marked a long-awaited return to action for the experienced defender after facing an unimaginable two-year spell on the side-lines following a long-term injury.

“Returning from a long-term injury is something that is incredibly exciting at the start of the season,” Cunningham said.

“However, getting into the thick of the season, it can be difficult to adapt as quick as your team mates who have been playing consistently the season before. I would say it was a slow start for me and it definitely took time to find my feet, however I now feel I can contribute to the same standard as my team mates and I’m always ready for selection on game day when the opportunity comes.

“The unity in the squad really helped me through this process. When you have a unity within a team, you all have common goals you want to achieve. We have set high targets for the post-split fixtures and when everyone is together and working toward a shared target, we can all equally contribute to achieve the same goals.”

As the team approach the latter stages of the league campaign and have the top of the split firmly within their sights, Cunningham re-emphasised the importance of the Motherwell fans support in achieving this objective.

“The support means a lot to us all,” Cunningham emphasised.

“We have made K park our home and we appreciate everyone coming out every week to show their support to us as a team. We will do our best for the last few fixtures, and it would be a pleasure to have you all with us. Thanks for turning up this season to support us.”

Motherwell consolidated their narrow deficit to nearest league rivals Aberdeen, as the women of steel were forced to settle for a point in a frustrating afternoon at Links Park on Sunday.

The hosts broke the deadlock against the run of play following a succession of opportunities directed towards the Montrose goal, but almost instantly, Chelsie Watson netted the equaliser through a small dose of fortune, as the defenders looping headed effort ricocheted through a series of jerseys before eventually nestling into the bottom-right corner.

Motherwell continued to terrorise the hosts 18-yard box throughout the latter stages of the first-half and across the second 45-minutes, but a decisive second failed to materialise, as the Montrose backline stood resolute and held out for a solitary point.

Looking to replicate the exceptional midweek display over Spartans at K-Park, the visitors started firmly on the front foot, with the first goalscoring opportunity of the game falling to the feet of Laura Berry.

The Rangers-loanee skilfully worked her way to the edge of the Montrose penalty area, cutting across from the left-flank before curling a hopeful effort towards goal, but the young forward couldn’t trouble the Montrose stopper on this occasion.

Moments later, the hosts broke the deadlock with a swift counter-attack carving open the Motherwell backline. A hopeful long-ball left Brown racing through the centre of the Motherwell half before drilling a wayward effort that accurately changed direction at the last possible moment to land beyond the reach of the out-stretched Rebecca Cameron in the Motherwell goal.

Motherwell rallied in search of an immediate equaliser, and their efforts were soon rewarded from a well-worked set-piece. Katie Rice’s whipped corner-kick fell invitingly towards Cheslie Watson at the back-post, and the towering defenders headed effort across the face of goal bundled through numerous players before eventually picking out bottom-right corner.

The visitors resumed the second half on a similar note, with Morgan Cross forcing an exceptional save from a close-range header. Laura Berry, Jo Addie, Kayla Jardine and Brooke Nunn all had opportunities parried clear of the Montrose goal, but ultimately the women of steel couldn’t force through the decisive second goal and were left to settle for a point.

Motherwell mathematically secured their Premiership status for the forthcoming season after cruising to a convincing three-goal cushion over Livingston on Saturday afternoon, defeating the visitors 4-1 at Fir Park which confirmed the Lions’ relegation to the Championship.

Theo Bair placed an accurate penalty kick beyond Shamal George after a handball from Georgie gent’s whipped delivery from the left of the near post. A miraculous strike from distance soon doubled the Steelmen’s advantage, with Sam Nicholson rattling the crossbar before landing beyond the goal-line for his second goal in claret and amber.

The Canadian striker soon added his second of the game midway through the second-half, with Gent’s whipped delivery across the face of goal being met by Bair, who powered home a precise header at the back post. Dan Casey headed home a fourth in the latter stages of the game , with Joel Noble netting a consolation for the visitors a few minutes later.

Stuart Kettlewell made two changes from the defeat to Aberdeen at Pittodrie last weekend. Andy Halliday replaced Davor Zdravkovski in midfield whilst Sam Nicholson came in for the suspended Jack Vale to support lone striker Theo Bair.

After feeling aggrieved by a VAR decision to show Jack Vale a straight red card last weekend, the Fir Park men got the benefit of the doubt on this occasion.

Georgie Gent whipped a ball in from the left but as it struck Mickey Devlin, the Blackburn loanee immediately appealed for a spot kick. Referee David Munro wasn’t convinced but after checking with the trackside monitor he pointed to the penalty spot Bair stepped up and Molly slotted his penalty into the bottom-left corner.

Motherwell continued to flood the Livingston penalty area and doubled their advantage moments before the half-time whistle. Stephen O’Donnell drilled a low pass to Nicholson about 25 yards from goal. The former Hearts man took one touch before turning and unleashing a stunning drive which flew past George and into the net off the underside of the ‘keeper’s bar to round off a fine first half performance from the home side.

Motherwell were immediately on the attack from the restart and Bair’s hooked cross fell kindly across the edge of the penalty area, but Blair Spittal’s high volley sent the ball straight to the waiting ‘keeper. As the pressure on the visitors defence mounted, Halliday’s volley from outside the box flew just wide of the target.

With the final throw of the dice, Martindale made the last of three substitutions on the hour mark that resulted in a bit more pressure around the ‘Well box.

Five minutes later, Kettlewell aimed to counter that, bringing on Harry Paton and Zdravkovski.

And within two minutes, it was game over as ‘Well made it 3-0.

Once again, Gent sped down the left and when his cross emerged in the penalty box, it found Bair lingering in the six-yard box. A superb diving header powered the ball into the top corner and make it 15 for the season.

Dan Casey made it 4-0 after 74 minutes with a firm header, although it took another VAR check to overrule Livi’s claims for an infringement.

Almost straight from the delayed restart, the Lions grabbed a goal when Nouble’s looping header carried the ball over Kelly and in off the ‘keeper’s far post.

Nevertheless, the Steelmen comfortably held out in the final few moments to secure their SPFL status, with an assured 4-1 victory at Fir Park.

Stuart Kettlewell reacts to the 4-1 win over Livingston.

•  Good to bounce back after last week
•  A good benchmark
•  Harry Paton

Fresh from a comprehensive midweek victory over Spartans in East Kilbride, the women of steel travel to the North-East, with their sights firmly set on achieving their eighth consecutive unbeaten game when they face Montrose at Links Park on Sunday.

An assured performance under the K-Park floodlights ensured Motherwell cruised to their fourth consecutive home victory, narrowing the gap to nearest league rivals Aberdeen to three points.

Paul Brownlie’s side head to Montrose after defeating the Gable Endies over a fortnight ago, with Kayla Jardine and Morgan Cross both finding the target in a comfortable performance on the K-Park turf.

The Tale of the Tape

Motherwell

Motherwell continued their remarkable run of form over Spartans on Wednesday evening, extending their run to seven consecutive unbeaten games, with Laura Berry netting a brace from the penalty spot. Contributions from Louisa Boyes and Kayla Jardine completed a composed evening from the women of steel, as they overcame the Edinburgh side with a two-goal cushion.

Since mathematically securing their SWPL status for the forthcoming season, Motherwell have continued to close the points difference to nearest rivals Aberdeen, with victory over Montrose teeing up a highly-anticipated meeting with the Dons at the Balmoral Stadium next weekend.

Motherwell have continued their remarkable goalscoring form, scoring 21-times across the unbeaten run, with striker Laura Berry netting seven within that congested run of fixtures.

Montrose

The hosts head into this weekend’s meeting following three successive winless games against both Aberdeen and Motherwell, but Montrose have picked up six points from their last nine at Links Park, with the hosts establishing a positive run of form at home.

Montrose have almost mathematically secured their SWPL status for the forthcoming season, with the hosts establishing a 10-point advantage over both Hamilton and Dundee United at the foot of the Premier League table.

Ticket information

Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

• Adult – £7
• Concession – £5
• Under 12s – Free to enter.

*Concession tickets apply to those over 65, and to 12–17-year-olds, with full-time students also eligible with a valid matriculation card.

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 televised live on the BBC Sport Scotland website. Kick-off is from 2PM.

Georgie Gent is your G4 Claims April player of the month. 

The Blackburn loanee netted his first goal in the cinch Premiership against Dundee, following in from Theo Bair’s penalty. The full-back’s strike kick started the comeback that day, that seen Motherwell win 3-2.

A 90 minute performance against Hibernian followed next, where he helped his side score late on to earn a point. He then started against Aberdeen.

After numerous nominations this season, Gent scoops this award for the first time.

Shane Blaney says that this season has been a bit of an up and down one. Blaney reckons however, with the amount of late comebacks, there is plenty character and fight in the team that will bode well going forward. 

Blaney is asked about VAR and how it changes the way you play the game as player and also discusses the impressive Lennon Miller.

Stuart Kettlewell goes in depth with his thoughts on the most recent report from an Independent Panel, that found their to be 10 key incidents called wrong by VAR. Kettlewell wants this season to be turned into something of a learning curve going forward for Scottish football. 

The Motherwell manager says Livingston will throw everything at his side on Saturday in their bid to remain the top-flight, whilst he also provides a squad update.

Motherwell continued their emphatic run of form under the K-Park floodlights, extending their unbeaten record to seven-consecutive games, with an assured performance over Spartans on Wednesday evening.

Laura Berry coolly dispatched the opener from the penalty spot after the Spartans backline impeded Morgan Cross’ driving run into the box. The hosts continued to maintain their foothold in the game, but less than three minutes after breaking the deadlock, Motherwell were caught on the ball deep into their own third of the pitch, and the visitors capitalised with an equaliser against the run of play.

The women of steel stood resolute and restored their advantage less than 10-minutes later, as Louisa Boyes continued to update her goalscoring pedigree with an astute finish. A second converted Laura Berry penalty kick followed shortly before the half-time break, with Motherwell remaining firmly within the ascendency with a two-goal cushion.

Spartans again found another goal against the run of play, but Motherwell ensured that the three points remained in Lanarkshire, with Kayla Jardine bulleting a header into the bottom-right corner.

Head coach Paul Brownlie made three changes from the side that maintained their unbeaten run over Montrose at K-Park last weekend. Amy Anderson, Chelsie Watson and Bailley Collins all returned to the starting XI, with Watson captaining the squad.

Victory for the hosts would maintain the momentum in closing down nearest league rivals Aberdeen, narrowing the gap to three points ahead of an important trip to Links Park to face Montrose this weekend.

The women of steel looked poised to continue their exceptional run of form within the opening phases of play, maintaining a high attacking line, forcing the visitors into trading possession deep into their own half. Striker Morgan Cross capitalised on this passage of play, shifting the ball through the centre of the Spartans penalty area before being hauled down under a late forceful challenge.

Strike-partner Laura Berry stepped up and calmly placed a low effort into the bottom-right corner.

Despite their early signs of momentum, the women of steel gifted the visitors an unexpected equaliser, as defender Jo Addie lost her footing on the damp K-Park surface, and Hannah Jordan raced through on goal before capitalising with a composed finish.

Paul Brownlie’s side rallied despite the setback, and soon restored their advantage moments later. An excellent interchange of play across the Spartans penalty area eventually reached the feet of Louisa Boyes, who steadied herself before curling an audacious effort into the top-left corner.

As the half-time whistle approached, Berry netted her second of the game. Fellow Rangers loanee Kayla Jardine skilfully worked her way through the Spartans defence before being tripped directly on the 18-yard-line. Berry stepped up and drilled a precise effort into the top-left corner.

The visitors pulled a second goal back against the run of play, but the women of steel stood resolute and continued their attacking display. A well-worked team move fell kindly to the feet of Collins, who skipped by her opponent with ease before teeing up Jardine, who bulleted an exceptional headed effort into the top-right corner.

The women of steel extend their unbeaten run to seven games, with four back-to-back home victories at K-Park, ahead of this weekend’s trip to face Montrose at Links Park.

It’s time to vote for your G4 Claims player of the month for April. 

Georgie Gent, Liam Kelly, Lennon Miller and Shane Blaney are all up for nomination.

To vote, head over to the Motherwell Facebook page.

GAMES IN APRIL

• Dundee 2-3 Motherwell
• Motherwell 1-1 Hibernian
• Aberdeen 1-0 Motherwell