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  • First team

    Motherwell 3-1 Hearts

  • First team

    Stuart Kettlewell reacts to win over Hearts

  • First team

    Stuart Kettlewell previews Hearts

  • First team

    PPV Available for Hearts match

  • Women

    Next up: Hibernian

  • First team

    Fitness update

  • Archive

    We are looking for academy players

  • First team

    Steve Seddon ahead of Hearts

  • Women

    Celtic 5-1 Motherwell

  • First team

    Tom Sparrow: Hard work pays off

  • First team

    Motherwell 3-1 Hearts

    Motherwell 3-1 Hearts

    Motherwell produced an impressive all round team performance to beat Hearts for a commanding 3-1 win.

    The home side largely controlled proceedings for the first hour and their dominance and pressure on the Hearts goal was rewarded with a two goal lead thanks to headed efforts from Paul McGinn and Stephen O’Donnell.

    But Hearts remained in the game. Yutaro Oda’s goal after 66 minutes provided the Edinburgh side with a second wind as they chased an equaliser that looked beyond them.

    However eight minutes from time, Tom Sparrow found the perfect moment to claim his first goal in claret and amber to restore ‘Well’s two goal advantage and round off a fabulous 90 minutes from the Steelmen.

    After their extra-time Premier Sports Cup win over Kilmarnock last Sunday, Stuart Kettlewell, not surprisingly, made one significant change to his starting line-up.

    After making a huge impact from the bench to overcome a stubborn Rugby Park side, former Leicester City youth Tawanda Maswanhise was given his first start. Deployed further upfield, he replaced Steve Seddon, with Ewan Wilson dropping back on the left side.

    For the second consecutive game, Motherwell faced a side recovering from the rigours of a midweek European tie.

    Steven Naismith’s men appeared to suffer no hangover from the narrow defeat to Czech opponents Victoria Plzen, who visit Tynecastle on Thursday evening.

    Hearts showed lots of energy and possession opening minutes but that soon evaporated as the Steelmen set about pressing the visitor’s goal for most of the first half.

    The first of several attacks came after nine minutes when Wilson released Maswanhise, who cut inside his marker before seeing his shot blocked.

    Blair Spittal, on his first return to Fir Park, then gave possession to Liam Gordon and his cross ball set up Maswanhise and this time his shot was deflected for a corner. Lennon Miller’s free kick found Dan Casey rising in the six yard box, only to power his header wide.

    The ‘Well players were confident in possession and after 22 minutes, a sustained period of keeping the ball only forced an outstanding save from Craig Gordon to deny the home side the lead.

    As the ball was moved from the right to the left wing, Maswanhise slung the ball beyond the Hearts’ back post. O’Donnell stretched to direct the ball back across the face of goal and Andy Halliday’s header looked destined for the back of the net until the veteran Scotland keeper somehow reacted to deflect the ball over his crossbar.

    The deserved opener was only delayed three minutes. From a well rehearsed free kick, Miller floated the ball beyond a line of players at the edge of the box to pick out McGinn who stooped to head the ball back across Gordon and into his far corner of the net.

    On the half hour mark the 41 year-old ‘keeper produced another fine stop. Again, it was a flowing build up from the home side until Wilson fed Maswanhise, who nipped between two defenders before hammering a shot high towards goal, which Gordon pushed over the bar.

    A second goal at this stage would surely have rattled a tired looking Tynecastle side.

    But 10 minutes from the break they almost levelled when Spittal’s low drive through a packed home box was cleared off the line by Wilson.

    On the stroke of half-time, Halliday, who was impressive against his former club, took a heavy knock and it was no surprise when five minutes into the second half, he was replaced by Tony Watt.

    Within a minute and with his first touch, the substitute’s thumping angled drive forced Gordon to beat the ball away.

    The Edinburgh side was unable to match ‘Well’s continued press and energy and it was no surprise when they conceded a second goal on the hour mark.

    Wilson was tripped as he sped down the left touchline and when Miller whipped the resultant free kick towards the six yard area, O’Donnell nipped in to plant his header past Gordon.

    That produced a long overdue threat on Aston Oxborough’s from the visitors.

    It took a brilliant block from Casey after 65 minutes to deny Lawrence Shankland from 16 yards.

    A minute later, Hearts found the net when substitute Oda dragged the ball across the 18 yard box before squeezing his low shot between the ‘Well keeper and his left hand post.

    Suddenly, Naismith’s men were on the front foot and it was the Steelmen’s turn to be camped around their own box.

    That prompted Kettlewell to make a double substitution in the 73rd minute, bringing on Tom Sparrow and Steve Seddon, in place of Robinson and Maswanhise, leaving Watt to fill the sole striker’s role.

    And it was Sparrow who killed off any thoughts of a late fightback, when he darted into the box and from an angle, drove the ball past Gordon to make certain that all three points were staying at Fir Park.

  • First team

    Stuart Kettlewell reacts to win over Hearts

    Stuart Kettlewell gives his thoughts as we claim our first three points of the season.

    Paul McGinn, Stephen O’Donnell and Tom Sparrow all netted in a 3-1 win over Hearts.

  • First team

    Stuart Kettlewell previews Hearts

    Manager Stuart Kettlewell says all injured players are currently on track for their initial scheduled returns. Filip Stuparevic is back in training ahead of Sunday’s match. 

    Kettlewell discusses the recent study which showed Motherwell have given homegrown talent the highest number of minutes last season in the league. Despite Hearts’ recent European match, Kettlewell has no doubt the Jambos will be coming to ML1 looking for maximum points and will be fully focused on the game.

  • First team

    PPV Available for Hearts match

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

    The match will be available for £11.99.

    You will be able to purchase online.

    Kick off is 3pm on Sunday 25 August.

  • Women

    Next up: Hibernian

    Next up: Hibernian

    The women of steel return to East Kilbride this weekend looking to retain their unbeaten league start at K-Park, as Motherwell prepare to face fellow unbeaten side Hibernian.

    The Tale of the Tape 

    Motherwell 

    Motherwell swiftly return to competitive action keen to bounce back from the midweek defeat to defending champions Celtic. Morgan Cross netted her third consecutive goal after finding the target against Montrose and Spartans across the previous fortnight, but couldn’t prevent the hosts from coasting to a comfortable five-goal victory at the Albert Bartlett stadium.

    Summer acquisitions Sienna McGoldrick and Amy Sharkey will both return to the matchday squad after being unavailable midweek against their parent club. Bailey Collins continued her goalscoring form after netting the opener against Spartans on the opening day of the 2024/25 SWPL campaign before finding the breakthrough against Montrose the following weekend.

    The versatile defender will be looking to continue to build on her goalscoring pedigree this weekend, with Paul Brownlie’s side sitting three points behind the Hibees in third.

    Hibernian

    The Edinburgh-side have started the new campaign in fine form, placing seven past Aberdeen and six past Dundee United whilst overcoming Patrick Thistle on the opening day to cruise to three successive league victories this season. Motherwell can maintain some optimism, as Hibs failed to secure three points in seven consecutive away fixtures during the post-split last season whilst the women of steel remain six-games unbeaten at K-Park, earning six back-to-back victories.

    Ticket information 

    Cash & card payments are also available for this fixture.

    • Adult – £8
    • Concession – £3
    • Under 11s – 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. Kick-off from K-Park at 4PM.

  • First team

    Fitness update

    Fitness update

    The manager discussed the fitness of the squad ahead of Sunday’s match against Hearts. 

    “We’re much the same as where we were last week,” Stuart Kettlewell said.

    “There’s been a couple of football sessions for Filip Stuparevic. On top of that, it’s been another good week for us. Filip is the only real change. He still has some work to do to get back up to speed.

    “Everyone is where they should be, there’s been no dramatic setbacks. We know where everybody is, they’re pretty much on schedule. Everyone is on point with the medical staff about where they need to be.”

    When asked about when we would expect to see any of the current injured players featuring, the manager provided further insight.

    “I’m not so certain that will be this week or next with any of the rest of them,” he added.

    “That’ll be beyond the international break and thereafter.”

  • Archive

    We are looking for academy players

    We are looking for academy players

    We are looking to add players within our girls academy.

    Our girls academy are looking to add players born between 2011 and 2012 to play for the club’s development squad.

    Any interested players would be required to be free agents.

    If you are interested and require further details, please contact Head Coach Paul Brownlie.

    Paul.Brownlie@motherwellfc.co.uk

  • First team

    Steve Seddon ahead of Hearts

    Steve Seddon couldn’t have imagined he would have came to Scotland a couple years ago but having made the switch in the summer, the full-back is thoroughly enjoying his stay north of the border and has enjoyed the variety of games he’s featured in.

    The Englishman says he may be one of the louder voices in the dressing room, but the team are ego free and everyone is working together to improve on the pitch.

  • Women

    Celtic 5-1 Motherwell

    Celtic 5-1 Motherwell

    The women of steel braved the conditions at a rainswept Albert Bartlett stadium, but despite an admirable performance, Celtic’s goalscoring pedigree shone through, as the hosts coasted to a comfortable five-goal victory.

    Saoirse Noonan, Lucy Ashworth-Clifford, Amy Gallacher, Murphy Agnew and Maria McAneny all netted for the hosts, with Morgan Cross converting a second-half consolation.

    Head coach Paul Brownlie made one change to the starting XI from last weekend’s narrow victory over Montrose at K-Park. Celtic loanee Sienna McGoldrick missed out against her parent club, with Laura McCartney returning to the starting XI. Striker Amy Sharkey also missed out on a place in the matchday squad after signing on-loan from Celtic in the summer window.

    The defending champions firmly picked up from where they left off after defeating Glasgow City on Sunday. Noonan broke the deadlock only three-minutes into the game, with the Ireland international prodding the ball home from a few yards out after a goaline scramble following a dangerous delivery across the face of goal.

    The second followed soon after with Ashworth-Clifford cutting inside from the left before curling a precise effort into the top-right corner.

    Ashworth-Clifford soon turned provider moments later, teeing up Gallacher, who coolly slotted a side-footed effort into the bottom-corner of the net.

    Down but net yet out at half-time, Motherwell persisted as the second-half resumed, applying pressure to the Celtic backline, with Morgan Cross skilfully working her way from the halfway-line before cutting inside on her opponent and dispatching a low-drilled strike into the bottom-left corner.

    Despite the scoreline, Motherwell continued to control proceedings in the second-half, but couldn’t find the vital second-goal.

    Celtic took advantage and netted twice against the run of play to secure the three points under the lights.

  • First team

    Tom Sparrow: Hard work pays off

    Tom Sparrow: Hard work pays off

    Tom Sparrow’s footballing journey started at the age of nine when he was with Wrexham. His local club provided strong and efficient coaching to help assist the midfielder in his early days.

    Playing there for three years helped Sparrow grow and flourish from a young age alongside some other local players.

    At the age of 12, he had a number of trials as he began to take the next step on the ladder. That next step would be with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

    “I spent three years at Wolves,” Sparrow said.

    “It was great but it was a big step up. Wrexham was only 15 minutes from my house, so I was now commuting three or four times a week. I was sometimes in the accommodation at the age of 12 and 13, that was good for me.

    “I remember my mum sitting me down and asking if I was serious about all this football stuff because I was missing school two or three times a week. If I wasn’t going to be a football player, I’d have been in trouble!

    “But it was a big commitment for her too; she was driving me about all the time.”

    Further progression was made within the ranks at Wolves and Sparrow then eyed up his next move after three years there.

    “We were going to play Stoke and my agent had said beforehand that they were watching me,” Sparrow explained.

    “They offered me a scholarship. I was 15 at the time, so that would last until I was 18. I was buzzing; it was closer to home, and they were in the Premier League at the time. Ironically, when I moved, Stoke and Wolves switched. Wolves went to the Premier League and Stoke dropped down. It didn’t matter to me; Stoke were brilliant.

    “I went in at 15 and did a couple years of a standard programme where I would train after school. I started to play for the Under 23s in the Premier League 2 in my second year.

    “The coaches had a ranking system where it was As, Bs and Cs and I was never an A, which is where players are pushing to get into the first team.

    “I just worked hard and the full-time training changed me; it developed me physically.”

    After years of working hard under the radar at Academy level, the time eventually came for Sparrow to get a taste of first-team football.

    “Telford was my first loan move,” he stated.

    “I was training under Michael O’Neill, who liked me. The loan manager knew the Telford manager at the time and was asking to see if anyone would like the move. I said I’d go and O’Neill liked that. I only played six or seven games but it was seen as a good thing.

    “When I went back to Stoke, O’Neill said I had a good chance of playing. I made my first-team debut against Coventry. It was the best feeling ever. I had worked since the age of nine for that moment.

    “The left-wing back for Coventry was Ian Maatsen. Callum O’Hare was playing too. I was right-back, so it was a nice, easy afternoon as you can imagine! Thankfully I had Phil Jagielka alongside me, he was smiling and laughing before the game, so that calmed me down.”

    That was Sparrow’s first of four appearances for the Potters and with the debut in the bag, he went away with his national setup for some summer work, which he thought put him in a prime position for the following season.

    “That summer I just wanted to stay fit,” Sparrow said.

    “I knew I’d have a chance of playing and when I came back for pre-season, I’d only had a week off, so I was ready to play.

    I played more games but then the manager moved on.

    “We then signed Dujon Sterling, and that was kind of the end for me there. It was frustrating because the other manager believed in me and I was going to play. If I knew I wasn’t going to play, I’d have gotten a loan move. It meant I was stuck until Christmas. which is risky. I could fall out of the team or something.

    “Alex Neil was ex-Hamilton, so he said a move there would be good for me in January. They were struggling and I went up on my own. We were fighting relegation, so it wasn’t always a nice dressing room. We were 11 points adrift initially but clawed it back and lost in the playoff.

    “It was a good experience and a first test in a different dressing room. When I made my debut at Stoke, I was buzzing and thought this was easy. Then, the nine months after that showed me how difficult it can be.”

    Learning the trade and the range of emotions that come with it, Sparrow was maturing at a fast rate despite his young age and the next hurdle that he had to overcome would come shortly after.

    “I was 21, and I knew I wasn’t going to play games,” the midfielder explained.

    “So, I agreed with Stoke that I would go. They were brilliant with me and I made some great friends. I said to them that I wanted to play under 21s so people could see me play.

    “I backed myself. My thinking was, if I was going to play, people would like what they saw. It would be a better environment for me to play rather than going on loan.

    “We played Arsenal in an Under-21s match and Stuart Kettlewell was watching. We had a Zoom call after and I knew I wanted the move straight away. It’s a good level but I wanted a manager that believed in me.”

    From then on, terms were agreed and by the start of the summer, Sparrow had started to move into the local area.

    “It was good to get here early,” Sparrow added.

    “I met everyone on the first day, and it meant that because other boys came in after me, I wasn’t the new player for very long. Pre-season was good and I feel fit now.

    “The dressing room is brilliant; some of the best lads I’ve been with. Nobody hammers anyone for mistakes, it’s just about trying to gel and play the best we can.

    “We showed against Rangers that we can compete with anyone despite the injuries. It was brilliant to play at Hampden, it was a massive crowd and a big pitch. Hopefully we do well in the cup and can find ourselves back there again.

    “At Under 18s, we got to the Premier League Cup Final. We played Manchester City, who had Palmer, Delap and McAtee. We got pumped!

    “But we beat Chelsea on the route to that final. It was a tiny taste of how good a cup run can be. I’m really keen to experience that again, but on a bigger level. The fans would love a cup run with some special moments, so we’ll be working to try and deliver that.”