| 7 | Motherwell | 34 | 12 | 6 | 16 | -18 | 42 |
| 8 | Hearts | 34 | 11 | 7 | 16 | -2 | 40 |
| 9 | Kilmarnock | 34 | 10 | 8 | 16 | -18 | 38 |
| 10 | Dundee | 33 | 10 | 7 | 16 | -20 | 37 |
| 11 | Ross County | 34 | 9 | 8 | 17 | -25 | 35 |
| 12 | St Johnstone | 34 | 8 | 5 | 21 | -26 | 29 |
Zander McAllister has been named in the latest Scotland Under 17 squad.
Under-17 Head Coach Brian McLaughlin has listed McAllister in his squad for their upcoming friendlies later this month.
Scotland face Indonesia in a double header at the Pinatar Arena.
We had four players away representing their countries during the September international break.
Hegyi was named in the Hungarian Under 21 starting 11 for their friendly match against Slovakia. Hegyi playing the first 45 minutes, with the Hungarians trailing 1-0 at the break.
The match finished 2-1 to Slovakia.
In Hungary’s second match against Spain, Hegyi was once again named between the sticks. Despite running the Spanish side close, Hungary went on to lose the game 1-0.
Miller was an unused substitute against Spain.
Scotland travelled to Malta in their second match where Miller was named in the starting 11. Having assisted Murray with a pinpoint delivery from a free kick, the young prodigy also went on to find the back of the net to make it 4-0 with a header. Scotland went on to win the game 5-0.
Wilson made his Scotland bow against Spain at Tynecastle in the first Scotland Under 21s match.
The full-back came on in the 75th minute, with Scotland losing the game 2-1.
After earning his first cap, Wilson was given his first start against Malta. He played the full 90 minutes and made an instant impact, when his cross was deflected into the Maltese net for an own goal, to give his side the lead in the early stages of the match.
Zimbabwe began their quest for AFCON qualification against Kenya in their first match. Maswanhise was named on the bench but was introduced into the action on the 75th minute. The game finished 0-0.
Having made an impact off the bench, Maswanhise was an unused substitute in the match against Cameron, where the game also finished 0-0.
Motherwell will continue their William Hill Premiership campaign following the conclusion of the September international break, with a trip to Aberdeen on Saturday 14 September.
Kick off is 3pm at Pittodrie.
You can buy tickets online.
| Away Stand | |
| Adults | £28 |
| Over 75 | £18 |
| Over 65s | £22 |
| Youth 18-21 | £18 |
| Under 18 | £12 |
| Under 12 | £6 |
Aberdeen will not do ticket sales on the day so the last opportunity for anyone wishing to buy a ticket for the match is 4pm on Friday.
We will be wearing our away kit for this match.
Callum Slattery, Harry Paton, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, Ross Callachan, Sam Nicholson, Shane Blaney and Johnny Koutroumbis remain out for this game.
There are no new injury concerns ahead of this match.
Filip Stuparevic has now recovered from injury and is available for selection.
Motherwell went into the international break on a high. Six points out of six and progression to the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup meant it was three wins out of three for Stuart Kettlewell’s side.
Goals continued to be spread amongst the team, with Dan Casey getting his first league goal of the season, as did Moses Ebiye against St Johnstone.
That late winner against St Johnstone moved Motherwell up to fifth in the table, with the Steelmen currently sitting on seven points.
It’s been a flawless start for Jimmy Thelin at Aberdeen. The new Dons boss arrived in the summer and has hit the ground running with his new team.
Nine games played, nine wins. Aberdeen are sitting pretty in second place behind Celtic on goal difference.
Ester Sokler has four goals for the season but it’s been Pape Habib Guèye who has been finding the back of the net in the league, scoring three in the last three league matches.
Fir Park will host the Youth Cup match against Edinburgh City.
The Under 18 Motherwell side are in second round action against The Citizens.
Entry is free to the stadium, with fans being housed in the Phil O’Donnell Stand.
Kick off is 7pm.
In this feature, Davor Zdravkovski takes us on a mini tour of his daily life and discusses his mentality to his setbacks.
Zdravkovski arrived in Scotland back in the summer of 2023, having spent six years over in Cyprus, a place he moved to at just 18-years-old. However, after his big move to Motherwell was complete, he didn’t hit the ground running.
Six months of hard work and relentless endeavour later, Zdravkovski eventually muscled his way into the starting 11 and hasn’t looked back since.
Despite the slow start, he remained mentally strong and was determined to show his worth. That approach is now required at international level.
The 26-year-old was left out of the latest North Macedonia squad, having been a regular in the last 12 months. This set back hasn’t de-railed the midfielder and he is more determined than ever to get his first cap for his country.
You have voted Stephen O’Donnell as your G4 Claims August player of the month.
The full-back picked up this accolade for the first time back in March and now collects his second award.
Taking the captain’s armband in our season opener against Ross County, O’Donnell played every minute during the month of August, which included extra-time being played against Kilmarnock.
The 32-year-old bagged his second goal of the season against Hearts, with a bullet header at the back post from Lennon Miller’s free kick.
His work rate and endeavour didn’t go unnoticed by the Motherwell support, with O’Donnell continually going the extra yard in every match.
“I really appreciate the support from everyone,” O’Donnell said.
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me. It’s so important we use this start to build and push the club on.
“We have some massive matches in September and we’re going to need everyone behind us to get through them. There is a really good feeling amongst everything associated with the club and we, as players, will do our best to maintain that.”
An afternoon on the Fir Park turf will await the women of steel this weekend, with Motherwell returning to ML1 for the fourth successive season after previously facing Hamilton, Glasgow Women and Dundee United in the previous SWPL campaigns.
The hosts will be poised to regain their early signs of momentum when they travel down the Fir Park road on Sunday. Assured victories over Dundee United and Glasgow Women on their last meetings in ML1 will inspire confidence when they encounter Partick Thistle this weekend. Summer acquisition Mason Blyth-Clark is relishing the opportunity in North Lanarkshire
“The squad is absolutely buzzing,” Blyth-Clark emphasised.
“Everyone feels like it’s the perfect stage for this type of game. It feels like a huge privilege to be able to play at Fir Park this weekend, and i’m sure it will mean a lot to the fans as-well.
“It feels like there’s a right buzz around the game which makes it exciting as a player but also getting to play in an amazing stadium with a perfect surface.”
Despite the magnitude of the game, Blyth-Clark insists the weight of the occasion won’t distract the squad from their preparations.
“As a team we always prepare and approach games in the same manner,” Blyth-Clark noted.
“Everyone is always pushing to try and make the starting 11 every week and to improve on our performances from the week before. Personally, my goal is to be apart of the starting 11 as consistently as possibly and to help the team in any way I can. If I can contribute then that’s a bonus, but the end goal is definitely to reach the top-six.
“I feel like we have a good balance in the dressing room between younger players and experienced players. The experienced girls are always so good at helping us through the game and any new experiences that we come across.”
The women of steel will target a resurgence in form after an initially positive start to the 2024/25 SWPL campaign, where they netted five-times against Spartans before defeating Montrose by 3-goals at K-Park. After a disappointing result in Edinburgh, Motherwell will be determined to earn three points when they take to the Fir Park turf this weekend, as they welcome Brian Graham’s side to North Lanarkshire.
“During pre-season, collectively we had a chat as a team about our standards and expectations for the season ahead,” Blyth-Clark explained.
“The team have been striving for a top-six finish since Paul and Leanne joined the club and I think it’s not only the goal for the team but for me personally, one of the things that made Motherwell an exciting prospect was the opportunity to help the club achieve their goal.
“The team were really disappointed to not achieve a top-six finish last season and even the year before the club came very close, so that has become an extra motivator for the full squad. Paul and Leanne have made it clear, top-six is the goal this season. They’ve shown their belief in us collectively and have gave us the correct tools to go and express ourselves and play within the Motherwell identity.”
Since arriving on loan from title-challengers Rangers in the summer, Mason Blyth-Clark has provided necessary competition for places as a central component at the core of the Motherwell midfield, with the 18-year-old already proving to be a positive addition this season.
“I’m loving being here so far,” Blyth-Clark said.
“I think it was the right decision for me as a player, I am playing football at a great level but I love that playing here pushes my boundaries. The team has been so welcoming with me and the other new girls and it definitely feels like there’s a togetherness in the team.”
The women of steel’s forthcoming meeting with Partick Thistle at Fir Park will have free entry for all supporters. However, if you are able to, there will be buckets available for fans to place donations. All profits will go towards the girl’s academy.
“It means the world to the team,” Blyth-Clark said.
“To feel the fans behind us and supporting us through the whole 90 minutes, it means a lot and can be the difference in achieving a positive result or not.
“We really hope the supporters turn out in their numbers to support us and make this occasion one to remember. We can’t wait to have you all at Fir Park with us.”
The first international window of the season has arrived and we have four players away representing their countries.
Krisztián Hegyi was named in Hungary’s Under 21 squad last week, with the West Ham loanee set for a stint back in his home nation.
The young Hungarians are in Under 21 Euro qualifying action as they take on Spain, but will play Slovakia in a friendly match prior to their qualifier.
After seven games, Hungary are on 10 points. They are six points off leaders Spain, but only three points behind second place.
Lennon Miller received his second call-up to the Scotland Under 21 side ahead of their Euro qualifying double header, whilst Ewan Wilson earned his first ever international call up.
The Scots will host leaders Spain at Tynecastle, before travelling to Malta in their second outing.
With six matches played so far, Scotland are in a good position. They are currently in second place on 13 points, three points behind leaders Spain.
Malta are bottom of the group and are yet to pick up a point.
Two wins would heighten Scotland’s chances of progression to the EURO’s.
The nine group winners will qualify automatically for the tournament, as will the three best-placed group runners-ups. The remaining six group runners-up will enter into play-offs for the final three places.
Scotland are currently the third best runners up with four matches left to play.
Tawanda Maswanhise will be looking to build on his first caps for Zimbabwe, which he earned earlier this year.
With three caps to his name, he is back in the Warriors’ squad for their two upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Kenya and Cameroon.
Since their last outing in June, Michael Nees has been named the new head coach of the side.
Zimbabwe are in Group J alongside Kenya, Cameroon and Namibia.
Group winners and the runners up will qualify for the tournament in Morocco in 2025.
Every footballer has a different story. Some join a club at a young age and work their way through the academy ranks before bursting into the first-team. Some get that bit of luck and get the chance to showcase their talents at a later age.
Zach Robinson fits into neither of those categories. Born and raised in London, the 22-year-old was kicking a football in the streets with his friends after long days at school. He would play for a couple of teams before his first major breakthrough arrived in his career.
He then played very few minutes at academy level as he was loaned out at the age of 17 to play first- team football. But all of this has led him to Motherwell and for that, he will always be grateful.
But going all the way back to the very start of his life, football was always playing a big role.
“I grew up in Lewisham,” Robinson stated.
“There were a lot of footballers around that area, I wasn’t too far away from Crystal Palace actually. Everyone in the area played football, that’s a London thing.
“I just played wherever and whenever I could. At home, in my park or on the street, my friends and I played all the time. I played for my local team and then when I was 13 or 14, I played for another team called Lambeth Tigers who were pushing me a bit more and trying to showcase me.”
That extra nudge and encouragement meant it wasn’t long before trials with some big clubs came next for the forward.
“It was a higher level and the exposure meant more interest,” Robinson added.
“It was at that point when I came up against Academy players and teams that I realised I could compete with them. I was always a striker; scoring is the best thing about the sport.
“I’d had trials with Fulham and Wolves but they didn’t quite go my way, so you do get knocked down a bit.
“Wimbledon gave me a trial and they were happy with me. I was over the moon as it kind of felt like I got my foot in the door. All I’d ever wanted to be was a footballer, so it was cool to be in that environment for the first time.
“It had been tough to deal with the rejection of the trials, but when you’re young, you can hear the word no a lot but there will still be other opportunities. I wasn’t down about it too much and now I was moving forward.”
At the age of 15, Robinson had made a huge step towards achieving his goals. He began to play for the Wimbledon Under 16 side and his eyes were opened to what life can be like for a professional footballer.
“It was an awakening to be in a professional environment,” Robinson explained.
“The whole thing was new to me. I was joining a group of guys who had been there for a few years. Some of them will be my friends for life.
“Jack Currie has just joined Oxford United.
“Ayoub Assal is playing in Qatar now. There’s a good few still at Wimbledon. They’re all great lads.
“Before I went there, I had been playing football every day. Sometimes, I was playing for one or two teams at the same time. So I was going to school then going straight to training Monday to Friday. Then, on Saturday and Sunday I’d be playing games.
“I had always been focused on football but this chance showed me the finer details involved in football. It showed me what it would take if I was going to make the step up again.”
It’s at this stage where Robinson’s career becomes very unique. Now, at the age of 17, he went on loan to Basingstoke. A first taste of first-team football at a young age. This was the first of seven loan moves to six different teams in his career.
“I was going into my second year as a scholar and I was doing well at Under 18s level,” he added.
“My coach Mark Robinson was pleased with my progress. He suggested I go out on loan to get exposure to men’s football. It wasn’t the best level but it was exciting for me to see what the difference was like. I didn’t think about anything negative.
“The difference was huge, even though it wasn’t a high level. You’re playing for points and after a couple of weeks, the manager got sacked. That was an experience you’re not going to get at academy level.”
Robinson was beginning to mature and with every loan move he made, he’d learn something about himself but more importantly, it was heightening his chances of breaking into the first- team at his parent club.
“At Leatherhead, it took me a couple of games to settle in,” he stated.
“It was a step up from my previous move and I had to get used to another dressing room. When I came back to Wimbledon, I was in and around the bench and made my debut.
“That was a great feeling. I was playing well and scoring goals when I went on loan. I felt on top of the world.
“I was 18 when I made my debut for Wimbledon. I didn’t play a lot of academy football because of the loan moves. There’s a whole load of different reasons why a player might be going out on loan. As the player, you can only go and attack the opportunity that’s in front of you. It’s exposure and a chance to play games, you’ll improve as a result.”
That improvement was clear to see. Robinson scored his first Wimbledon goal against Brighton’s Under 23s in the EFL Cup but he wasn’t resting there.
“I held myself to a high standard,” he said.
“Scoring that goal was great but it was a weird feeling because of the opponent. My first league goal against Charlton was different. All I wanted to be was a footballer and as a striker, you just want to score. Every day I tell myself I’m lucky and privileged.
My family is proud of me and supports me. That’s what it’s all about.”
In 2022, it was time for another step up in class. This time, the loan move wasn’t a local one and it would be a real test for Robinson. He was Dundee bound.
“It was the biggest change of my life at that point,” Robinson stated.
“Moving away from home, a nine hour drive, a league I hadn’t been exposed to, it was a lot. It took me a couple of months to settle but it was a good group of players and we had a good season.
“I had a recall clause in January and I went back down south. I played five minutes and then ended up re-joining Dundee on Deadline Day.
“I’d had a good first-half of the season and wanted to finish what I started. It was a place where I was doing well.”
Helping his side win the league and earn promotion back to the top-flight, Robinson finished that campaign with 12 goals in 29 league games. As Dundee began recruiting for the next season, they turned to Robinson once again.
“I became known as the boomerang,” he laughed.
“I went back up again and this time it was a step up to the Premiership. It was a good opportunity for me but I was injured a bit. In and out the team a bit. I’m still grateful for the opportunity.”
In the summer of 2024, Wimbledon and Robinson parted ways as he plotted his next move. But with very little academy football, he had gained massive amounts of experience with first-team players.
At the age of 22, Robinson has played in the top two leagues in Scotland. Excluding the Premier League and Championship in England, he had featured in the top eight tiers of the English pyramid.
That meant he wasn’t scared of change and left his options open in the summer.
“For me it wasn’t about where I was going to play,” the striker added.
“It was more if I was going to play and where I would enjoy it. Motherwell was by far the best fit for me.
“I didn’t have a great season last year and I want to do better this time around. It’s the same league and I’m excited at the prospect.
“It’s the first move away from Wimbledon so it’s different from a loan because the cushion isn’t there now.
“I’ve had the best pre- season in my career in terms of fitness and being a part of every session. My body is feeling great.
“I think as a team, we’re just needing that game where we click and score a few goals. We are solid and I have no doubt we’ll kick on. The past success here with strikers is something I looked at.
“The detail the manager and staff go into is something I’m all about. I’ll spend as much time as I need to with them, looking at clips, trying to improve. It’s a great place to be.”
The women of steel return to ML1 this weekend looking to regain their early signs of momentum, as Motherwell prepare to face Partick Thistle at Fir Park on Sunday.
The women of steel will be set to take to the Fir Park turf for the fourth time after previously facing Hamilton, Glasgow Women and Dundee United in the previous three SWPL campaigns. The encounter in ML1 will provide the women of steel with the ideal opportunity to regain their early signs of progression after defeats to Celtic, Hibernian and Hearts followed two comfortable victories over Spartans and Montrose.
The Tale of the Tape
Motherwell
Motherwell return their attention to competitive action after encountering a defeat in the Scottish capital to high-flying Hearts last weekend. Chelsie Watson netted a magnificent free-kick to narrow the deficit, but a quickfire Hearts double ensured the hosts coasted to a comfortable victory at the Oriam National Performance Centre.
The women of steel maintained an exceptional start to the 2024/25 SWPL campaign, striking five-times against Spartans before defeating Montrose by 3-goals at K-Park. Striker Morgan Cross and summer addition Rachel Todd have both netted three-times and will be looking to add to their tally this weekend.
After a disappointing result in Edinburgh, Motherwell will be determined to earn three points when they take to the Fir Park turf this weekend, as they welcome Brian Graham’s side to North Lanarkshire.
Partick Thistle
The visitors have had a tough start to the 2024/25 SWPL campaign, suffering three defeats and a draw against Aberdeen at Firhill last weekend, with their only victory coming in a narrow 2-1 win over Spartans at Ainslie park.
Ticket information
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.
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 Fir Park at 1PM.
